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 Additionally, the study discovered that 9% of adults were “uninterested and withdrawn”, and that up to 20% of adults were “overwhelmed by anxiety”.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

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11 Comments

Michael Steiner says:

13/12/2023 at 07:53

That is a shame because Hungary is safe, cheap (yes, even for earners of “Hungarian salaries”), and has great food and decent weather. The grass is always greener, etc. but when you have to pay $100+ per month just to heat your home and have to fear for your life walking down the streets of your own city, you soon realize that you had it very, very good in Hungary.
Victor's Paradox says:

13/12/2023 at 09:04

And yet Victor remains the hero of Hungary. How is that possible if not for the out of country voters, living where happiness rate is higher?
Another Voice says:

13/12/2023 at 12:33

Oh Michael, sometimes it is so obvious that you have not or have never been to Hungary in the last 5 years. Rents have tripled, house prices have quadrupled, and grocery prices are higher than Italy and Austria. Your dream of a perfect cheap Hungary is long past. Utility prices are as high as the U.S. and auto prices as well. Also, I don’t know many people that “fear for their lives” walking down the street in their cities, in the U.S or Canada or wherever it is you actually live.
Norbert says:

13/12/2023 at 14:09

@michaelsteiner – do not know when you were in Hungary last, but “cheap” is not the word I would currently use.

We have had (and are still experiencing) pretty significant inflation, regardless of Politician spin. Walking into a supermarket, tossing your basket full of what you think you would like and turning up a the cash register can be a shock. Lunch at West End or wherever, grabbing a coffee or going to a movie – bring plenty HUF. Very necessary.
Ricsi says:

13/12/2023 at 14:20

Looks like Mutti Merkels massive influx of illegals,and now the loss of cheap reliable energy are having an eye opening effect in Germany.
Also Michael Steiner comment is a perfect summary.
JustMe says:

13/12/2023 at 14:36

Michael Steiner are you sure Hungary is cheap? Most Hungarians who live abroad find it quite expensive and that can’t be a coincidence. Normally everything is cheaper or roughly the same in Manchester except services, but CPI wise that totally checks out. You would be shocked to see food prices in Hungary….
Larry says:

13/12/2023 at 15:38

Part of Hungarians’ unhappiness is cultural. Hungarians love to complain and bicker and have always had one of the highest suicide rates. Michael Steiner is delusional as far as claiming prices are low in Hungary. Energy prices in Hungary are far higher than in North America paying high prices for Russian oil and gas and then putting taxes on top of that. I’m in Hungary several times a year and I shop there, I tank the family car, I get shocked with restaurant prices. The only bargain left is the BKK. At least that isn’t controlled by Fidesz.
MA says:

14/12/2023 at 00:04

Hungary is not cheap. A cup cappuccino is now more expensive than in Paris in most places. You go to KFC and it 10€ plus for a meal. Groceries prices are out of control. And as Larry said the unhappiness here is cultural, Budapest has an amazing transit system compared to many cities and yet locals complain, But then again they way some people are with each other there is a lot to be unhappy about..
Garry Clayton says:

15/12/2023 at 10:46

I’ve been going to Hungary twice a year since 2004.
It uses t to be relatively cheap for food and drinks.
I’m from London and it’s just not the same capital and has definitely changed.
The transport infrastructure has been upgraded, and it’s spa complexs also, but food and restaurants are now on a par with London. I know Hungarian have very poor wages, so they tend only to eat out for very especially occasions.
Miles says:

19/12/2023 at 12:02

I’ve lived in Budapest for 1 year and i can see how depressed everybody is. Somebody charged me equivalent 10 EU for a coffee the other day, and now I plan to leave. Im in a specialist highly skilled job, but despise the government and am ashamed to live there , so I will leave. Most Hungarians I know who are smart and educated / speak another language plan on leaving too . The price controls and crazy inflation, terrible governance, anti LGBTQ and anti Ukraine measures are too much to bear. Saddest place in Europe I have seen, quite grimy, rather gross amoral government too.

It’s certainly gotten more cosmopolitan over the years – good food options etc, but that’s not enough. People don’t seem to have any purpose. Everybody is dour, unfriendly, any service seems to be doing you a favor,,with few exceptions. And the prices are disgusting now. No thanks.
Freedomofspeech says:

19/12/2023 at 16:52

If you had enough of woke propaganda, crime and sleezy politicians, Hungary is the place. Eurostat seems to have issues with reality.