FINLAND – WHERE PATHS ALIGN WITH PURPOSE

Finland is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” but in reality, it actually has over 180,000 lakes within its borders. These lakes are a prominent feature of the Finnish landscape and play a significant role in the country’s culture, economy, and recreational activities throughout the year. But it’s renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its impressive accolades on the global stage.

Finland is not one to toot its own horn, but when it comes to safety, happiness, and education, it’s kind of a big deal. According to various global indexes (which Finns usually shrug off with a modest smile), Finland consistently ranks among the safest and happiest countries in the world.

And let’s not forget about education. Finland’s education system is the envy of many nations. While others are busy cramming textbooks into bewildered students, Finland takes a different approach. They focus on nurturing curious minds, fostering creativity, and valuing the process as much as the outcome. Plus, they’ve got teachers who are practically wizards in disguise, making learning feel more like an adventure than a chore.

When it comes to work-life balance, Finns have mastered the art of chilling out without breaking a sweat (except in the sauna, of course). They believe in the power of “sisu,” a special kind of Finnish grit that says, “Hey, let’s work hard, but let’s also enjoy life while we’re at it.” A proof of this is perhaps the fact that there are 3,3 million saunas in a country of 5,5 million people! The Finnish sauna is about alternating hot and cold: steam for a few minutes and then go roll in the snow or swim in the lake, which triggers off the release of endorphins, the “happiness hormones”, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated.

But Finland isn’t all about being the best at everything. Sure, they’ve got these top positions in safety, happiness, education, and work-life balance, and many more (see list below…) but they’ll be the first to tell you that they’re not perfect.

So, while Finland may be the land of humble bragging and quirky charm, one thing’s for sure – it’s a place where you will be amazed at the warmth of Finnish hospitality. Come for the safety, stay for the happiness, and leave (if you must) with a newfound appreciation for the Finnish way of life. Just don’t forget to pack your sense of humor and a sturdy pair of mittens – you’ll need ’em!

Top of the list

Here’s a list of indexes where Finland frequently finds itself among the top three:

1. World Happiness Report: Finland has consistently ranked among the top three happiest countries in the world according to the World Happiness Report, an annual publication by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
2. Global Peace Index: Finland frequently ranks among the top three most peaceful countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index, which assesses the peacefulness of nations based on factors such as levels of violence, crime rates, and political stability.
3. Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA): Finland’s education system often ranks among the top three in the world in the PISA rankings, which assess the academic performance of 15-year-old students in reading, mathematics, and science.
4. World Press Freedom Index: Finland consistently ranks among the top countries for press freedom according to the World Press Freedom Index, which evaluates the level of freedom available to journalists in each country.
5. Global Competitiveness Index: Finland frequently ranks among the top countries in terms of global competitiveness according to the Global Competitiveness Index, which assesses the competitiveness of nations based on factors such as infrastructure, macroeconomic stability, and innovation capability.

These are just a few examples of the many global indexes where Finland shines brightly on the world stage.

Everyman’s Right

Everyman’s right in Finland refers to the legal concept that grants individuals the freedom to roam and enjoy nature’s bounty, regardless of land ownership. This right allows people to hike, camp, forage, and fish on most uncultivated land, water bodies, and forests, provided they respect the environment and private property. This privilege is very special from a global point of view, as it offers expansive access to nature without the need for landowner permission. However, it doesn’t permit activities that disrupt the environment, harm wildlife, or disturb property owners.