Photo Credit (Freepik)
Finland topped the World Happiness Report’s annual list of the happiest nations in the world in 2024, marking the seventh year in a straight that it has done so. However, not for those under 30.
Lithuanian flag
That honor went to Lithuania, which is surrounded by Russia, Belarus, Poland, and Latvia.
“If you look from the United States, it’s somewhere near Russia,” explains Junona Almonaitienė, an associate professor at Lithuanian University of Health Sciences’ department of health psychology. This region is frequently associated with danger.
“In 1990, Lithuania reclaimed its independence,” stated Antanas Kairys, an associate professor in Vilnius University’s general psychology department. “That indicates that while other age groups… encountered the harsh reality of [the] Soviet Union, young people under 30 have lived their entire lives in independent Lithuania.”
Since then, Lithuania’s economy has grown along with its standing as a “European cub,” with 2004 being a turning point in the country’s history when it joined NATO and the EU. Kairys stated, “I think the main factor of this happiness is that Lithuania is… strong, safe, and a modern democracy.” Lithuania has seen a significant transition of both its economy and society.
Other elements of the nation’s culture and customs, according to experts, may also contribute to young people’s happiness, including:
Individuals experience a sense of opportunity: According to Kairys, the economic expansion of Lithuania not only gives young people access to greater financial resources generally, but also opens up new avenues for their future.
They place a high value on spending time with friends and family: “In our country, family ties are still very strong,” Almonaitienė remarked. Lithuania is small enough that people can still readily travel back to their hometown even if they work or attend school elsewhere in the nation. Given the proven importance of social connections for overall wellbeing, it should come as no surprise that family ties contribute to the happiness of young people.
Thankfulness for their current situation: Kairys stated, “I think that I should mention that we have something to compare with… historically… youth can compare their own experience with experiences of parents or grandparents,” noting that the Soviet Union caused problems and hardship for the parents and grandparents of the younger generation.
Since the country’s neighbors frequently experience violence and instability, it is only natural to be appreciative of the nation’s upward direction. However, it also inspires individuals to make the most of what they have and to cherish it while it lasts.
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