The happiness gap: People in Spain less satisfied than EU average

RESIDENTS of Spain have rated their quality of life satisfaction at 6.9 points out of 10, says a new report. The European Union average currently sits at 7.1 points, according to the index released by the community’s statistics office, Eurostat, while the countries where people are most satisfied are Finland, Sweden and Denmark, with an average of eight points.
The lowest figure was registered in Bulgaria, with 4.8 points.
The specifics analysed in the report include satisfaction with interpersonal relations, which Spanish residents awarded their highest mark (7.8 points), and financial situation, which scored 5.8 points in Spain, below the EU average of six.
Other areas in need of improvements according to Spanish residents are the country’s green areas and usage of free time (6.6 points) as well as employment (6.9).
Further, when considering general life conditions (7.2 in Spain), time spent commuting to work (7.1) and accommodation (7.3), each time Spanish interviewees gave lower scores than the European average.
Eurostat stressed the importance of carrying statistics that analyse elements beyond the financial field, such as the GDP (Gross Domestic Product), to encourage governments to launch policies that improve citizens’ quality of life through a better-adjusted perspective.