The Rural Resurgence: Why Are Developed Countries Embracing a Simpler Life?

One inspiring example of Swiss rural living can be found in the Global Ecovillage Network called Suisse, Switzerland’s network of intentional communities and ecovillages. Across the country, more than 20 of these communities are connected in a national system in which people live in harmony with nature, share daily life, and support one another.

The Danish concept of “hygge” helps explain why many people are drawn to rural life. More than cozy moments by candlelight, hygge is about enjoying simple pleasures and meaningful connections. The Danish government supports this shift with programs for eco-friendly farming and nature-friendly homes.

Even in cities, forests and lakes are never far away. At the heart of this connection is the mökki, the simple summer cottage. Nearly half a million Finnish families have one.

At the heart of Swedish rural life lies “allemansrätten,” the freedom to roam. Beyond access to nature, Sweden leads in sustainable rural communities, such as Understenshöjden, where eco-villages have grown and people share more than space; they share a plan to live differently.

Satoyama is about country life and living in nature’s rhythm, with rice paddies stepping down hillsides, reflecting the sky, and forests providing seasonal foods and materials. The Japanese government has embraced this trend, viewing it as a solution to two pressing problems: urban overcrowding and rural decline. It’s offering abandoned houses, or “Akiya,” at extremely low cost, providing farming subsidies, and creating remote work hubs in rural areas.

From Denmark’s hygge-inspired communities to Japan’s satoyama villages, we’ve seen how this global movement is redefining what progress means in the modern world.