Finland named world’s happiest country for ninth consecutive year

Finland has been named the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in the United Nations’ 2026 World Happiness Report.

 

The UN’s latest report examines the impact of digital connectivity and social media on wellbeing, noting that excessive screen time can negatively effect mental health.

 

Following the win, Visit Finland has launched the Chill Like a Finn Challenge, a global competition inviting pairs of travellers from across the world to apply to win a seven-day holiday in Finland’s Lakeland, one of Europe’s largest lake regions.

 

Heli Jimenez, Senior Director, International Marketing at Visit Finland, said: "The message from Finland is simple: happiness starts with switching off, preferably somewhere by a lake and far away from notifications."

 

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The Chill Like a Finn Challenge winners will experience a digital detox in Finland this summer with a curated itinerary of lakeside cottage living, traditional Finnish saunas, nature and forest immersion and lake swims.

 

To enter, pairs of travellers must take part in the social media challenge on Instagram or TikTok, posting a video to introduce themselves and answer the question: What do you imagine a Finnish summer holiday in Lakeland would look like? Entrant should use the hashtag #ChillLikeAFinn and tag @ourfinland on Instagram or @visitfinland.com on TikTok, and then fill in the application form adding a link to their social media post. The deadline for entries is 29 March 2026.

 

“In Finland, we don’t really chase happiness, we tend to find it in small, ordinary moments,” adds Jimenez. “When life feels overwhelming, sometimes the best way to feel better is simply to slow down, step outside and chill a little, like a Finn.”

 

For more information, visit www.visitfinland.com/en/chill-like-a-finn