According to the surver conducted by the Russian public opinion watchdog, 77 per cent of Russian population consider themselves happy. The question was "Given that good and bad things happen in life, would you generally say that you were happy?" 23 per cent of respondents chose "strongly agree", with other 54 per cent choosing "rather agree". Last year's poll result was the same 77%, while the 2011 figure was only 66. 

      Russians generally explain their happy disposition by the family well-being (29%), kids and grandchildren (18%), good job or studies (10%), and health (6%). 17% stated they were happy because life treated them well. 

      Only 18 per cent claimed to be unhappy, which they attributed to poverty (19%), ill health and old age (6%). A small percentage ascribed their unhappiness to the country's disquietude, the price rise, and the decline in people's character. 

      Altogether, 1600 respondents took part in the survey.