Türkiye's Hidden Crisis of Well-Being

What does it feel like to live in Türkiye today? A major new study involving over 200,000 people worldwide took a deep, honest look at the well-being of 1,473 people across Türkiye, and the results paint a complex and concerning picture. The research explored 69 different aspects of life, from happiness and health to finances and faith.

“While some groups are thriving, a generation of young people feels disconnected, anxious, and increasingly hopeless.”

When compared to the average of all 22 countries in the study, Türkiye scored significantly lower on most measures of well-being. People reported less happiness, lower life satisfaction, less freedom, and weaker social connections. They also experienced more suffering, anxiety, and loneliness. But the story gets more complicated when you look inside the country.

The study found deep divides between different groups. Young people, especially those aged 18-24, are struggling the most, reporting the lowest levels of optimism and belonging and the highest levels of anxiety. In contrast, adults over 50 reported much higher well-being. There was also a stark gap based on education: those with more education had better personal health and life balance but were deeply dissatisfied with the country's social and political state. Meanwhile, frequent attendance at religious services was strongly linked to greater happiness and a stronger sense of purpose.

These findings suggest that while some groups are thriving, many others feel left behind. The study points to a nation grappling with economic pressures, social tensions, and a generation of young people who feel disconnected and hopeless.