My miserable week in the “happiest country on earth”

A New York Times Magazine writer visited Finland in one of its gloomiest months.

View in browser|nytimes.com May 16, 2025 For eight years running, Finland has been rated the world's happiest country by the World Happiness Report — but what exactly does it measure? One writer went there to find out. Catherine Hyland for The New York Times Does Finland really know the secret to happiness? → Sign Up for The Great Read On weekdays and Sundays, we recommend one piece of exceptional writing from The Times — a narrative or essay that takes you someplace you might not expect to go. Get it in your inbox If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times. To stop receiving From The Times, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018