Social circle - In a survey on happiness, Augsburg tops the list in Bavaria.
In cities populated by over 200,000 folks, a survey discovers that the folks of Augsburg are the happiest. Augsburg takes the 7th spot in a national happiness ranking of 40 cities. Munich sits at 24th, while Nuremberg settles for 33rd place. These findings are featured in the "Happiness Atlas" by the Süddeutsche Klassenlotterie (SKL). Kassel tops the list, whereas Rostock finishes last.
While analyzing this information, the Institut für Demoskopie Allensbach questioned a total of 25,557 citizens across these cities between January 2021 and April 2024. Given that all the cities were surveyed at the same time, Corona-related impacts can be ignored, according to the study. The research was centered around the participants' subjective assessments of their overall quality of life, with little regard for objective factors like income, infrastructure, or green spaces.
In comparison with the happiness index and selected objective indicators, the researchers observed that people in prominent cities seemed happier than what could be deduced via measurable criteria. Bernd Raffelhüschen, a professor from the University of Freiburg and leader of the study, mentioned that the leading cities tend to be smaller and more peaceful, often featuring a student-centered environment along with a familial ambience. Additionally, these places have numerous green spaces, favorable air quality, and a general sense of serenity.
The happiness ranking's relationship with objective criteria for quality of life is showcased when comparing it to Munich, which should be in top position, and Nuremberg, which should be at least in 15th place. Augsburg, strangely, scores higher in terms of happiness than what can be reasonably expected based on objective standards. No other cities from Bavaria are found in the ranking.
Considering the factors impacting life satisfaction, statisticians point toward cities with strong family and educational policies. Healthcare, purchasing power, and environmental quality follow as vital contributors. While a higher GDP, more cultural options, and better transportation infrastructure fell short in comparison.
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- Despite Augsburg's position as the happiest municipality in Bavaria, other major cities like Munich and Nuremberg rank lower in the national happiness ranking.
- Kassel, located outside of Bavaria, claims the top spot in the overall happiness ranking, while Rostock ends up at the bottom.
- The IfD, or Institut für Demoskopie Allensbach, analyzed data from various municipalities across Germany, including Bavarian cities like Augsburg, Munich, and Nuremberg, between 2021 and 2024.
- According to the study, there seems to be a disconnection between the participants' subjective assessments of happiness and the cities' objective indicators such as income, infrastructure, and green spaces.
- Some researchers attribute the higher happiness rankings in smaller cities to strong family and educational policies, as well as healthcare, purchasing power, and environmental quality, over wealth or cultural options.
- Social affairs like happiness rankings are just one aspect of Germany, and Bavarian cities like Augsburg, Munich, and Nuremberg each offer unique experiences, from the popular big city life in Munich to the historical charm of Nuremberg.
Source: www.stern.de
