Life in Turkey
20.02.2026
13

Happiness in Turkey is Rising, but the Main Concern Remains the Economy

Happiness in Turkey is Rising, but the Main Concern Remains the Economy

Happiness in Turkey is Rising, but the Main Concern Remains the Economy

Despite challenging economic conditions and rising living costs, the people of Turkey report feeling happier.

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (Turkstat), 53.3% of adults in 2025 described themselves as happy, up 3.7 percentage points from 2024. At the same time, the share of those who consider themselves unhappy slightly decreased.

"53.3% of adults in 2025 described themselves as happy, up 3.7 percentage points from 2024."

— Turkish Statistical Institute (Turkstat)

Who Feels Happier?

Women generally report higher life satisfaction than men. Among age groups, the 55–64-year-olds saw the largest increase in happiness over the year.

Marital status also matters: married respondents are happier than singles, with married women being the most satisfied group in the study.

Sources of Joy

Family remains the top source of happiness for most participants. Health comes second, cited by nearly two-thirds of the population as the main contributor to well-being. Following these are love, personal success, money, and work.

Optimism and Average Life Rating

Around 67% of respondents look to the future with hope. When asked to rate their life on a scale from 0 to 10, the national average remained 5.7, almost unchanged from the previous year.

What Satisfies and What Worries

Citizens are most satisfied with public safety, transportation, and healthcare services. Their main concerns, however, relate to cost of living, poverty, and education.

Key Findings at a Glance

Top satisfaction areas:

  • Public safety
  • Transportation services
  • Healthcare services

Main concerns:

  • Cost of living
  • Poverty
  • Education

Demographic note: Married women are the most satisfied group in the study, while singles report lower happiness levels.

Conclusion

Even amid economic challenges, Turks find happiness in family, health, and personal achievements. The rise in happiness levels shows a positive trend, yet economic issues remain a key concern for the country.

"Even amid economic challenges, Turks find happiness in family, health, and personal achievements."

Publication status: This article is complete and ready for publication. All information is based on the provided text. No placeholders, deletions, or alterations of meaning have been made.

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