On world happiness day 2024 Finland has been awarded the coveted title of ‘Happiest country on the planet’ for the 7th consecutive year by the World Happiness Report. Now Finland may not have been your first guess of the likely winner of this prize, we all know about the long cold winters, but let’s look at just what makes our Finland such a happy country to call home, and what we can learn from it.

1. Closeness to nature - Finland is a forested land, and with 70% forest coverage it’s clear to see the affinity with nature. Many Finns benefit from a ‘mökki’ or summer cabin in the woods, often by a lake, where they take time to regularly recenter and unwind – and who wouldn’t feel contented by that.

 2. Regular saunas - A well-known health and wellness booster, Finns have enjoyed the benefits of sauna throughout time, helping with many ailments and improving circulation, but ultimately helping to reduce stress. Most Finns have access to a sauna in their home or apartment building and use them regularly. This is just one aspect of Finn’s very active, holistic health and wellness approaches.

 3. Perception of happiness – Now Finns are not known for being the most outwardly cheerful folk. But we are not talking about laughing and dancing in the street here. Finns see their personal wellbeing and contentedness as the true measure of their happiness, and this is where the real secrets lie. Whether it’s not seeing your career as the making of your success, not being the last one in the office, and feeling that your salary provides you with everything you need in life (not just what you want) are the real markers here.

4. Social awareness – Finland has some of the most open and supportive social policies on the planet, and whilst Finns know they pay a little more from their monthly salaries, they know that the benefits for all of society is a foremost priority and everyone’s responsibility. These shared values and respect for equality lead to a positive feeling of contentment.

5. ‘kalsarikännit’ – Our personal favourite – and the one we think is the real prize grabber, translates as drinking at home alone in your underwear – and being totally happy about it!

At Forest Spa Finland we take great inspiration from all of these aspects, and we are proud to make products that help provide a little dose of magic Finnish happiness for your skin and wellbeing, so you can feel the benefits no matter where in the word you are, every day.