Santa Claus, Saunas and 'Sisu'

Finland has been rated the World's Happiest Country yet again this year. Finnish Consul General in Mumbai, His Excellency Mr. Erik af Hällström shares why.

- KRISHNARAJ IYENGAR

Scandinavia's scenic jewel, fairytale Finland has been rated the World's Happiest Country yet again, for the eighth consecutive year by the 2025 World Happiness Report. Popularly known as the land of the Santa Claus legend, fine chocolates, rejuvenating saunas and stunning natural beauty, there is something more to it than meets the eye. It's in the heart...a deep sense of contentment!

At his relaxing, minimalistic Mumbai residence, the soft-spoken and articulate Finnish Consul General, His Excellency Consul General Mr. Erik af Hällström unveils the intriguing secrets of his country's happiness quotient.

Inner Dimension Despite life's continual challenges, the Finns remain the happiest lot around. "This index is an invention of the United Nations, not of Finland itself, although we are very pleased by it", Mr. Hällström says. "It is based on several factors like life-expectancy, GDP per capita, good governance and the freedom to choose, all of which make Finland the world's happiest country", he explains.

Known for its benevolent welfare initiatives and social security system, Finland's government offers free healthcare, subsidized childcare, free public education and generous parental leave and of course, low corruption, instilling trust among the country's population. The elderly too, are well looked-after.

Happiness is often associated with extroversion and while one might expect the Finns to be quintessentially gregarious, Mr. Hällström chuckles away the myth. "You won't find many smiling and laughing people in Finland! It's more about the inner feeling of deep contentment, of being safe and not afraid or anxious".