Compared to last year's ranking, Brazil rose five positions
Finland was considered the happiest country in the world for the 7th year in a row, according to World Happiness Report carried out in partnership with the UN. The trust, security, freedom and transparency present in Finnish society have been essential for the satisfaction of the population. With growing business and career opportunities, the Nordic country has attracted more and more Brazilians. At the moment, around 2,4 Brazilians live in the happiest country in the world.
In comparison with the ranking released last year, Brazil rose five positions and is in 44th place. Among South American countries, Brazilians are second only to Uruguay (26th) and Chile (38th). The Nordic countries occupy the top spots, with Denmark, Iceland and Sweden appearing right after Finland.
The Brazilian Bianca Alves, aged 27, moved to Finland in 2021, after getting a position as a sales manager for Latin America at a software company. At first, she says that the climate and cultural differences were a challenge, but today, she has adapted and is in love with the happiest country in the world. "I love to live here. For me, Finland is the country with the most satisfied people in the world, because the services really work. Public transport is excellent, it is a safe country, very clean, there is no bureaucracy and no one interferes in your personal and professional space. The Finns also have a very strong issue linked to trust.”
Of Finnish origin, but living in Latin America for over 20 years, the last three years in São Paulo, Heidi Virta, director of Business Finland for Latin America in Brazil and author of the book “How to be happier and worry less? 10 Clues to Timeless Wisdom”, which will be launched soon, knows the reality of both countries, and believes that Finland and Brazil are happy in different ways. “In Finland, happiness is based on themes linked to social satisfaction such as equality and trust between people and institutions, low crime and close interaction with nature. In Brazil, I think that happiness is based on aspects of socialization such as festivities, music, good humor, strong family bonds and friendships. In Brazil, people help each other and the generosity I found here is impressive”, she says.
Nature
According to the study of Finnish Happiness Institute (FHI), when people living in Finland are asked what makes them happy, Finns always mention the proximity to nature and the opportunities it offers for recreation and relaxation, as well as encouraging creativity.
“In a well-functioning, fair and equal society, people can worry less and focus on living life. Feeling safe is one of our primary needs, and if we are not safe, we cannot relax and reach a state of co-creation and innovation”, he explains. Elisabet Lahti, PhD, applied psychology researcher, author of “Gentle Power” (2023) and founder of Sisu Lab.
Colaboração
As one of the most competitive and open economies in the world, Finland offers a launching pad for companies. “The anti-stress lifestyle also influences Finnish work culture. Finland is a country of low hierarchy and work-life balance is highly valued. When people come here, they also have access to a pretty unique lifestyle. I welcome individuals as well as companies to Finland to collaborate with Finland and to explore Finnish happiness. We like to think that happiness is good for business and that happy employees are productive employees,” he reveals. Johanna Jäkälä, executive director of Finland Promotion Services at Business Finland.
For Heidi, the interest of Finnish companies in building relations with Brazil is at its peak and they currently employ around 15 thousand Brazilians. “We also observed an increase in the presence of Brazilian companies in Finland, Suzano and Beontag are examples of Brazilian companies installed in the Nordic country. Furthermore, Brazil is going through a very important moment on the world stage by hosting the G-20 events in 2024 and COP-30 in 2025. Brazil has all the conditions to consolidate itself as a leader in the green economy and we are very happy to work together on the green transition.”, he adds.
World Happiness Report
The World Happiness Report was created by sociologist Luis Gallardo in 2012. The study, which has the support of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, is carried out annually in 143 countries and takes into account six key factors: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity and absence of corruption.
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Business Finland is a government organization for financing innovation and promoting trade, tourism and investment. www.businessfinland.com And Work in Finland attracts talent and startup founders to Finland and helps companies recruit international professionals. www.workinfinland.com
