Subjective Wellbeing in Kazakhstan: Evidence from the Subnational Level

This chapter examines subjective wellbeing at the subnational level in Kazakhstan between 2011 and 2018. It also explores how age impacts people’s satisfaction in life. Drawing on the data from the World Value Survey, our findings suggest that there is a sharp decline in life satisfaction in northeastern and western parts of Kazakhstan due to demographic composition of the population, poverty, and inequality. In addition, we found that life satisfaction decreases across all age cohorts. This decline is particularly salient among the youth, which is explained by a high rate of unemployment, limited political participation opportunities, and poor responses to their needs on the part of the government.