According to information published by The Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, it was revealed that those living in the North Harbour region of Malta – the most urbanised and populated towns – had the lowest life satisfaction in 2021. 

These findings were reported through the Wellbeing INDEX Project, and are based on the latest statistics collected by the NSO, which were presented to Parliament on the International Day of Happiness. 

The North labour region includes Sliema, which according to the latest Census is the most densely populated town in Malta with around 20,000 people per kilometre. 

‘The region is home to the largest single fraction of the population and includes localities as diverse as Qormi, Ħamrun, Ta’ Xbiex and Swieqi.’ 

‘It is heavily built-up with some areas recording higher than average air pollution, lower than average disposable income and a higher fraction of persons at risk of poverty.’

Meanwhile, females tended to systematically report lower wellbeing than males, with younger people reporting being happier than older people. 

Satisfaction with jobs and finances remained strong in 2021 but loneliness seemingly increased and nervousness remained a consistent high. 

This was pointed out by economist and principal investigator of the INDEX Project Marie Briguglio, who said the findings ‘chimed with those emerging from the World Happiness Report 2023 based on Gallup data (2020-2022)’.

#MaltaDaily