On the eve of 2023, the belief that it would not be possible to return to pre-pandemic living conditions resulted in an unusual differentiation of public expectations for the future around the world. In the midst of the cheapness of human existence, where pessimism reigns, the loss of economic prosperity and the threats of the use of nuclear weapons are thrown against each other, happiness has not disappeared; became the most intimate as a powerful reminder of his identity. The results of the traditional year-end Global Happiness Survey conducted by BAREM with the Gallup International Association (GIA) in 34 countries, including Turkey, are remarkable.
BAREM's research with GIA with nearly 36 thousand people reveals that 54 percent of people are very happy or happy. Although happiness still prevails in the majority of people in different countries around the world, there has been a continuous downward trend compared to recent years. More than one-tenth consider themselves very unhappy or unhappy, while one-third consider themselves neither happy nor unhappy.
Happiness has no gender; Men and women are equally happy.
Happiness decreases with age. The 18-34 age group in the world is the happiest group with a rate of 60 percent. While it is not affected by the decrease compared to the previous year, a decrease is observed in the older age group. The rate of those who are happy drops to 35 percent for the 54-53 age group, and to 55 percent for those aged 46 and over.
The higher the income, the higher the happiness. The rate of happiness, which decreased from 67 percent to 61 percent in the highest income group of the society compared to the previous year, does not create a significant decrease in the lowest income group.
Happiness is also affected by working status. Housewives (59%), students (58%) and employees (56%) make up the happy part of the world. The lowest happiness rates are among the unemployed (48%) and retirees (43%).
There are also differences between religions. The happiest religious group in the world are the Hindus (68%). They are followed by Muslims (62%). Christians (58%) Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians, Buddhists (56%) have close happiness rates. The least happy groups are Jews (45%), Atheists and Agnostics, Orthodox (46%)
Again, the countries in the east and south are among the top 5 happy countries: Philippines, Mexico, Malaysia, Afghanistan, Ecuador, Japan and Kazakhstan. Europe is on the gloomier side, but more unhappy countries are scattered around the world: Armenia, Kenya, Hong Kong, Argentina, Turkey and Moldova. This is again a confirmation that perceptions of happiness have a different origin depending on individual circumstances and national context.
Happiness rate on the decline in Turkey
In the research, one in 10 people in Turkey say they are very happy, and one out of three people say they are happy. The rate of happiness in Turkey is 37 percent compared to the previous year (42 percent).
In Turkey, men (44%) are happier than women (30%). Unlike the rest of the world, happiness increases with age. The least happy group is young people aged 18-34 (29%), while 55% of people aged 45 and over are happy.
Happiness increases as the socioeconomic status group rises in Turkey. The SES Group rates of the happy ones are as follows; AB – 47%, C1 41%, C2 36% and DE 30%.
In terms of working groups, tradesmen (54%) and retirees (40%) constitute the happy segment; wage workers (37%), housewives (35%), students (20%) and the unemployed (18%) have average or below average happiness rates.
Research Information: In the study, 2022 people were interviewed in 34 countries between October and December 35.664. In November, a survey was conducted with 708 people in Turkey using the CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interview) method.
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