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HAPPINESS

WISH I WAS THERE

Finland is the happiest nation on Earth according to the UN’s “World Happiness Report”. This assessment includes analysis of Income levels, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust and generosity as well as stability. It also considers social progress, trust in government and the police as well as the soundness of the banking system. 


Although their GDP per capita is lower than neighbouring countries, and much lower than the US, Finland is seen to be good at converting wealth into well being. The citizens pay some of the highest taxes in the world but this is widely supported because it is understood to be an investment into improving the quality of life for all.


This observation is perhaps challenged  because Finland is believed to have a high suicide rate. However, in 2015 it appeared as 35th in the World Health Organisation's list of 183 countries. Whilst this figure is twice as high as the UK [at 123rd]  it is, however, just over 40% of that found in Sri Lanka which has the highest rate in the world.