Subjective well-being in Central Asia: rural-urban differences

Abstract

The article examines the subjective well-being in rural and urban settings of
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. For that purpose, this study uses the data drawn from the
World Values Survey’s 7th wave. The subjective well-being is measured through self-reported
happiness and satisfaction with life. Findings suggest that there are within country variations
of subjective well-being in two Central Asian countries. In both countries, rural residents
are happier and satisfied with their lives compared to urban counterparts. In terms of urban
settings, findings demonstrate that capital city residents have the lowest levels of happiness
and satisfaction with life in Kyrgyzstan. Whereas in Kazakhstan, regional center dwellers have
the lowest levels of happiness and satisfaction with life. This is explained by varying socioeconomic development of the capital cities and regional centers in two countries.