As reindeer meander through dense northern forests.

For the eighth year in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world.

It seems that Finnish people are relatively satisfied with their lives.

And it's quite much has to do with that we have quite a well functioning society, so the democracy is functioning well, so we have free elections, free speech, low levels of corruption, and all of these have been shown to predict higher levels of national levels of well-being.

While the country's high happiness score can be explained by the presence of civil liberties, a welfare state or wealth redistribution, many are quick to point out another key element.

I think coming from England, I think the thing that stands out for me in Finland is the emphasis on nature. It seems like everyone's a lot more in touch with nature.

I'd say that especially now that the sun is shining, nature is an important part of that happiness.

As usual, Nordic countries scored highly in the happiness report, which creates its ranking using survey data from the past three years, along with measures of GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption.

But according to the report's editor in chief, this year's figures show a pointed increase in anxiety around the world.

The larger political turbulence, shall we say, these days, does very much play a role.

And we pick this up in the negative emotions around anxiety, worry, stress.

The degree that people worry has increased extraordinarily.

The United States fell to 24th on the list, its worst score since the World Happiness Report was first published in 2012.

France came in at only 33rd place, despite French emphasis on shared meals, which the scientists have identified is one of the secrets to happiness.