Nairobi — For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world--a feat that continues to puzzle nations blessed with sunshine, youthful populations, and vibrant cultures.
Speaking on Capital FM In The Morning on Thursday, Finland's Ambassador to Kenya, Riina-Riikka Heikka, offered rare insight into why happiness endures in Finland, and what countries like Kenya can learn from the Nordic experience.
According to Ambassador Heikka, Finnish happiness is not about fleeting joy, excitement, or favorable weather. Finland endures long, dark winters with very little sunlight. Instead, happiness is rooted in stable societal structures, trust, and a balanced approach to everyday life.
"There is no single formula for happiness," she explained.
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"It is about balancing everyday life--between society, work, and personal life. Happiness is not a huge emotion for us; it is an everyday feeling. We are pragmatic people. It relates to living in a society that feels stable, secure, and trustworthy."
One of the strongest pillars of Finland's happiness is social trust.
About 80 per cent of Finns trust the police and justice system, creating safety and predictability in daily life.
Ambassador Heikka described this trust as the "glue" that holds society together.
Finland has also made historic strides in gender equality, granting women full political rights as early as 1906.
Today, equality is reflected in the workforce, leadership, education, and healthcare--cornerstones of national resilience.
Education is another defining factor. Finland's system prioritizes inclusivity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning over competition, helping citizens feel supported rather than pressured.
Unlike many high-performing economies, Finland values work-life balance.
Government-backed structures, including affordable daycare, afternoon clubs for children, and strong parental support, enable nearly equal participation of men and women in the workforce.
"This 'care economy' is both policy and mindset," said Ambassador Heikka.
"We truly believe that happy people are more innovative and flexible. Balance fuels productivity rather than undermining it."
Finnish culture is also deeply connected to nature. Thousands of lakes, forests, and summer cottages provide spaces for reflection and calm.
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Saunas--found nearly everywhere--serve as places to relax both body and spirit.
Underlying all this is Sisu, a uniquely Finnish concept representing resilience, grit, and quiet determination.
Finland's journey to prosperity involved overcoming poverty, wars, and conflict. Yet collective commitment to human capital transformed hardship into long-term wellbeing.
"Finland is small, with a population of about 5.5 million. We made a joint decision to invest in our people. Despite a history of poverty and conflict, we built on Sisu--a sense of resilience--to create a national journey together," she said.
Ambassador Heikka emphasized that Finland's success is the result of deliberate, long-term investment in human capital, governance, and social systems.
Finland and Kenya's growing partnership reflects shared aspirations. The two countries are collaborating on digital education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), climate action, and the circular economy--areas critical to Kenya's future.
With Nairobi hosting the UN Environment Programme and a vibrant, innovative youth population, Kenya is well-positioned to apply these lessons and foster sustainable national development.
