Of all the metrics that provide insight into the state of the world we live in, you could make a strong case for happiness being the most important. But it's also one of the least appreciated and is easily dismissed as being subjective – too dependent on an individual or nation's values to serve as a yardstick in macroanalysis.
This is partly true: can we really quantify contentment in a society as diverse as the individuals within it? What one person might look upon with satisfaction another might regard as a meagre lot. How we evaluate our own fortune depends on many variables, our emotional condition is unavoidably affected by our immediate situation. This much we all know and serves only to highlight how transient "happiness" is.
Nonetheless, as the human state we all aspire to there's a lot to glean from research into happiness – especially how it maps onto other economic and demographic data. Though we understand how our outlook on life fluctuates, measuring the correlations and tangible indicators attached to happiness helps us see our lived experience in the context of our community or country as a whole.
On the face of it, things aren't so bad in Belgium as a survey by the national statistics office found the majority of the 5,000 respondents are happy most or all of the time. Drill into the detail however and the picture becomes a little less positive. Particularly if you live in the capital.
Though not a city of misery, sociologists offer some theories as to why Brussels might be less conducive to happiness than elsewhere in Belgium. Most striking is the suggestion that poverty is a lot more visible in Brussels, with far people living on the streets. For all the city's highs, it also has a higher concentration of lows.
This same point has been made with regard to migration, with Brussels under a disproportionate strain to process asylum seekers whilst other regions have a lighter logistical and administrative burden. This alone doesn't explain the drop in happiness but does highlight one of the major issues that impact the capital to a much greater extent.
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1. People in Brussels are significantly less happy than the Belgian average
The majority of Belgians are happy most or all of the time, apart from people living in the country's capital, who are less positive about life. Read more.
2. 'Need for green space in Brussels': Protest run pushes to make Royal Gardens public
Calls are growing for the Royal Gardens in Laeken – which have a surface area of 250 football fields – to be opened to the public. The latest push to create more public green space comes as more entrants register for the Royal Run (a protest event). Read more.
3. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 22 - 24 September
This weekend is all about exploring: from discovering pieces of art spanning 4,000 years of international history and unique pieces of vintage design to immersing yourself in the story of one of the most iconic bands in the world. Here's what's on in Brussels this weekend. Read more.
4. Colruyt takes over 57 Match and Smatch shops, 690 jobs at risk
Belgian supermarket chain Colruyt is taking over 57 of Belgium's 77 Match and Smatch shops. The other shops are likely to close down, threatening up to 690 jobs. Read more.
5. Bernie Sanders to visit Brussels next month for launch of new book
American politician and activist Bernard Sanders will be in Brussels next month as part of a European tour for his new book. He will be speaking at a venue in the city centre. Read more.
6. Budget blues: Belgian deficit to soar by extra €2 billion in 2024
Belgium's budget deficit is projected to surge by €2 billion more than previously forecast next year, as lower-than-expected growth figures and persistently high inflation continue to darken the country's economic outlook. Read more.
7. 'Art Meets Nature': 750 works on show at Meise Botanic Garden this weekend
The global volunteer organisation Kiwanis Zaventem Airport is hosting its 29th art exhibition and sale at the Meise Botanic Garden from 22 until 24 September, showcasing 750 works of art from both established and emerging artists. Read more.
