Multidimensional Well-Being in Europe: Trends and Cross-Country Comparisons in Sweden, Germany, Spain and Poland (2004-2024)

This report presents the construction and analysis of a Multidimensional Index (MDI) of Well-Being across four European countries ─ Sweden, Germany, Spain, and Poland ─ using EU-SILC cross-sectional survey data spanning 2004–2024. Based on the OECD well-being framework, the analysis covers ten (out of eleven) key dimensions, including income and wealth, housing, health, safety, environment, life satisfaction, social connections, as well as jobs and earnings, education, and work–life for the working-age population (25─64). Standardized well-being scores (0─1) were constructed for each dimension, with composite indices derived using principal component analysis (PCA) where multiple indicators were available. The MDI was computed as the average of the available dimension scores. The findings reveal notable cross-country variation in both individual dimensions and overall well-being. Sweden consistently ranks highest, followed by Germany, while Spain shows comparatively lower levels. Poland demonstrates the strongest improvement over time. Trends indicate overall progress between 2004 and 2019, a decline during the COVID-19 period, and partial recovery thereafter. Age-related disparities are evident, with older individuals more likely to experience lower well-being. These findings underscore the role of multidimensional approaches in capturing inequalities in well-being across populations and contexts.