Hungary struggles at the bottom in Europe's happiness ranking

In a survey conducted by Eurostat in 2022, Hungary emerged as the 22nd happiest country. The survey sheds light on the subjective well-being of EU countries, using a self-report method where individuals rate their life satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 10.

Factors influencing happiness

The results of recent Eurostat statistics published by the Independent prompt a closer examination of the factors influencing a country’s citizens’ life satisfaction. While Austria secures first place, Hungary’s position at the bottom sparks a conversation about the nation’s distinct circumstances. With an average score of 6.9, Hungary faces a happiness deficit compared to its EU counterparts, 24.hu reports. Austria claimed the top spot in the happiness rankings, boasting an average score of 7.9. Following closely behind is Romania, tied with Poland and Finland for second place, each with a score of 7.7. Notably, Bulgaria found itself at the bottom of the list with an average score of 5.6. Another notable change is Germany’s decline, dropping from 7.1 to 6.5 over the past year.

Income and satisfaction

The self-report method employed in the survey brings attention to the critical role of factors such as education, personal stability and financial well-being in shaping individuals’ perceptions of their lives. One intriguing aspect highlighted by the research is the positive correlation between satisfaction and low income in certain countries, such as Romania and Poland. This paradoxical finding emphasises the complexity of the relationship between subjective well-being and economic factors. It suggests that factors beyond financial stability contribute significantly to an individual’s overall happiness.

Lessons from the rankings

Eurostat stated that the goal is “to capture trends in the subjective well-being of European citizens”. Additionally, the study discovered that 9% of adults were “uninterested and withdrawn”, and that up to 20% of adults were “overwhelmed by anxiety”. The findings showed that the EU average is 7.1 percent, a level reached by two-thirds of member states. The rankings offer valuable insights into the nuances of happiness across the EU. They prompt reflection on the interconnectedness of various elements contributing to life satisfaction.

Happiness rankings across the EU

Here is a snapshot of the happiness rankings of EU countries based on the survey:

Austria: 7.9
Romania: 7.7
Poland: 7.7
Finland: 7.7
Belgium: 7.6
Netherlands: 7.6
Denmark: 7.5
Slovenia: 7.5
Czech Republic: 7.4
Ireland: 7.4
Malta: 7.4
Sweden: 7.4
Estonia: 7.2
Italy: 7.2
Cyprus: 7.2
Luxembourg: 7.2
Spain: 7.1
Lithuania: 7.1
France: 7.0
Portugal: 7.0
Slovakia: 7.0
Hungary: 6.9
Croatia: 6.8
Latvia: 6.8
Greece: 6.7
Germany: 6.5
Bulgaria: 5.6

Hungary in a global context

In a broader context, the World Happiness Report, published in March, reaffirmed Finland’s status as the happiest country in the world for the sixth consecutive year. Hungary, in contrast, found itself ranked 51st, indicating a disparity in global and regional happiness trends.

In conclusion, the happiness rankings offer a valuable glimpse into the well-being of EU nations, providing an opportunity for introspection and exploration of the complex factors influencing individual satisfaction and contentment.

Source: 24.hu