Cyprus has ranked first among European countries in terms of youth unhappiness, according to the latest European Social Survey report (ESS 2023/24).
Survey participants rated their level of happiness on a scale from 0 (absolutely unhappy) to 10 (extremely happy). In the 15 to 34 age group, Cypriot youth scored an average of 7 out of 10, which was the lowest among the 24 European countries surveyed.
The report's authors note that declining levels of life satisfaction may reflect the social and economic pressures young people in Cyprus face - from high housing prices and unemployment to limited career prospects and feelings of insecurity.
At the opposite end of the ranking are the countries of Central and Northern Europe, where young people show the highest levels of happiness. Among the leaders: Croatia - 8.2 points (the highest score in Europe), Slovenia - 8 and Austria - 8.
These countries consistently rank at the top of well-being ratings, which researchers attribute to high-quality social policies, affordable education and a more stable labor market.
The study also revealed interesting trends between men and women in different age groups across Europe. Among men, the level of happiness gradually decreases with age: 7.5 in the group 15–34 years old and the same in older ages, but with a tendency to a slight decrease.
For women, the picture is different: middle-aged participants (35-54 years old) were the most satisfied with life - 7.6 points, while young (15-34 years old) and older (55+) women noted slightly lower indicators - 7.6 and 7.4, respectively.
Experts believe that the youth of Cyprus face a number of systemic problems: rising costs of living and rental housing, limited job opportunities, social isolation and pressure from the digital environment, a sense of injustice and insufficient support from the state.
Sociologists warn that these trends may affect not only the psychological state of the generation, but also its participation in the economy and public life of the country.
Source: alphanews.live
