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Most Russians happy with lives, poll shows

Regarding their surroundings, respondents in October reported seeing an equal number of happy and unhappy people around them — 47% each

MOSCOW, November 20. /TASS/. The majority (79%) of Russians are happy with their lives, according to the results of a survey conducted by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM), published on the organization’s website.

"In VCIOM’s October survey, 79% of Russians reported feeling happy, with about one-third saying they were definitely happy (31%) and nearly half indicating they were somewhat happy (48%)," the publication reads.

The survey shows that the highest levels of happiness were recorded at the beginning of 2024, specifically from January to March (83-84%), and in June (83%). In August, happiness levels dropped to 78%. Compared to the same period last year, the overall happiness level decreased.

"In comparison to October 2023, the level of absolute happiness decreased by six percentage points (37%), though this was offset by an increase in the number of moderately happy respondents, leaving the total figure unaffected," the study notes.

The happiness index stood at 70% and 71% in February and June, respectively, indicating that, overall, Russian citizens remain happy despite negative life events. In October, the index dropped to 62%, a three percentage point decrease compared to October 2023 (65%).

Regarding their surroundings, respondents in October reported seeing an equal number of happy and unhappy people around them — 47% each. "According to 37% of respondents, most people around them are happy, while only 11%, about one out of every nine people, described their surroundings as predominantly unhappy," the report states. The social happiness index for October was 58%, reflecting a predominance of happy individuals in respondents’ social circles.

The nationwide telephone poll "VCIOM-Sputnik" was conducted on October 30, 2024, with 1,600 Russian citizens aged 18 and older. The method used was telephone interviews based on a stratified random sample of mobile phone numbers across Russia.

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