Regional happiness survey shows low satisfaction in Oulu and Kanta-Häme

A recent survey by Kuntarahoitus examining regional happiness across Finland reveals significant disparities in life satisfaction among residents of different cities and provinces.

In Oulu, residents reported low levels of happiness, ranking 18th out of 22 Finnish cities surveyed. Similarly, the Kanta-Häme region and residents of Hämeenlinna recorded lower-than-average satisfaction levels. In Hämeenlinna, the average score was 7.41 on a 1–10 scale, while Kanta-Häme ranked as the second lowest among the 18 mainland provinces.

For residents in Hämeenlinna, health was identified as the most critical factor for happiness, cited by 90.6 percent of respondents. Other significant factors included the freedom to make personal choices and the importance of family and relatives. In contrast, community involvement and financial wealth were rated as less vital to personal well-being.

On the higher end of the spectrum, residents in South Ostrobothnia and North Savo were identified as the happiest in the country.