Where in the World Do the Happiest Women Live and What Do They Eat?

In 2024, according to the World Happiness Report, which country was named the world’s happiest for the seventh year in a row?

Here are a few hints:

1. It’s known as Land of a Thousand Lakes

2. It’s one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights

3. About 75% of its land is covered in forest

If you guessed, Finland, you’re right!

On the flipside, the US took a little tumble in their ranking and went from 15th to 23rd.

So, what's the secret behind Finnish women's happiness? And does what they eat play a role?

The Happiness Factor

Finnish women, along with men, consistently report high levels of life satisfaction. This happiness could be due to a mix of things that Finland provides:

1. Strong social support systems

2. High levels of trust in government and institutions

3. Low corruption rates

4. Free education from daycare to university

5. A strong connection to nature

The Nordic Diet: Fuel for Happiness?

All five Nordic countries (Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland) are ranked within the top 10 on the World Happiness Report.

While happiness isn't simply about what you eat, it’s not far-fetched to say that the Nordic diet can absolutely contribute to overall wellbeing.

So, how can you eat like the happiest women in the world? Here are some of the key elements of the Nordic diet:

1. Berries

   Bilberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries provide a wealth of antioxidants and vitamins.

2. Fish

   Cold-water fish like salmon and herring, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These are important for heart health and managing inflammation.

3. Whole Grains

   Rye, barley and oats form the foundation of many meals, offering fiber and sustained energy.

4. Root Vegetables

   Carrots, turnips, and beets add color, nutrients, and hearty flavors to Finnish cuisine.

5. Fermented Foods

   Probiotic rich foods like yogurt and pickled vegetables support gut health.

Health Stats That Back it Up

Looks like the Nordic diet and lifestyle seem to be working wonders for Finnish women's health:

• Only 22.5% of adult women in Finland are living with obesity compared to 41.3% of adult women in the US

• Only 4.4% of adult women in Finland have diabetes (take that, sugar!) compared to 13.7% of adult women in the US

• Women are living with an average life expectancy of 84.19 years in Finland, compared to 80.2 years in the US

The Secret Recipe for Happiness?

The happiest women in the world are in Finland, savoring plates of wild salmon, unwinding in their saunas, connecting to nature, and feeling safe with a government that has their backs. Is this the secret recipe to happiness?

One thing’s for sure - Finland’s onto something, and we should pay attention!