"World Happiness Report" (World Happiness Report) every year it publishes a ranking of the happiest countries in the world. Finland won it for the seventh year in a row first place in the overall standings.

But for people under 30, the first place went to Lithuania.

– I think it can be surprising. When you look from the US perspective, it is somewhere close to Russia, an area that is often associated with danger - said Junona Almonaitie, an associate professor at the department of health psychology at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences.

- Lithuania regained its independence not so long ago - it was 1990 - said Antanas Kairis, associate professor at the department of general psychology at Vilnius University.

"This means that people under the age of 30 spent their entire lives in independent Lithuania, while other age groups ... experienced the harsh reality of the Soviet Union."

Since then, Lithuania's economy has improved along with national relations – the country joined NATO and became a member of the European Union in 2004.

- Lithuania experienced a really strong transformation of its economy and society, and I think the main factor for this happiness is that Lithuania is a strong, safe and modern democracy - Kyris said.

But other aspects of a country's culture and norms help foster happiness in young people. Below, experts outline several reasons why Lithuania is the best country for under 30s, writes The Huffington Post.

1. People feel they have an opportunity

According to Kairis, Lithuania's economic growth not only means that young people generally have more money, but also creates future opportunities for them.

– This means that they have the opportunity to study, travel, choose activities in their free time and, in fact, if you look at the capital of Lithuania – Vilnius – you see young people everywhere and they are doing what they want to do – Kairis noted.

Another big driver is education, which allows Lithuanians to learn new skills and start different careers.

- We have a really high level of people from college or with a high degree - Kyris said.

2. Their priority is the time spent with family and loved ones

- Family ties are still very strong in our country - emphasized Almonaitie.

In fact, many young people live with their parents. If they work or go to school in another part of the country, Lithuania is small enough that they can still easily visit their hometown.

Additionally, elderly Lithuanians are known to be protective of their children, Almonaitie said.

- It is a kind of insurance - young people always know that they can rely on their parents financially - she said.

It is well established that social connections are critical to their well-being, so it is not surprising that family connections contribute to the happiness of young people.

Kyris said that if you lack social connections in your life, start by joining a volunteer group or taking up a hobby that you can do with others. This is one way to meet people and cultivate meaningful relationships.

- If we are talking about people who have a lot of social connections, then we should probably think about the depth of the connections, because it is not the quantity that matters, but the quality - Kyris said.

Gregory Sullivan, program director of the Master's Program in Positive Coaching and Athletic Leadership at the University of Missouri, previously described this type of relationship as "friend at 3am", meaning someone you can call for help or advice in the middle of the night.

3. They have gratitude for their current circumstances

Comparison is often known as the thief of joy. Think about it: When you scroll through social media and see a seemingly perfect family in a huge house, you're probably looking at your smaller, messier home from the side. But in the case of young people in Lithuania, Kairis said the comparison can actually fuel their joy.

- I think I should mention that the young people can compare their own experience with the experiences of their parents or grandparents - he said, adding that the parents and grandparents of the young people had to go through a problematic and difficult time with the Soviet Union.

"And we also have some neighboring countries where there is much less freedom and opportunities, and that creates an opportunity for comparison and a feeling that we live quite well," Kairis added.

4. They live in the moment

With neighboring countries often experiencing conflict and unrest, a sense of gratitude for the country's upward trajectory is only natural. But it also helps people appreciate what they have and encourages them to make the most of it while they can, by doing the most while they can.

- There are also sociological studies that show that many people in Lithuania feel stressed because of the war because they are afraid of a possible invasion. But what they usually do is try to live their lives right now, and not postpone the good things for the future - Almonaitie said.

While it's easy to think that eventually you'll take that dream trip or learn that new hobby in the future, allowing yourself to do those things now can help you feel happier.

Happiness doesn't just happen, it has to be nurtured – and some of the factors that help people feel good are beyond your control.