World Contentment Rankings Report of the Year 2020 by the United Nations
In the recently published World Happiness Report 2020, Scandinavian countries have once again secured top positions, with Finland leading the pack. The report evaluates criteria such as gross domestic product per capita, healthy life expectancy, social supports, and freedoms to determine the happiness levels of countries worldwide.
Finland, with a population of 5 million 500 thousand, has topped the list, scoring 7.736 out of 10 on life satisfaction for the years 2022-2024. Despite facing some economic challenges, Finland's high ranking is a testament to the weight societal factors hold in contributing to happiness, outweighing purely economic indicators.
The Finnish government's robust social safety nets, providing free or subsidized healthcare, education, childcare, and parental leave, play a significant role in their happiness ranking. The country's high levels of trust among citizens and in public institutions foster social cohesion and a sense of community.
Similarly, Denmark ranks highly due to its comprehensive welfare system and strong social trust. Switzerland, New Zealand, Austria, and Luxembourg are among the top ten happiest countries in the report, alongside other Scandinavian nations like Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Experts warn that fear, frustration, and anger can eliminate happiness if a country's social belonging is not strong in the event of a disaster. However, the COVID-19 epidemic may increase future happiness, according to the report's authors, due to increased feelings of solidarity and help from neighbours and institutions during difficult conditions.
The Scandinavian countries' balanced lifestyles, emphasising work-life balance and moderation, also contribute to their high happiness rankings. The Swedish ethos of "lagom" (meaning 'just the right amount') promotes a lifestyle that encourages moderation and balance, which is reflected in their approach to work and leisure.
Gender equality and equitable income distribution support overall well-being in these countries. Access to natural beauty and clean environments also contributes to psychological well-being in Scandinavian countries.
Countries at the bottom of the UN happiness report are often those affected by conflicts and extreme poverty. The unhappiest countries, according to the report, include Afghanistan, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Central African Republic, Tanzania, Botswana, Yemen, Malawi, and India.
John Helliwell, an expert who prepared the report, stated that the happiest countries are those where people have a sense of belonging, trust each other, trust public institutions, and enjoy them. People across Europe, including Scandinavia, have shown this sense of solidarity, with citizens going out to their balconies in the evenings to applaud healthcare staff, a sign of their unity and support for each other.
Thanks to studies and efforts by the public, figures in these areas have been reduced by half in Finland. Long and dark winter days in the north of Finland have historically been associated with high alcohol addiction and suicide rates. However, thanks to a focus on mental health and well-being, these figures have significantly decreased.
In sum, the high happiness rankings of Scandinavian countries reflect a combination of quality institutions, inclusive social policies, cultural values promoting balance and trust, and strong support for citizens’ material and emotional needs.
Mental health policies, such as the focus on mental health and well-being in Finland, have significantly decreased alcohol addiction and suicide rates. This demonstrates the importance of prioritizing mental health in the context of health-and-wellness and overall happiness.
The Finnish government's commitment to science, evident in their comprehensive welfare system and programs promoting work-life balance, contributes to the country's leading position in both science and health-and-wellness, as well as happiness rankings.
