Finns often wonder, why Finland has been voted the happiest country in the world. This is usually questioned by people who have not travelled much. Sometimes you have to go far away to be able to see what is close.
Finland has a remarkable natural environment. The peace of the forest is almost overwhelming and has a calming effect on a stressed mind. A friend of mine from Cape Verde was amazed that Finland has nearly 200,000 lakes (about 190,000 lakes or ponds with a surface area of at least 500 square meters) (pedanet.fi).
Finnish tap water is so clean that it can be used to clean a wound. In many countries, this is not possible.
Finnish identity has changed over time. Finns are no longer as honest or trustworthy as they once were, but they still value these qualities in others. A strong sense of justice remains an essential part of being Finnish.
My sense of being Finnish is beautifully expressed in a song by Olli Halonen: “I gaze at the shore of my cottage, and I simply love these nights of Playa de Finlandia.” (I used AI chek my english)
My “Playa de Finlandia”
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