Turkey’s Happiness Peaked in 2011, Then Declined Sharply

A new study by Germany-based data platform Statista has revealed how the happiness levels of Turkish citizens have shifted between 2003 and 2023, uncovering a striking trend: Turkey’s highest happiness rate was recorded in 2011, followed by a steady decline over the past decade.

The report analyzed self-reported life satisfaction and happiness levels, comparing data over twenty years to map the evolution of public sentiment. Findings indicate that happiness in Turkey rose throughout the early 2000s, reaching a historic peak in 2011, before gradually falling amid growing economic and social challenges.

2011: The Peak of Optimism

Experts cited by Statista attribute the 2011 surge in happiness to a combination of economic optimism, youthful confidence in the future, and social stability. The early 2010s marked a period of strong economic growth, low unemployment, and a general sense of progress that translated into higher life satisfaction across demographic groups.

Sociologists note that this period also coincided with rapid urban development, rising incomes, and expanding access to education, all of which contributed to a perception of upward mobility and optimism about Turkey’s long-term prospects.

2023: Declining Life Satisfaction Amid Economic Strains

However, Statista’s 2023 data shows that this positive outlook has since reversed. The latest figures highlight a notable drop in happiness and life satisfaction, as economic instability, high inflation, and social tensions increasingly weigh on public morale.

Analysts identify several key drivers behind the decline:

• Rising inflation eroding real incomes.

• Income inequality widening between social classes.

• Persistent unemployment among young people.

• Growing political and social polarization.

The combination of these factors has led to what experts describe as a “structural decline in social well-being”, where economic hardship and uncertainty overshadow personal fulfillment.

Economic Volatility Reshaping Public Mood

The past decade has seen Turkey’s economy fluctuate between high-growth spurts and sharp downturns, creating instability that undermines long-term confidence. The currency devaluation and cost-of-living crisis of recent years have left many citizens feeling financially strained, contributing to a downward spiral in public happiness metrics.

Sociologists warn that economic insecurity and social pressure have replaced the optimism that once defined early-2010s Turkey. Meanwhile, younger generations — once viewed as the drivers of future prosperity — now express increasing pessimism about their opportunities both at home and abroad.

Experts Call for Social and Economic Rebalancing

Experts emphasize that reversing this trend requires policy action beyond economic stabilization. Strengthening social welfare, addressing inequality, and rebuilding trust in institutions are seen as vital to restoring the sense of collective optimism that once characterized Turkish society.