Is Malta Unhappy? World Happiness Report Unveils Concerning Trends

Dec 7 2023

The recently released World Happiness Report has cast a spotlight on Malta’s state of mind, revealing potentially unsettling data about the well-being of its citizens. Published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network and powered by Gallup World Poll data, the report emphasises the global call for increased attention to happiness and well-being as crucial factors in shaping government policies.

Respondents are asked to rate their current lives on a scale from 0 to 10, with 10 representing the best possible life. In the most recent data spanning three years, Malta has witnessed a significant shift, with the percentage of those expressing concern about the country’s direction rising notably.

The report analyses six key variables, including GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption, to explain variations in happiness across countries. The findings indicate that Malta’s ranking may be influenced by factors such as social connections, trust, and benevolence.

Examining the impact of the challenging year 2022, marked by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, global conflicts, inflation, and climate emergencies, the report explores how life evaluations and social connections influence a nation’s ability to adapt during crises. Malta’s performance in these aspects is scrutinised, raising questions about the country’s resilience and ability to maintain well-being amidst adversity.

The report’s comprehensive analysis delves into the evolution of life evaluations since 2005-2006, with a specific focus on the effects of COVID-19 on well-being distribution. This This comes after Malta was revealed to be the 4th most stressed European country in a study conducted by CBD experts CBDolie.nl.

As Malta grapples with these findings, the report’s concluding section summarises key results, offering a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing the country’s happiness ranking. The revelations prompt reflection on the state of happiness in Malta and the potential areas that may require attention to enhance the well-being of its citizens.

Are you happy?

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Statistics reveal 31 cases of children who committed violence against their parents

Dec 7 2023

Disturbing figures from the National Statistics Office shed light on the pervasive issue of domestic violence in Malta.

In the year 2022, a total of 3,100 individuals sought various services designed to aid those experiencing domestic violence.

These statistics, though concerning, also reveal both the scale of the problem and the crucial role that support services play in addressing such issues.

The data indicates that the majority of those availing services were women, constituting approximately 77% of the total cases.

Shockingly, the statistics also revealed 31 cases involving children under the age of thirty who committed violence against their parents, highlighting a distressing facet of domestic violence within families.

The report brings a glimmer of hope as it reveals a 5.9% decrease in reported cases compared to the previous year (2021).

Despite this slight decline, the numbers remain alarming, emphasising the ongoing need for comprehensive intervention and preventative measures.

Individuals between the ages of 30 and 49 constituted the majority of those seeking services for domestic violence.

Furthermore, more than 84% of cases involved individuals of Maltese nationality, while nearly 14% were persons of foreign nationality, underscoring the universality of the issue.

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Young Students Go Viral with Energetic Dance Routine to The Busker’s Eurovision Track

Dec 7 2023

In a delightful display of creativity and infectious energy, Grade 8 Dance students from ‘The Malta Visual And Performing Arts School’ have taken social media by storm with a trending video showcasing their choreographed dance routine to The Busker’s Eurovision track, ‘Dance (Our Own Party).’

The lively performance, posted recently, has garnered widespread attention as the young dancers expertly interpret the upbeat rhythm and catchy beats of The Busker’s Eurovision hit. The video not only highlights the students’ impressive dance skills but also adds a fresh, youthful flair to the locally-beloved song.

The Busker, known for their eccentric style and unique musical approach, has been making waves globally, particularly in the line-dancing community. The band’s Eurovision track has become a sensation, prompting fans worldwide to create dance routines and share them on various platforms.

The Busker’s popularity has soared to such heights that a petition for the band to embark on a tour in South Korea has gained momentum. Fans from around the world are expressing their enthusiasm for The Busker’s music, turning their performances into international dance phenomena.

As Grade 8 Dance students contribute to this trend, their vibrant routine not only showcases their talent but also adds a youthful and dynamic dimension to The Busker’s already popular track, fostering a sense of global connection through the universal language of dance.

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XOW Unveils Special Gozo Edition: XOWŻo

Dec 7 2023

Get ready for an extraordinary evening as XOW, the popular TV program, takes a detour to the charming island of Gozo in a special edition called XOWŻo!

Tomorrow night promises an exciting blend of entertainment, laughter, and surprises as the production team welcomes a stellar lineup of guests, including entrepreneur Joseph Portelli, Felix Busuttil, Love Island’s Marie Christine, and Mark Laurence Zammit, amongst others.

Dedicating an entire episode to Gozitans, XOWŻo aims to showcase the unique charm and talent that the island has to offer. The anticipation is high as viewers eagerly await to discover what makes this edition a standout in the series.

XOW is a weekly program that airs every Friday on TVM at 9 pm. This Friday’s episode, XOWŻo, is a departure from the usual format as it shines a spotlight on Gozo’s talent and culture. It’s a celebration of all things Gozitan, and viewers can expect an entertaining blend of interviews, games, and special segments that capture the essence of the island.

For a sneak peek into the fun awaiting viewers, check out the exclusive video featuring Joseph Portelli. In this candid moment, the entrepreneur plays a game of Kill/Marry/“Chess” before diving into the excitement of Jenga.

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