FINLAND - Happiest People on Earth
Finns tend to accept the accolade of supreme happiness, bestowed on them by the UN’s World Happiness Report in March 2025 for the eighth time in a row, with a collective shrug and eye roll. But Finnish travel operators are celebrating as travelers increasingly make the connection between Finland and happiness, hoping to come and experience that Finnish brand of happiness for themselves.
They feel “happiness” isn’t really the right word. Instead, “contentment,” “fulfillment” or “life satisfaction” are widely considered more appropriate terms. As Finnish President Alexander Stubb recently posted on Facebook: “No one can be happy all the time, and sometimes circumstance makes it difficult. But getting the basics right—security, freedom and equality—is a good start.”
The Report’s findings are based on Gallup poll scores for inequality (or absence thereof), social support, GDP per capita, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, perceptions of corruption, positive emotions, and willingness to donate and volunteer.
-www.bbc.com, 17 April 2025
Arno's Commentary
This annual report by the United Nations keeps finding that the northern European states are on top. Surprisingly, Israel is listed at number 8, despite being involved in wars with various terrorist organizations—Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
The report lists Germany at 22nd, the UK at 23rd, and the USA in 24th place.
Regarding Christianity, Wikipedia writes, “Self-identification with Christianity has been steadily declining in Finland.” That is the same in virtually all European states. The abundance of luxury, peace, and prosperity is often a contributing factor toward a decrease in interest in the Creator.
When Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:1, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come,” it is often applied to the world. In reality, it is meant for the Church. In the next three verses, Paul enumerates 18 characteristics of end-time Christian, which incidentally is three times six (6+6+6). He then summarizes, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (verse 5). Religious people, but not Christians by faith in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.
