Young people in Cyprus are the least happy in Europe, according to the latest European Social Survey (ESS) 2023/24, which measured happiness levels among those aged 15 to 34 across 24 European countries.
Cypriot respondents reported an average score of 7 out of 10, the lowest recorded in the entire study. Researchers say this reflects the weight of social and economic challenges facing the island’s younger generation, from the housing crisis and income insecurity to a lack of career opportunities and prospects for advancement.
Across Europe, the ESS found significant variations in how young people rate their satisfaction with life. At the lower end of the scale, Greece (7.2) and Italy (7.4) follow Cyprus, both facing persistent socio-economic difficulties and barriers to affordable housing and stable employment. Sweden, the United Kingdom and Portugal also reported below-average scores (7.4 each).
At the other end, Central and Northern European countries showed the highest happiness levels among youth. Croatia topped the list with 8.2, followed by Austria and Slovenia (8.0). The Netherlands, Hungary (7.8) and Switzerland (7.9) also scored above the European average, highlighting the link between well-being, social cohesion and job stability.