Why?

Are Americans not as happy as the Finnish people are?

Finland has consistently been ranked as the world's happiest country. It has held that top spot for nine consecutive years through 2026.

Meanwhile, the United States has dropped to its lowest-ever happiness ranking, placing 24th. 

The primary difference lies in the way happiness is defined, supported and paid for in both nations.

While many Americans view happiness as a pursuit of individual riches and success, most Finns tend to define happiness as a state of contentment.

Finnish contentment is enabled and supported by a strong societal safety net. The net was mutually agreed to and provided by Finland’s capitalists and its government.

According to the World Happiness Report, there are economic and cultural factors which contribute to Finland's high ranking,

Thanks to those mutual agreements and binding contracts between Finland’s capitalists and government, Finns are provided with universal healthcare, free higher education, and parental leave. All are paid for by capitalists who share their profits and Finns who pay their share in taxes.

As a consequence, the daily stresses and fears of “losing everything” are reduced for Finland’s citizens.

Meanwhile, the majority of Americans continue to face higher food prices, higher housing costs, and higher medical bills.

We Americans are fearful of losing our jobs or not being able to find a job.

Finns have some of the highest levels of trust in their economy, their government, their public institutions, and each other.

The Finnish economy prioritizes paid time off for workers.

Employees have five weeks of annual vacation, sick leave and maternity leave. All paid for with profits and taxes.

Meanwhile, America’s economy involves longer work hours, more workdays, and fewer benefits for its workers.

Approximately 75% of Finland is covered by forests. Most Finns live within a 10-minute walk of nature, which are core parts of their stress-reduction and relaxation habits.

Many Americans are not able to relax or reduce stress no matter where they live.

Finland’s concepts of resilience and a cultural emphasis on "having enough" helps to foster a stable sense of their well-being. 

Polling experts from Gallup and other researchers identify specific negative economic issues and fears which are increasing among Americans.

Happiness among American youth has declined significantly. That decline is linked to heavy social media use, lousy wages, rising wealth inequality, increasing job loss, and the inability to find “fun” work which pays for a living.

Higher levels of political polarization and social division in America have crumbled our trust in our economy, as well as our government.

Why can’t we have an economy like Finland’s? Because America’s spoiled capitalists want it all.