Happiest countries

I have spent some time in Finland and have strong connections there.

I wonder whether the suicide rate is connected with SAD - the winters are so dark and that is depressing.

The other side of the equation is the exceptionally strong sense of community.

They have a true democracy with governments which can only be elected by consent of a majority of electors, there is not a huge gulf between rich and poor and they truly feel that they are all in this together for the common good.

I have a Norwegian friend she loves her country ....but she hasn’t lived there for years ..make of that what you will

I have two Finnish jokes

There was a Finnish man who loved his wife so much he nearly told her

On hearing of the two metre social distancing rule being introduced in Europe, the Finns asked ‘why so close?’

PS - they have lovely knitwear ?

TerriBull

From what I've read, countries closer to the North Pole who have abysmal winters, such as Scandinavia and Russia, their citizens seem to be prone to drink problems and depression as opposed to the southern Mediterranean for example who have far greater exposure to the sun. Whilst Finland is no doubt beautiful in the summer, I also understand they are beset by midges. I've only been to Denmark in Scandinavia, lovely people, but they can keep their winters, dark, cold and gloomy. No thanks! I think the weather is a big factor in determining the outlook of the people that inhabit countries with inhospitable climates imo.

I was just going to say similar??
I think Finland would be very low on my list to live.?

greenlady102

Finland has almost 3 times the suicide rate of the UK so make of that what you will www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/world/suiciderate.html

They maybe count differently - we’d need to know more before accepting that figure at face value

From what I've read, countries closer to the North Pole who have abysmal winters, such as Scandinavia and Russia, their citizens seem to be prone to drink problems and depression as opposed to the southern Mediterranean for example who have far greater exposure to the sun. Whilst Finland is no doubt beautiful in the summer, I also understand they are beset by midges. I've only been to Denmark in Scandinavia, lovely people, but they can keep their winters, dark, cold and gloomy. No thanks! I think the weather is a big factor in determining the outlook of the people that inhabit countries with inhospitable climates imo.

13th varian ? well it`s not unlucky for me.

Finland didn't do very well on race issues a couple of years ago

Finland had the highest rates of race-related harassment and violence while the UK had amongst the lowest.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46369046

UK came 13th I think
The top 17 countries all had a happiness score of between 7.076 and 7.809

Finland is lovely but I am not keen on freezing cold and very short winter days.

UK came 13th I think

worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/happiest-countries-in-the-world

Measuring happiness is quite complex I imagine, as it depends on so many variables. Key variables for this study were: GDP per capita. Health and Life Expectancy. Social Support. Freedom of Choice. Generosity. Perception of corruption.

UK came 19th! I think my perception of corruption here has increased since the pandemic struck. This survey was undertaken in 2018 I believe.

More information about happy countries !

That was an interesting OP , can’t see honestly why it had to prompt a whole lot of England is great posts! (I’m not saying it isn’t before I get leapt on). Plenty of that on the various Flag threads.

I have enjoyed travelling for holidays but always like to get home. It’s the same area I grew up even though my parents are gone it’s familiar and where I like to be.

greenlady102

Finland has almost 3 times the suicide rate of the UK so make of that what you will www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/world/suiciderate.html

The data is from 2005, maybe they’ve cheered up since then.

Exactly Buffybee.
Even in lockdown i wake up with a smile
loving where i am.

Given the conflicting reports it would seem that Finland is the most Bipolar country in the world ?

Finland has almost 3 times the suicide rate of the UK so make of that what you will www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/world/suiciderate.html

I have got an English friend who lives in Denmark. Its not socially acceptable there to be unhappy or to say to you are anything but happy so take those figures with a big pinch of salt!

Lovely country with loads of trees. Very clean capital, shiny green trams. My lasting impression of Finland as we briefly passed through. What’s not to like. Oh yes, blooming close to Russia.

I love my England too timetogo, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the World, with some of the kindest people.

It may well be varian,but hand on heart i love my England.