Urban well-being, or attempts to measure happiness in cities

[…] Attempts to measure our sense of happiness in cities are being made, among other things, using the Happy Cities Index. It was developed by the Institute of Quality of Life based on numerous smaller indicators that can influence happiness, obtained through quantitative and qualitative research. The Institute's researchers strive to objectively determine what is most important to city residents and, based on this, assess their sense of happiness. They have identified 24 different areas of activity, divided into five categories: citizens, order, environment, economy, and mobility. They point out that conflicts, humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and terrorist threats can disrupt happiness, but it is within these five areas that local policies can be created that directly impact positive feelings among residents. Within these categories, alternative concepts and changes, both small and systemic, emerge, resulting from the actions of authorities, activists, and communities. The foundation is an interdisciplinary approach, starting with the needs and perspectives of the most vulnerable groups […].