In this week’s travel news: Southwest Airlines’ controversial new seating policy, along with the United States ranking low among the world’s most peaceful countries.
It is also Labor Day weekend in the US, when the huge volume of travelers could put pressure on an aviation system that has recently faced IT outages. On a brighter note, there’s still time to discover America’s underrated but beautiful islands.
Finland – The Land of Happiness
The Nordic nation of Finland, famous for its thousands of lakes, vast forests, and stunning natural landscapes, has once again been named the happiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report. Finland has held this position for many consecutive years, affirming the quality of life and satisfaction of its citizens.
This index, produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), ranks 163 independent countries and territories based on criteria such as societal safety, levels of domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization. Finland not only tops the happiness index but is also among the world’s most peaceful countries – proof of its stability and security.
So, what have Finland and the other countries in the top five – Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway – done to achieve this? According to the Global Peace Index report:
“The key to building peace in times of conflict and uncertainty is Positive Peace: the attitudes, institutions, and structures that create and sustain peaceful societies.”
The report also emphasizes:
“Positive Peace is strongly correlated with higher GDP growth, lower interest rates, better societal wellbeing, and greater resilience to shocks.”
Finland is a prime example of successfully applying these principles, building a prosperous and peaceful society.
How the Rest of the World Stacks Up
Since the creation of the Global Peace Index in 2008, the average country score has deteriorated by 5.4%. The gap between the most and least peaceful nations has also widened by 11.7% during this period. The 2025 report notes:
“The world is facing a violent conflict crisis. There were 59 state-based conflicts in 2023, the highest number since the end of World War II.”
For the first time, Russia has been ranked as the least peaceful country in the world, followed by Ukraine.
The United States ranks low, in 128th place, behind Honduras, Bangladesh, and Uganda. This is mainly due to its high level of militarization, which places it near the bottom, alongside North Korea (149), Israel (155), Ukraine (162), and Russia (163).
France is the most militarized nation in Western and Central Europe, while South America is the only region that recorded an improvement in peacefulness. Peru and Argentina made the strongest improvements, while Canada and Costa Rica are the most peace-loving nations in Central and South America.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the most peaceful countries were Mauritius, Botswana, and Namibia, all of which have thriving tourism industries attracting honeymooners, wildlife lovers, and adventure travelers.
Destination Inspiration
Finland is not only a peaceful and happy nation but also an inspiring travel destination. With its vast forests, thousands of pristine lakes, and untouched Arctic landscapes, it offers unique experiences for travelers.
You can explore Oulanka National Park with its majestic waterfalls, admire the beauty of Lake Saimaa, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Helsinki.
If you’re into four-wheeled adventures, consider a road trip across Finland through its scenic lakeside and forest roads. The country’s diverse landscapes provide stunning views and unforgettable memories. And don’t forget to bring a good travel coffee mug to fully enjoy your journey.
Beyond the Rankings: The Finnish Way of Life
Finland’s consistent success in happiness and peace is rooted in its culture and societal values. The concept of sisu – resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity – plays an important role. This inner strength, combined with a strong sense of community, trust, and equality, fosters lasting well-being.
Nature is an inseparable part of Finnish life. With over 70% of its land covered by forests and 188,000 lakes, Finns have a deep connection with the outdoors. Foraging for mushrooms and berries, ice swimming, and cross-country skiing are not just hobbies but part of their lifestyle.
Another iconic element is the sauna. With around 3 million saunas for 5.5 million people, it is not just a place to bathe but a sacred space for relaxation, reflection, and social bonding. Experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna, often followed by a cold lake plunge, is essential to understanding the Finnish way of life.
Other unique experiences include staying in glass igloos under the Northern Lights in Lapland or embarking on a husky safari through snowy forests. In summer, the Midnight Sun brings endless daylight, perfect for exploring the archipelago or relaxing at a lakeside cottage. Combined with the warmth and hospitality of the Finnish people, Finland becomes an unforgettable destination.
The Foundations of Success: Education and Innovation
Finland’s achievements go beyond natural beauty and peaceful society – it is also a global leader in education and innovation.
The Finnish education system is consistently ranked among the best in the world, with a philosophy of equity, highly qualified teachers, and holistic learning. Instead of focusing heavily on standardized testing, schools emphasize personal development, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. This fosters a love of learning and equips students with essential skills for a rapidly changing world.
Education drives a strong innovation ecosystem. Finland is a hub for technological advancements, particularly in AI, quantum computing, and sustainable solutions. It is also the birthplace of global innovations such as the Linux operating system and the modern text message. Strong collaboration between the public and private sectors has created an environment where new ideas thrive and transform into real-world impact.
Unique Traditions and Festivals
Beyond sauna culture, Finland also has quirky traditions and festivals that reflect its distinctive character.
-
Wife Carrying World Championships: a humorous yet physically demanding contest attracting participants from around the world.
-
Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships: where contestants compete to see who can throw an old phone the farthest.
These seemingly eccentric events reveal the Finnish sense of humor and their ability to find joy in simple things.
Traditional celebrations include:
-
Midsummer (Juhannus): when Finns retreat to summer cottages, light bonfires, enjoy saunas, and celebrate under the endless daylight.
-
Christmas Eve: a cherished family occasion involving lighting candles at cemeteries to honor loved ones, followed by a festive dinner – and, of course, a sauna.
These customs – whether ancient or modern – shape the Finnish way of life: practical, nature-centered, and appreciative of shared experiences, forming the foundation of happiness and well-being in this remarkable Nordic nation.
