Buenos Aires Happiness Map Shows Citizens’ Satisfaction

An Argentinian Member of Parliament, Eduardo Amadeo, has come up with what he regards as a solution to the problem of Argentinian dissatisfaction towards their current living conditions: A Buenos Aires happiness map. Amadeo has stated that he has been confronted with the problem of internal social division within the province, with different sectors of the population blaming each other or different politicians for the issues within their society. Amadeo identified this confrontation, determined that it was causing many Argentinians unhappiness, and has come up with a plan to work on it.
The plan involves creating a map by surveying Buenos Aires’ people and asking them 13 questions on 13 different topics which they have to answer with a score from 1 to 10. The scoring is to be based on each interviewee’s personal experience in the 13 areas, which are:

• Health
• Transport
• Economy
• Housing
• Family and friends
• Freedom
• Recreation
• Current state of the country in general
• Representation degree
• Loving relationships
• Employment
• Security and the future

Scoring ranging from 1 to 4 would show a negative perspective regarding the area, from 5 to 7 would show a stable perspective, and from 8 to 10 it would show a positive perspective.
The results are then put together to come up with a general percentage for each one of the cities that interviewees are evaluating. Those percentages will be finally reflected on the Buenos Aires happiness map, marking the different cities with one of three colours, each denoting a positive, stable or negative general attitude (including all areas of the survey). All participants need to do is enter the Buenos Aires happiness map webpage and make their own contribution.
The tool is aimed at fomenting a conversation between all citizens in the province of Buenos Aires, as well as focusing on the constructive side of the matter. So far, after more than 500 surveys, Buenos Aires people have identified security, economy, an uncertain future and the current state of the country in general as their main concerns and the causes of their dissatisfaction. However, and perhaps more importantly, a majority has affirmed that their highest degree of satisfaction comes from the close relationship with their loved ones.
Contribution is anonymous, but those who are interested can leave their e-mail addresses to receive future notifications about the final results of the Buenos Aires happiness map, as well as other invitations to activities which will be planned to increase Argentinians’ happiness index.