Happiness statistics: Hungary ranks among the least happy nations – Here’s why!

Many people think of happiness as an abstract feeling, but in reality, there are many concrete factors that influence how satisfied we are with our lives. NN Longevity’s research shows that happiness levels in Hungary are not only low but have continued to decline in recent years.

The results of the NN Longevity research show that there is a strong link between happiness and financial security. The level of happiness among the Hungarian population is low not only in comparison with Western Europe but also with neighbouring countries. The average score on a 10-point scale is only 5.4 in Hungary, below 6.4 in Romania, for instance.

According to Pénzcentrum, this figure suggests that the state of mind of the country’s inhabitants is among the worst in the region. The picture is even more pessimistic when it comes to the outlook for future happiness, whereas Hungary also comes bottom. While Hungarian respondents expect to be 5.9 points happier in ten years’ time, the figure is much higher in the rest of the region, with Romanians, for example, predicting a score of 7.

Different factors in happiness

The research shows that happiness does not simply decline with age. Although young people aged 18-34 are the happiest, with an average score of 5.8, they are not followed by middle-aged people. Those aged 50-64 were slightly happier than those aged 35-49, who scored an average of 5.3.

However, this group, which should traditionally be at the height of their careers and financial stability, is carrying a heavier burden than expected. The least happy generation is the over 65s, with a happiness score of just 5.2. This finding suggests that financial and health insecurity in old age has a major impact on quality of life.

The analysis also shows that financial stability plays a crucial role in happiness. Hungarian respondents who have at least six months’ savings feel significantly happier than those who have no savings. A sense of financial insecurity significantly reduces happiness levels: those with no more than three months’ savings scored an average of 4.8 points, while those with six months’ savings scored 6.4 points.

According to Portfolio, respondents also showed a significant difference in their self-assessment, with those with money set aside giving themselves an average score of 6.7, compared to an average of 5.1 for those without a reserve. This suggests that financial stability is a key determinant not only of financial welfare but also of psychological well-being.