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With its harsh winters and limited sunlight, it's only natural for the rest of the globe to wonder just what brings the Nordic country such persistent joy.
From free education to social benefits, there are a number of factors that may contribute to the nation's happiness — or contentedness, as locals would rather put it.
But whether it's satisfaction or true happiness Americans are chasing, it seems like Finland is onto something. Here are 11 things people do in Finland that Americans might find surprising — and some could provide valuable insight into unlocking a more comfortable life.
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Some parents leave their babies outside to nap while they shop or enjoy a meal.
In Helsinki, a woman pushes a baby's stroller through the snow.Alessandro Rampazzo/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Finnish government provides all expectant mothers and adoptive parents with the option to receive a baby box.
This gift box contains many of the same items as the Finnish government's Baby Box, like clothes, a brush, and blankets.Netrun78/Shutterstock
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They go to college for free.
Helsinki University of Technology.DEA/ARCHIVIO J. LANGE/De Agostini/Getty Images
Many Finnish families will vacation in summer cottages without running water or electricity.
A lakeside cabin in the woods in Finland.MDowningUK/Shutterstock
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Finns drink more coffee than anyone else in the world.
A cup of coffee.Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images
In Finland, it's normal to use a public sauna completely naked.
Tools for a hotel sauna in Helsinki.Sergi Reboredo/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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Wife carrying is a unique sport that originated in Finland.
The 2017 Wife Carrying World Championships took place in Sonkajäervi, Finland.Timo Hartikainen/AFP via Getty Images
Finns buy most of their alcohol from government-owned liquor stores.
A person holds a bottle of vodka at Alko, the Finnish national liquor store, in 2007.GAEL BRANCHEREAU/AFP via Getty Images
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Finnish people typically don't interrupt each other's conversations, and they're comfortable with silence.
People enjoy outdoor dining at a café in Turku, Finland, alongside the River Aura Aurajoki.Sergi Reboredo/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Finland believes incarceration should be about rehabilitation.
An inmate lies in his cell in the Saramaki prison in Turku, Finland in 2008.RONI LEHTI/Stringer/AFP via Getty Images
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They eat reindeer.
Reindeer meat on mashed potatoes with berries.VW Pics/Universal Image Group via Getty Images