Honesty. Simplicity. Contentment.

Honesty, individuality, and a penchant for the simple things in life have long characterized the people of Finland. As a nation, they take great pride in cultivating relationships and fostering individual freedom.

By U.S. standards, the Finnish population is quite small. By the end of 2002, it had reached 5,206,295, a number far less than found in New York City alone. Females slightly outnumber males, and as of 2002, 103,682 foreigners were calling Finland home - Russians and Estonians representing the largest ethnic groups.

The average height of Finnish women is 165 cm (about 5 feet 5 and a half inches), and for men it is 178 cm (slightly over 5 feet 10 inches).

A recent Finnish survey ranked the nation’s top happiness factors. Some of the findings might be surprising, especially to many Americans and others living in highly civilized western cultures.

Finns ranked having a roof over one’s head as the number one factor contributing to happiness. This is not surprising when you consider the Finnish proverb: “Your own home is as precious as gold.” Sunny weather ranked second, also not terribly shocking considering Finland is often characterized by long, dark winter winters.

Happiness factor number three was an honest relationship, followed by a closely related number four: a trusting relationship. Number five revealed something about Finn’s innate independence of mind; it was simply the freedom to be oneself. - No mention thus far of money or worldly possessions apart from the initial roof over one’s head.

Number six was a freshly cleaned home; fitting for culture that prides itself on tidiness. Subsequent factors included: friendship, and gestures/words, actions, fidelity, and security in a relationship.