Visit Finland (Finnish Tourism Board) Finland ranks first in the world happiness ranking for 8 consecutive years!

[Visit Finland (Finnish Tourism Board)] Finland ranks first in the world happiness ranking for 8 consecutive years! ​
Visit Finland (Finnish Tourism Board) Press release: March 24, 2025 Finland ranks first in the world happiness ranking for the eighth year in a row! ~Sauna culture is the reason why it continues to be at the top of the world happiness ranking~ Many people have wondered whyFinland continues to be voted the happiest country in the world. One of the clues lies in the sauna culture that is deeply loved by the Finnish people. Visit Finland describes this phenomenon as the “Finnish Sauna Pyramid of Happiness”.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/17830/96/17830-96-df2e3b25b4006dba064fee0b3ebe3157-2148×709.png Credit: (Left) Harri Tarvainen/North Karelia (Right) Visit Finland Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for eight consecutive years since 2018 in the annual World Happiness Report* published by the United Nations. The 2025 report reemphasizes the importance of “social connections” and “sharing and caring” as factors that increase happiness. Finnish people are proud of this prestigious title and appreciate the many factors that support their well-being. One of these is sauna culture, which is deeply rooted in Finnish life. Although saunas are not the only reason for happiness, they play an important role for Finns and are a source of connection between people. In fact, 90% of Finns enjoy a sauna at least once a week. About the “Finnish Sauna Pyramid of Happiness” proposed by Visit Finland 1. Contribution to health:Saunas play a big role in the well-being of Finns. Its benefits have been known for a long time, including relaxing muscles, improving sleep quality, and promoting blood circulation. Saunas are more than just entertainment; they are a national treasure for the Finnish people. Saunas have been closely associated with health, so much so that in the Finnish folk epic Kalevala, there is a “sauna god” who heals illnesses with steam. Plus, as the saying goes, saunas are a poor man’s pharmacy: you don’t need a prescription, all you need is heat, steam, and a little Finnish magic. Recommended spot:Sipoonjoki Sauna near Helsinki offers traditional sauna treatments and a smoke sauna experience. Sipoonjoki sauna 2. A space of peace and security:Throughout history, saunas have served as a reliable place of peace and security in Finland. In the past, life’s milestone events such as childbirth and important decisions were held in the warmth of a sauna. All people are equal in the sauna. Enjoying the sauna together creates deep conversations, fosters social connections, and strengthens the sense of community togetherness. The sauna continues to provide peace and security to people as a cultural entity that supports the collective spirit of Finland. Recommended Places:Rajaportin Sauna in Tampere is Finland’s oldest public sauna still in operation. A favorite of locals and a great spot for travelers to experience the Finnish lifestyle. Rajaportin sauna 3. Sharing and Caring:Finnish saunas are places where family and friends come together to deepen social connections and a sense of belonging. Sharing a sauna allows us to open our hearts, build egalitarian relationships, and feel connected to others. Public saunas allow people of all generations to gather and discuss all sorts of topics. There are many public saunas in Finnish cities, with saunas installed in public pools, gyms, and even offices and restaurants. Recommended spots:Sompasauna in Helsinki is a favorite among young local sauna enthusiasts and a popular spot among tourists. Sompasauna 4. In search of steam:Finns embrace saunas for their mental and spiritual well-being. After the sauna, you can develop confidence and mental strength by jumping into ice water or having a massage with birch branches (vihta). This is similar to the Finnish spirit of “sisu”. In the warmth of the sauna, Finns increase their self-esteem and develop a deeper sense of well-being. Recommended spot:At Jarvela Sauna in the Turku Archipelago, you can enjoy a refreshing bath in Lake Littoinen and a sauna experience that refreshes your mind and body while discovering your inner “Sith”. Jarvela sauna 5. Source of creativity:In Finland, the sauna is a symbol of creativity, humor, artistic self-expression and innovative design. There are
approximately 3 million saunas in the country of approximately 5.5 million people, and in addition to traditional saunas, there are many saunas with the world’s most cutting-edge and unique designs. Recommended place:Enjoy a special sauna experience made of ice at theApukka Resort in Rovaniemi. Apukka Resort Finnish saunas are deeply connected to important factors supporting national well-being. It plays a major role in many areas, from physical health benefits to strengthening social connections, improving self-esteem, and even self-actualization. said Heli Jimenez, Senior Director of
International Marketing at Visit Finland. “Finnish saunas are truly sanctuaries of well-being. They promote good health, are safe spaces where you can relax and de-stress, while also fostering connections and fostering a sense of belonging to a community. They are also an integral part of Finnish culture and a place that inspires
creativity.” *Source: United Nations “World Happiness Report 2025” https://worldhappiness.report/ About Visit Finland We develop Finland’s brand as a travel destination, promote Finland to
international travelers and support the globalization of travel industry companies. We work with destinations and regions, travel industry businesses, other export-related companies and embassies. Visit Finland is a group institution of Business Finland.
https://www.visitfinland.com/