This report of the Finnish Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN-Fin) presents a review of statistics
and research on poverty in Finland, highlighting the experiences of people in poverty
and the views of EAPN-Fin on how poverty might be reduced.
In 2022, the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion in Finland was the fourth lowest in the entire European Union. While international comparisons indicate that Finland has a relatively low poverty rate and is the happiest country in the world as based on the UN Happiness Index, more than 15% of the population is at risk of poverty or exclusion, struggling every day to make ends meet and live a life of dignity on a low income.
EAPN-Fin stresses that people with experience of poverty must be heard and their views must be taken into consideration when policy decisions are made. An equal society needs the contribution of people who have experienced contemporary poverty, as decision-makers, researchers and experts.
"Sometimes when you have to think about what basic foodstuffs you have to give up to pay for the medicines you need, or when you have to give up buying medicines to be able to put food on the table for the children."
