Finland is the world's happiest country – Helsinki can also hold its own in international comparisons

Once again, Finland took first place in the annual World Happiness Report. This marks the eighth time in a row that Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world. 

As the capital of the happiest country in the world, Helsinki has also done well in international comparisons in the past few years.

Most sustainable tourist destination in the world 2024

Helsinki ranked number one in the 2024 international Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) index, which measures the sustainability of travel destinations. The index measures the sustainability of tourist destinations in four categories, including environmental performance, supplier chains, destination management and social sustainability.

The comparison includes more than one hundred cities all around the globe, all investing in sustainability. Helsinki has placed well in the sustainability index in previous years, as well: we ranked fourth in 2023.

Helsinki was also awarded the Green Destinations GSTC certificate in March 2025. Helsinki is the first city with more than 500,000 residents to be certified as such. 

The certification observes the world’s strictest sustainable tourism criteria specified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), which covers city activities in terms of the environment as well as cultural, social and economic sustainability and sustainable governance. Earning the Green Destinations GSTC certification is proof of Helsinki’s extraordinary commitment to promoting sustainability.

European City of the Year 2024

Helsinki was crowned the European City of the Year in 2024. Helsinki’s strengths included investments in the well-being of residents as well as housing and social policy. Helsinki’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality in 2030, public transport and the closure of the Hanasaari coal power plant were also mentioned as grounds for the award. 

European City of the Year is one of the annual Urbanism Awards granted by the Academy of Urbanism in London. 

UNICEF Child-Friendly Municipality 2024

In 2024, Helsinki became the first Nordic capital to be recognised as a Child-Friendly Municipality by UNICEF. The Child-Friendly Municipality framework is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The model identifies which areas of the Rights of the Child the city needs to develop and defines what the city should do to maximise the implementation of the Rights of the Child. 

The UNICEF Child-Friendly Municipality recognition is valid for two years. Child-Friendly Municipality work is part of the City of Helsinki’s work to promote health and well-being and the City’s Welfare Plan.

Fifth most liveable city in the world

Helsinki was ranked the fifth most liveable city in the world in 2024 by the Economist. Helsinki placed high in quality of life due to excellent infrastructure, safety, healthcare and environment.

World’s most sustainable smart mobility

Helsinki ranked high in the 2024 Urban Mobility Readiness Index, especially when it came to sustainable mobility and the use of electric cars. Smart mobility in Helsinki can be characterised as the world’s most sustainable. 

Helsinki is part of a group of cities that promotes the introduction of electric buses and other modes of electric transport. Helsinki is also known for employing innovative mobility solutions and investments in electrifying transport and sustainable development. 

Future-ready city

Helsinki was ranked one of the world’s leading cities in terms of readiness for the future in the From Future Vision to Urban Reality study by ThoughtLab. The study assessed 250 cities all over the world, and Helsinki was identified as an excellent example of a future-facing city.

Helsinki's digital twin, which can be described as the best in the world, received special praise. Forum Virium Helsinki has been involved in the development of the City of Helsinki’s digital twin from the very beginning.

Helsinki also ranked among the top cities in comparisons assessing public transport, quality of life, equality and the possibilities of achieving work-life balance between leisure time and family life or work.