Happiness in Argentina has reached its lowest levels since it began being measured in 2018. According to the latest report by Insight 21, a research institution affiliated with the Siglo 21 University, happiness 48.3% of people surveyed say they feel happy in their livesThis is the lowest number recorded during the past eight years.
The study, corresponding to the second half of 2025, shows a decrease of 2.6% compared to the first half of the year (when it reached 50.9%), and 6.2% compared to the last half of 2024 (54.5%). This is the first time that happiness levels have fallen below 50% since the beginning of the measurement.
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The research, which used the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) – a tool used by international organizations such as UNESCO and the World Health Organization – surveyed 1,050 people between the ages of 18 and 65 in seven cities in the country: Buenos Aires, Comodoro Rivadavia, Cordoba, Corrientes, Mendoza, Rosario and San Miguel de Tucuman.
Overall decline with exceptions
Decreased happiness is generally observed in men and women, although it is more pronounced in women. Men report happiness at 49.5% (decrease 1.1%), while women reach 47.4% (decrease 3.7%).
By age groups, Young people between the ages of 18 and 29 have the lowest levels of happiness (43.3%)marking the most important values of recent years. However, the study highlights a notable exception: People ages 50 to 59 saw an 8.7% increase, ranking among the highest values in their historical series.
At the level of educational level, happiness decreased in all segments except for those with primary education, where it recorded an increase of 16.3% (from 52.9% to 69.2%). Conversely, the largest decline occurred in the number of graduate students, with only 50% considering themselves happy, which represents a 19.4% decrease compared to the first quarter of 2025.
Indicators of life satisfaction
The report also analyzes other key indicators. 43% of those surveyed feel they have achieved the important things they want in life, 33.1% are satisfied with most aspects of their lives, and the same percentage say they wouldn’t change anything if they could live their lives again.
Dr. Florencia Rubiolo, Director of Insight 21, explained, “Measuring happiness in a population allows us to understand the state of emotional and social well-being. It is a key indicator of sustainable human development that allows us to anticipate challenges and guide decisions in both the public and private sectors.”
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The specialist added, “With levels among the lowest in nearly a decade, the report’s findings highlight the need to design public policies and regulatory strategies that promote emotional well-being, mental health, and quality of life.”
Reference measurement
The Trend Observatory of the University of Siglo 21 has been conducting periodic measurements on the well-being and happiness of the Argentine population since 2018, becoming an academic reference for analyzing this variable. The Life Satisfaction Scale measures people’s global cognitive evaluation of their lives, taking into account the extent to which current circumstances match their expectations.
According to the World Health Organization, people who enjoy well-being not only cope better with the stresses and difficulties of everyday life, but are also able to study and work productively, develop their abilities and maintain good physical and mental health.