Finland and Sweden, which are preparing for war, are ‘happier’ countries

Proximity to nature and balance between private life and work. Finns consider both factors as key to their satisfaction. They also consider trust in institutions, little corruption and free access to health and education in the country to be important factors.

However, the country joined NATO in 2023, after decades of military neutrality. In August, Finland accused Moscow of orchestrating a migration crisis on its borders. As a result, it decided to close its border with Russia in November.

Conservative President Alexander Stubb is in favor of intensifying sanctions against Russia. Stubb considers that the country should not exclude “any part” of the alliance’s nuclear deterrence policy.

Sweden

Like Finland, it appears among the happiest countries in the world. Sweden occupies 4th place on the UN list. Bathed by the Baltic Sea, the Scandinavian country has 70% of its territory covered by forests, in addition to a large number of mountains, streams and lakes.

But Sweden also decided to follow the neighboring country’s path by leaving military neutrality aside. This year, the country officially joined NATO as the 32nd member of the military alliance. Sweden and Finland, although militarily close to the USA through membership in the European Union, have historically preferred to stay away from the alliance, formed during the Cold War against the Soviet Union.