Finland is world's best country, study finds
- The Times
- August 18, 2010
FOR much of its history it has been - in the words of Monty Python - "so sadly neglected, so often ignored/ A close second to Belgium, when going abroad".
No longer. Yesterday Finland and its people were celebrating recognition. The place so near to Russia and so far from Japan has just been declared the best country in the world by a panel of economists and social policy experts assembled by the magazine Newsweek.
"We are thrilled," Alexander Stubb, Finland's Foreign Minister said. "A lot of people probably knew Finland was one of the most competitive countries in the world. A lot know we have a high ranked education system. But the fact thatNewsweek gave us the best rank overall is cause to have a couple of pints."
The magazine measured countries according to education, health, quality of life, economic competitiveness and political environment. Finland was first, ahead of Switzerland, Sweden and Australia. The United States languished in 11th place, Britain came 14th.
Their success, however, is still so often ignored. Aki Riihilahti, a midfield player for the national football team, (who once played for Crystal Palace), said: "In many ways it's a well kept secret that we are actually quite exceptional."The Finns were found to be a dynamic bunch, though it was their success in education that set them apart. Asked how many children failed to complete school in her city, a Finnish district official told the magazine: "I can tell you their names if you want."
He noted Finland's education, infrastructure and clean environment. He also pointed out that if the world ran out of clean drinking water, Finland could become a superpower. "We have thousands and thousands of lakes," he said. Then there is the Finnish personality: "very results orientated and very honest", said Mr Riihilahti. He also thought Finnish handshakes were among the best in the world.
(The Australian)
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