Finland, the world's happiest country, is often considered a top spot for retirement.

Finland ranks as the happiest country in Gallup's World Happiness Report and is noted for strong public services, high safety rankings, and abundant nature — factors the article cites as reasons retirees often consider it appealing.

Finland is presented as an appealing option for retirement because of its emphasis on wellbeing, equality, and accessible public services. The country is ranked the happiest nation by Gallup's World Happiness Report and is listed third for safety by the Global Peace Index for 2025. The article highlights outdoor life, cultural offerings in cities such as Helsinki, Turku and Tampere, and year-round activities from saunas to national parks. It also describes public healthcare, tax differences, seasonal weather, and cost-of-living comparisons with the United States. Key facts: - Finland is ranked as the happiest country by Gallup's World Happiness Report and placed third for safety on the Global Peace Index for 2025. - Public healthcare is available to permanent residents with generally high quality, though in-office waits can be long and non-urgent specialist treatment may take up to six months. - Private healthcare and private insurance are commonly used by some expatriates to obtain faster specialist care; English-speaking doctors are widely available. - The climate has four distinct seasons: long, snowy winters and mild summers with long daylight hours (summer temperatures described around 65–71°F). - Cost-of-living notes include an average rent for a one-bedroom in central Helsinki around 790 euros (about $913) and a general statement that groceries can be cheaper while transportation tends to be more expensive than in the U.S. - Taxes are reported as higher in Finland than in the U.S.; the article cites a 2024 top combined national and municipal rate of 51.4% (above a stated U.S. top marginal rate of 37%), and it notes a U.S.–Finland Totalization Agreement that affects Social Security taxation. Summary: The article links Finland's high rankings for happiness and safety with public services, accessible nature, and cultural life as reasons retirees often view it as attractive. It notes trade-offs such as long winters, higher taxes, and possible wait times in public healthcare, and it mentions international travel connections from Helsinki. Undetermined at this time.