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How do they do that? Finland has once again been named the happiest country in the world, despite a high suicide rate and Russian threats. For the seventh time in a row. At the same time, Switzerland dropped one place to ninth.
Valtteri Hirvonen (62), ambassador to Switzerland for two and a half years, explains the Finns’ permanent top position in the World Happiness Report, reveals the secret of happiness and gives us Swiss tips on how we too can enjoy life more.
Blick: Mr. Ambassador, why are the Finns so happy?
Valtteri Hirvonen: Mainly because of nature. We are surrounded by it almost everywhere and are very close to nature. But also because of the trust in fellow citizens and institutions, the high level of education and the very small differences between the different income classes.
That sounds like Switzerland!
Actually, we are very similar to the Swiss in many ways. The secret of happiness here is probably that outside the cities the neighbors are far away. Almost everyone has a house in the countryside where you can be alone, relax and not always have to argue. This suits an introverted people like the Finns very well…
How can you be so calm and happy when you have to live with a constant threat to Russia?
The threat from the East is indeed omnipresent, but we face it calmly and with a cool head. We see the situation realistically: we are very well equipped – both materially and mentally – and we trust our defense and our allies. We face the threat with calm confidence.
The World Happiness Report has been published annually since 2012. It is a partnership between the market and opinion research institute Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the editors of the World Happiness Report. In the latest report, the scientists looked at the period between 2021 and 2023. Key factors such as social support, income, freedom and the absence of corruption were mapped out.
The World Happiness Report has been published annually since 2012. It is a partnership between the market and opinion research institute Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the editors of the World Happiness Report. In the latest report, the scientists looked at the period between 2021 and 2023. Key factors such as social support, income, freedom and the absence of corruption were mapped out.
Finland also ranks high in Western Europe when it comes to suicide rates, coming in second. How do you explain this contradiction in the happiness table?
This tragic value is probably due to the very long, dark winters in combination with high alcohol consumption. It is indeed paradoxical that we achieve top results in both rankings. As a complete layman in the psychological field, I have no explanation for this.
Where are you happier: Switzerland or Finland?
Like. Almost every day I enjoy the view of the Alps with my wife; the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are within easy reach from our balcony. A breakfast outside – Colazione al Fresco – with this panorama always makes me happy in Switzerland, as does a motorcycle tour over the pass roads. In Finland I am happiest when I am rowing in complete silence on our lake or hauling in the nets while fishing.
Please give us some advice: how can the Swiss become happier too?
By approaching life with a more relaxed approach. Career and income are not only important for well-being. You have to experience life with humor and be able to laugh at yourself.
As a Swiss, what is the fastest way to find happiness in Finland?
By renting a cabin on an island. Without neighbors.
Who in your opinion is the happiest Finn?
Myself! I am happily married, have a large family and am a Finn who can live in Switzerland – even if only for four years.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
