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    • Uruguay stands out in happiness and national pride according to the new World Values Survey.

    The results show an improvement in Uruguay's global positioning.
    Publication date: 09/05/2024
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    The happiness levels of Uruguayans have been increasing over the past decades. In 2022, 43% of respondents declared themselves “very happy,” according to the World Values Survey, an analysis conducted in 90 countries aimed at understanding how social change unfolds globally over time.

    This figure doubles the results from 1996 and demonstrates a continuous upward trend. In this survey, 48% of Uruguayans also reported being fairly happy, resulting in a total happiness level of 91%. This positions Uruguay in 18th place on the index, above the Latin American average (87%) and the global average (85%).

    “In the long term, the increase in declared happiness has been observed across all segments of our society: Montevideo and the interior, men and women, high, middle, and low-income groups, as well as young people and older adults,” the study reveals.

    These findings, along with others from the survey, were presented at the Legislative Palace by Ignacio Zuasnabar, Director of Public Opinion at Equipos Consultores. The data is based on a survey conducted by the consulting firm between January and March 2022, with the support of the Parliamentary Futures Commission through the School of Government, the Office of Planning and Budget, the Congress of Mayors, and Uruguay XXI, the institute for investment promotion, exports, and country branding.

    Discover all the survey results here.

    The results also reflect the values Uruguay XXI promotes through the Country Brand, showcasing the ongoing efforts to enhance Uruguay’s global positioning.

    The World Values Survey in Uruguay highlights not only an increase in happiness but also in the "life satisfaction" index. In this regard, one in three citizens reported being “completely satisfied” with their life—a proportion that has grown significantly over the last decade, placing Uruguay sixth in the global ranking.

    The survey also reveals that two out of three Uruguayans (66%) feel “very proud” of their nationality, and 26% feel “fairly proud.” Additionally, it continues to demonstrate a high level of trust in key institutions such as the government, police, judiciary, and armed forces. This phenomenon reflects a perception of stability and security that aligns with the objectives of national and international promotion.

    In line with these findings, Uruguayans also express strong support for democracy. A vast majority (87%) rate the country’s democratic political system as “good” or “very good.” “This support for democracy as a form of government has been very stable in Uruguay over recent decades. As many comparative studies show, Uruguay is one of the countries with the strongest democratic convictions in the region and even surpasses the global average,” the study states.

    At the same time, the vast majority of Uruguayans expressed that the things they value most are family, work, free time, and friends. In terms of values, the country stands out internationally for its appreciation of tolerance, an aspect that is also reflected in its acceptance of immigrant populations and its rejection of gender-based violence.

    The presentation was attended by the Vice President of the Republic, Beatriz Argimón; the President of the Chamber of Representatives, Ana Olivera; Deputy Pedro Jisdonian from the School of Government; and the Deputy Executive Director of Uruguay XXI, Eduardo Rodríguez.

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