Happiness Index in Russia Drops to 52 Points in April 2026
In April 2026, Russia's happiness index fell to 52 points—its lowest level in 15 years. This decline began in December 2025, when the index stood at 66 points. The downward trend reflects a growing sense of unhappiness among the population, according to data from the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM). The index is a key measure of how Russians perceive their own well-being, and this sharp drop signals a significant shift in public sentiment.
Survey results show the index dropped to 61 points in January 2026, fell further to 55 in February, and saw only a slight recovery to 56 in March. However, April saw a steep decline to 52 points, underscoring the depth and persistence of negative moods among respondents. The worst-ever reading was recorded in September 2011, when the index hit 41 points—a time when Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev announced their job swap.
Attitudes Toward Happiness and Trust
When asked about their overall happiness, 74% of respondents described themselves as happy: 30% said 'definitely yes,' and 44% said 'rather yes.' Meanwhile, 22% openly admitted to being unhappy, with 15% saying 'rather no' and 7% saying 'definitely no.' VTsIOM posed the question: 'Life has its ups and downs. But overall, would you say you are happy or not?'
Additionally, trust and approval ratings for Vladimir Putin have hit their lowest levels since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This negative trend in presidential trust has persisted for a month and a half, potentially influencing the public's overall sense of happiness. These indicators suggest that socioeconomic conditions and the political climate are playing a major role in shaping the emotional state of the population.
The decline in Russia's happiness index may point to a crisis in how people perceive their own well-being, likely tied to economic hardships and political instability. It also reflects growing anxiety over the consequences of war and domestic policy, which could have long-term social repercussions.
The decline in the happiness index correlates with a broader trend of diminishing trust in leadership, as evidenced by Putin's recent approval ratings. For a deeper understanding of how these factors intertwine, explore the latest insights on the slipping approval ratings amidst economic challenges affecting the Russian populace.