Here is a selection of what the international press has published about Finland in the last week:
5 life lessons from Finland, once again the ‘World’s Happiest Country’ in new report
Finland’s rank as the happiest country in the world for the eighth time as per the 2025 World Happiness Report was covered in an article by Forbes on March 20.
The article explores five key lessons from Finnish culture that contribute to the sense of contentment and can be applied anywhere.
While Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden followed the rankings closely behind Finland, happiness according to Finns is not solely about wealth or economic success but is deeply rooted in trust, connection, and a strong social support system. A key lesson from Finnish culture is the value of simplicity. The Finnish concept of sisu—a quiet resilience and determination—shapes a way of life that prioritizes modesty, minimalism, and focusing on what truly matters rather than constant achievement. This mindset is also reflected in Finland’s deep connection to nature, where outdoor activities are not just a pastime but a way of life. Thanks to the Nordic principle of “everyman’s rights,” people are free to enjoy the country’s forests, lakes, and open spaces, regardless of the season. Even in harsh winters, Finns embrace the cold through activities like skiing, ice skating, and sauna rituals followed by icy plunges.
Rest and relaxation are also highly valued in Finland. Silence is not seen as awkward but respected, and the country’s sauna culture emphasizes the importance of unwinding and reflecting. Finns believe that rest is not a luxury or a reward for hard work but a fundamental part of life. Their education system further reflects this approach, focusing on creativity, equality, and critical thinking rather than relentless testing.
Another significant factor in Finland’s happiness is its strong sense of trust. Finland is consistently ranked as one of the least corrupt countries in the world, and its people trust their institutions, neighbours, and even strangers. It’s common to see unattended strollers outside cafés or children walking to school alone—something that would be rare in many other countries. While this level of trust cannot be built overnight, small actions like helping a neighbour or showing kindness can create a ripple effect that strengthens communities.
Original story was published by Forbes on 20.03.2025 and can be found here.
What America can learn from Finland’s workplace culture | Opinion
The stark difference between Finnish and American workplace cultures was covered in an article by Newsweek on March 20. The opinion piece offers insights into how the U.S. could learn from Finland’s approach to work and employee well-being.
Five years after COVID-19, workplace policies remain divisive. While companies like JPMorgan and Amazon enforce strict office returns, others like Meta and Walmart scale back diversity efforts. Meanwhile, burnout is rising, with 44% feeling burned out, 45% emotionally drained, and 51% “used up” daily. By contrast, Finnish workplaces prioritize trust, autonomy, and work-life balance, leading to much higher levels of job satisfaction. According to a 2025 study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, only 10% of Finnish professionals report experiencing job burnout.
One key difference is flat organizational structures in Finland, which reduce hierarchy, foster collaboration, and prevent unnecessary competition. Unlike in the U.S., where individual recognition is often celebrated, Finnish professionals value teamwork over self-promotion and let their work speak for itself. Finland passed its first Flexible Working Act in 1996. By 2020, the Working Hours Act expanded these rights, allowing full-time employees to choose when and where they work for at least half of their working hours. Additionally, Finnish workers enjoy a minimum of five weeks of paid vacation per year and generous parental leave policies, including 160 days of paid parental leave.
The benefits of Finland’s approach are not just about happiness but also efficiency and productivity. A 2023 EU study found that Finnish employees have higher job satisfaction and lower absenteeism than those in other European countries. The article suggests that U.S. companies should shift their focus from rigid office mandates and outdated metrics of success to a model that values trust and autonomy. Instead of measuring productivity by hours worked, companies should focus on actual impact.
The author, Miika Mäkitalo is CEO of HappyOrNot, the customer and employee feedback company famous for its smiley-button terminals positioned across the U.S., and in more than 4,000 airports, restaurants, stadiums, and retail stores globally.
Original story was published by Newsweek on 20.03.2025 and can be found here.
In Finland, more than half of consumers are shopping less for climate reasons
The rise in climate concerns over buying behaviours in Finland was covered in an article by Euronews on March 17. The article highlights how more than half of Finnish consumers reducing their shopping due to environmental reasons.
The 2025 ‘Climate and Nature Barometers’ survey carried out by government ministries and partner organizations, show a high level of climate awareness among Finns. Most respondents have observed the effects of climate change, particularly milder winters, and biodiversity loss in their surroundings. Many believe that the decline in biodiversity will have serious consequences for food security, public health, and the economy.
This awareness is reflected in changing habits, with a large portion of the population altering their lifestyle choices regarding transport, housing, and food consumption to reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, most Finns support the idea of longer-lasting products, even if they cost more. However, opinions on plant-based diets remain divided; while many agree that sustainable food should be more affordable, half of the respondents oppose efforts to promote plant-based eating.
The survey also highlights contrasting views on responsibility for climate action. While nearly all Finns consider clean nature an essential part of their identity, there is debate over whether it is being adequately protected. A majority support Finland’s carbon neutrality goal for 2035 and stricter regulations on forest management. There is also widespread agreement that companies should be legally required to reduce emissions, though fewer believe businesses currently do enough to protect biodiversity.
Original story was published by Newsweek on 20.03.2025 and can be found here.
Lithuania eyes lessons from Finland on how to prepare its forces
Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Šakalienė’s visit to Finland to study the country’s military mobilization system was covered in an article by LRT.lt on March 20. The article sheds light on Lithuania's efforts to strengthen its military by learning from Finland’s defence model.
Finland has a well-established reserve structure where most men aged 18 to 60 are part of the military in some capacity. The Finnish Defence Forces train around 22,000 recruits annually, including about 1,000 women. In contrast, Lithuania’s military consists of 12,000 professional soldiers, supported by an annual intake of approximately 4,000 conscripts for a nine-month service. After this period, conscripts enter the 38,000-strong “active” reserve for ten years before transitioning to the “prepared” reserve, which includes around 80,000 individuals with prior military training. Lithuania also has a National Defence Volunteer Forces unit with over 5,400 members, along with territorial forces and paramilitary organizations like the Riflemen’s Union.
With the ongoing war in Ukraine, Lithuania has been exploring ways to strengthen its defence, including considering a universal conscription model. During her visit, Šakalienė was slated to meet Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen and parliamentary defence committee chairman Jukka Kopra. Additionally, she is engaging with Finnish weapons manufacturers to discuss potential arms deals, particularly regarding landmines.
This visit follows a recent decision by Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines. However, the withdrawal still requires approval from the respective parliaments. Lithuania’s move reflects growing concerns over national security and an increasing emphasis on military preparedness in the region.
Original story was published by LRT.lt on 20.03.2025 and can be found here.
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