Latvia's "happiness index" has increased to an all-time high, and the people of Latvia are currently the happiest in thirteen years, according to an SKDS survey carried out for the LNT television, informs LETA.

In 2001, less than half of the people in Latvia said they were happy, while 38% said they felt unhappy. The proportion of the "happy people" increased in the following years, exceeding 60% in the pre-crisis period, and falling again in 2008.

This year, more than 73% of respondents said they considered themselves happy.

One-fifth of the population, however, remains unhappy. The proportion of those who have no opinion has reduced to an all-time low.

According to survey findings, the happiest people are students and housewives, whereas the largest number of unhappy residents is among the unemployed.

The data also show that the age of respondents is an important factor – 89% of those aged under 24 consider themselves happy. Also, respondents with children are happier than those without. Women are happier than men. People with university education tend to be happier with their lives, as do respondents with higher incomes.