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Why Finland And Denmark Are Happier Than The U.S.

CNBC Make It・19 minutes read

Nordic countries like Finland and Denmark prioritize factors like work-life balance, social support, and government integrity, creating happier societies with a focus on basic needs rather than wealth. The balance between excess and deficiency, as well as cultural practices like sauna and hygge, play a crucial role in promoting happiness in these countries.

Insights

  • Nordic countries like Finland and Denmark prioritize societal factors such as free healthcare, education, work-life balance, and community trust to enhance overall happiness levels.
  • While money does influence happiness to a certain extent, the emphasis in Nordic societies on life balance, social support, and government quality plays a more significant role in fostering happiness among the population.

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Recent questions

  • What factors contribute to happiness in Nordic countries?

    The key factors contributing to happiness in Nordic countries like Finland and Denmark include GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, social support, generosity, and absence of corruption. These countries prioritize work-life balance, offer free healthcare and education, and focus on basic needs like healthcare, education, and social services, creating a happier society. Additionally, the Nordic society fosters trust and community, leading to less poverty, crime, and inequality.

  • How does money impact happiness in Nordic countries?

    Money does impact happiness in Nordic countries, but beyond a certain income level, additional money doesn't significantly increase happiness. People in these countries don't focus on wealth but on a good balance of life, prioritizing factors like work-life balance, social support, and overall well-being. Generosity and living in a society with a decent government also contribute to people's happiness in Nordic countries.

  • What cultural practices contribute to happiness in Finland?

    Finland emphasizes overall well-being through cultural practices like sauna and hygge, contributing to happiness. These practices promote relaxation, social connection, and a sense of comfort, enhancing the quality of life and overall happiness in Finnish society. By valuing these cultural traditions, Finland fosters a positive and content population.

  • How do Nordic countries prioritize work-life balance?

    Nordic countries prioritize work-life balance by offering shorter work hours but maintaining high productivity levels. They also provide generous parental leave, free healthcare, and education, creating an environment where individuals can focus on their personal lives and well-being in addition to their professional responsibilities. This emphasis on work-life balance contributes to the overall happiness and satisfaction of residents in Nordic countries.

  • What impact do immigrants have on happiness in Nordic countries?

    The 2018 World Happiness Report indicates that happiness among immigrants positively impacts the happiness of the countries they reside in, including Nordic countries like Finland and Denmark. By contributing to the social fabric and diversity of these nations, immigrants bring new perspectives, experiences, and connections that enrich the overall happiness and well-being of the population. Immigrants play a significant role in shaping the happiness levels in Nordic countries.

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Summary

00:00

Nordic Countries: Happiness Through Balance and Community

  • Nordic countries like Finland and Denmark consistently rank high in the World Happiness Report, focusing on life satisfaction.
  • The key factors contributing to happiness include GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, social support, generosity, and absence of corruption.
  • Finland offers free healthcare and education, along with generous parental leave, making it an ideal place for families.
  • The Nordic countries prioritize work-life balance, with shorter work hours but high productivity.
  • The Nordic society fosters trust and community, leading to less poverty, crime, and inequality.
  • The balance between excess and deficiency, as per Aristotle's Golden Mean, is crucial for happiness.
  • Money does impact happiness, but beyond a certain income level, additional money doesn't significantly increase happiness.
  • Generosity and living in a society with a decent government contribute to people's happiness.
  • People in the Nordic countries don't focus on wealth but on a good balance of life, leading to positive results.
  • The Nordic countries prioritize basic needs like healthcare, education, and social services, creating a happier society.

14:22

Nordic Happiness: Youthful Leaders and Well-being

  • In 2019, Finland elected Sanna Marin, the world's youngest-serving prime minister at 34 years old.
  • Lars AP, author of "F***ing Flink," founded a movement in Denmark to promote friendliness and positive human interaction.
  • The Nordic countries, including Finland and Denmark, have populations of less than 6 million people and are relatively homogeneous.
  • The 2018 World Happiness Report indicates that happiness among immigrants positively impacts the happiness of the countries they reside in.
  • Denmark faces stress-related health issues due to high expectations for work-life balance.
  • Danes find it challenging to include outsiders in their tight-knit social circles, impacting the development of friendships.
  • Denmark has successfully reduced suicide rates over the years, but maintaining high levels of happiness can have side effects.
  • Finland emphasizes overall well-being through cultural practices like sauna and hygge, contributing to happiness.
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