Finland; the happiest country that almost didn't exist

Finland is a sub-arctic state with a Scotland-sized population, ports that are ice-locked for half the year and a precarious land border with Russia. Yet, it’s also the world’s happiest country for eight years running, with the best education system, food security, low levels of child poverty, high levels of income equality and trust – both in government and one another. Helsinki folk were more likely to hand in a dropped wallet than any other world capital. Not bad for a country that almost ceased to exist in the 20th century after famine, civil war and invasion. What explains their incredible transformation?

This documentary was filmed by Inverness born Gavin Hanigan who lives in Helsinki and co-produced by Lesley and Gavin. 

Finland; the happiest country, will be screened around Scotland in Feb/March 2026 - dates and booking info below - after which it'll be posted on Youtube for general viewing.