Life satisfaction in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: The sad bottom!

Life satisfaction in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: The sad bottom!

What do we have here? A look at the latest figures shows that life satisfaction in Germany is returning to a high level after a difficult period. But while happiness is very popular in many regions, the situation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (MV) is completely different. According to the current Happiness Atlas, published on October 27, 2025, dissatisfaction in MV continues to increase, which catapults the region to last place in a nationwide comparison. With just 6.06 points, MV ranks 16th out of 16 in terms of life satisfaction. Nordkurier reports alarming findings that 22.7 percent of the population in MV are dissatisfied, while only 8 percent nationwide share this opinion.

What is particularly shocking is that only 25.4 percent of people in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania say they are highly satisfied. For comparison: The national average is 48 percent who consider themselves happy. These are big differences that make you think. The dissatisfaction is particularly evident among older men who live alone, as well as among low-income earners and city residents in cities such as Greifswald, Rostock and Schwerin, where frustration is particularly high, according to the Moz.de analysis.

Challenges for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

There are many reasons for the poor mood in the region. The Happiness Atlas points to low net income and below-average gross domestic product, which illustrates people's economic concerns. In addition, pensions in MV are also below the national average, while the cost of living remains high. In particular, price increases for everyday things such as gas and going to restaurants are making everyday life difficult for many. Tagesschau reports that lower income groups in particular have reported a noticeable deterioration in their financial situation.

The ownership rate in MV is below the national average, which makes the situation even more difficult for tenants in cities like Rostock and Neubrandenburg. More young people are migrating and the birth rate is declining, indicating an aging population with many in need - another sign of the challenges facing the region. In this context, the Nordkurier emphasizes that the high costs of daycare, flowers and hairdressing put a strain on family life and endanger social cohesion.

A look ahead

While the rest of Germany is able to stabilize its life satisfaction, MV is showing a growing “happiness gap” that cannot be ignored. The social and economic situation is weakening family life, and the need to care for more and more elderly people is increasing the pressure on society.

The results of the Happiness Atlas are a clear wake-up call. Measures are needed to increase the quality of life in MV and stop the migration of young people. Only with targeted political and economic impulses can the region regain its former strength and move closer to the happier federal states such as Hamburg, Bavaria and Rhineland-Palatinate.