Why does Finland consistently rank among the happiest countries in the world?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is no single secret behind Finnish happiness. Research points to a combination of factors, including trust, social support, autonomy, equality, meaningful activity, access to nature and a society in which relatively few people are left without support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The World Happiness Report measures happiness primarily through people\u2019s own evaluations of their lives. Finland has held the top position in the global ranking since 2018\u2014for the ninth consecutive year in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explore the World Happiness Report 2026<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Finnish researchers have explored happiness and wellbeing from many different perspectives. Their research covers topics such as meaning in life, life satisfaction, positive psychology, work engagement, wellbeing at work, social relationships, trust, sisu and sustainable wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below, we introduce a selection of Finnish researchers whose work helps us understand happiness, wellbeing and the foundations of a good life more deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frank Martela is an Assistant Professor at Aalto University and one of Finland\u2019s best-known researchers of happiness, meaning in life and human motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His research explores what makes life worth living, how autonomy and a sense of purpose contribute to wellbeing, and why Finland and the other Nordic countries perform so well in international happiness comparisons. Martela has highlighted the importance of well-functioning institutions, trust, freedom, social support and a sense of personal agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore Frank Martela\u2019s research and publications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read: The Nordic Exceptionalism \u2013 What Explains Why the Nordic Countries Are Constantly Among the Happiest in the World?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Markku Ojanen is a Finnish psychologist and long-standing researcher of happiness, wellbeing and positive psychology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His work has examined how people experience happiness, which factors support a good life and how health, physical activity, relationships, gratitude and a sense of meaning are connected to wellbeing. Ojanen has played an important role in making happiness research and positive psychology accessible to Finnish audiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore Markku Ojanen\u2019s research and publications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read: Physical Activity and Experienced Wellbeing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jari Hakanen is a Research Professor at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and holds the title of docent at the University of Helsinki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He is internationally known for his research on work engagement, burnout and the conditions that help people flourish at work. His work demonstrates that wellbeing at work is more than the absence of stress or exhaustion. Energy, dedication, meaningfulness, a supportive community and opportunities to use one\u2019s strengths are important resources for both individuals and organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore Jari Hakanen\u2019s research and publications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Juho Saari is a Finnish social scientist whose research focuses on wellbeing, inequality, loneliness, social relationships and the structures of the welfare state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His work helps explain why happiness is not simply an individual experience or the result of a personal attitude. Social position, belonging, security, trust and access to support all shape people\u2019s opportunities to live satisfying and meaningful lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore Juho Saari\u2019s research and publications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read: The Portrayal of Lonely Finnish People<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lotta Uusitalo is a Senior University Lecturer at the University of Helsinki and a prominent Finnish expert in positive psychology, character strengths and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her research and practical work explore how recognising and developing individual strengths can support learning, inclusion, resilience and wellbeing. Her work has brought positive psychology and strength-based education into Finnish schools and everyday educational practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore Lotta Uusitalo\u2019s research and publications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore her work on positive psychology<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Arto O. Salonen is Professor of Sustainable Wellbeing at the University of Eastern Finland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His interdisciplinary research examines the relationships between wellbeing, meaningfulness, social inclusion, sustainable lifestyles and planetary responsibility. His work expands the idea of happiness beyond personal satisfaction and asks how a good life can be built in ways that also support other people, society and the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore Arto O. Salonen\u2019s research and publications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read: Is Sustainability About Education for Life Satisfaction?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ilona Suojanen holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on happiness at work, sustainable happiness and the relationship between happiness and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her work also offers a critical perspective on modern happiness culture. She has explored how happiness has increasingly become an expectation, a requirement and a measure of success, particularly among young professionals. Her research highlights that responsibility for happiness cannot rest solely on the individual. Workplaces, communities and society also shape people\u2019s opportunities to live and work well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore Ilona Suojanen\u2019s research publications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read: Young Professionals and the Pursuit of Happiness at Work<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jennifer De Paola, PhD, is a social psychologist and visiting scholar at the University of Helsinki. Her research interests include happiness, positive psychology and social representations\u2014the shared ideas and beliefs through which people understand the world around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her research examines how happiness is understood, portrayed and discussed in Finnish society, digital media and social media. She has also studied how Finnish children describe and visualise happiness and unhappiness. Her work offers an important perspective on the relationship between international happiness rankings and people\u2019s everyday experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore Jennifer De Paola\u2019s research and publications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read: #Happy \u2013 Constructing and Sharing Everyday Understandings of Happiness on Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read: Are We Bad Winners? Public Understandings of the United Nations\u2019 World Happiness Report<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n E. Elisabet Lahti, PhD, is a Finnish researcher and internationally recognised expert on sisu<\/em>, the Finnish concept of inner strength and determination in the face of adversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her research has helped define sisu scientifically and identify both its beneficial and potentially harmful forms. Constructive sisu can help people take action during adversity and continue when their perceived resources have been exhausted. Excessive or unbalanced sisu may lead people to push themselves beyond healthy limits. Lahti\u2019s work connects resilience with self-awareness, gentleness and wise inner strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore E. Elisabet Lahti\u2019s research on sisu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read: Embodied Fortitude \u2013 An Introduction to the Finnish Construct of Sisu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore the dissertation: Sisu as Guts, Grace, and Gentleness<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Marja-Liisa Manka is a Finnish researcher of wellbeing at work and Professor Emerita of Management and Wellbeing at Work at Tampere University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her research focuses on workplace wellbeing, joy at work, leadership, social capital and psychological capital. Her resource-based approach directs attention not only to problems and risks but also to the factors that strengthen motivation, collaboration, wellbeing and the smooth functioning of everyday work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her work helps us understand how leadership, work organization, workplace interaction and employees\u2019 personal resources influence both wellbeing and organizational performance. Workplace wellbeing is not simply a cost\u2014it is an essential part of sustainable success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore: Wellbeing at Work and Productivity\u2014Human-Capital Indicators Supporting Management in Municipalities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read: Social and Psychological Capital as Factors Supporting Longer Working Careers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Research shows that happiness is not a permanent emotional state or a life without difficulties. It is shaped by our relationships, daily choices, opportunities to influence our lives, working conditions and the wider society around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finnish happiness is often quiet and practical. It can be found in trust, safety, nature, meaningful activity, sufficient rest and the knowledge that support is available when it is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Happiness in Finland brings together research-based knowledge and introduces Finnish researchers and experts who help us understand happiness more deeply. We also translate scientific knowledge into practical insights, exercises, keynote speeches, workshops and tailored training programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you looking for a Finnish happiness researcher or expert for an event, media interview, collaboration or the needs of your organization?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whenever you want to learn more about Finnish happiness, we help you find the right knowledge and the people behind it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinnish researchers exploring happiness and wellbeing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Frank Martela<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Markku Ojanen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Jari Hakanen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Juho Saari<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lotta Uusitalo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Arto O. Salonen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ilona Suojanen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Jennifer De Paola<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
E. Elisabet Lahti<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Marja-Liisa Manka<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
From research to everyday life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Would you like to learn more?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n