Why Free (and Cheap) Stuff May Be Key to Happiness in Finland

The first video in my series on the world's happiest country is now live.

Photo: Jon Santiago

In most places, access to art and culture has a price. The good stuff sits behind a paywall most people can’t afford.

Finland, though, felt different to me.

In this first video of my series on exploring why Finland continues to be ranked the happiest country in the world, I showcase something that kept coming up as I spent nearly a month living in Helsinki: free, accessible community spaces. I reflect on what they might actually be doing for people’s wellbeing.

I spent time with Jaakko Blomberg, a community organizer behind Helsinki Urban Art, who spearheaded the transformation of a Soviet-inspired neighborhood in East Helsinki into an open-air gallery featuring artists from all over the world.

I also wandered into a neighborhood flea market that nobody officially organized and talked to residents there about how an event like this comes together.

This is Episode 1 of a five-part series. Watch the full video below, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.