Nine out of 10 Dutch youngsters are happy with their lives, according to research by national statistics office CBS.

The CBS asked over 4,000 12 to 25-year-olds about how happy they were with life in general and about specific aspects such as their work, where they lived and their health.

It found youngsters are most positive about their friends, their mental health and where they live. They were least happy about their finances and how much free time they had.

Teenagers are happier than young adults – 94% compared with 87%. Girls are slightly less happy than boys about their appearance, but 78% are still content with the way they look.

CBS researcher Maarten Bloem told broadcaster NOS there is a high level of life satisfaction in the Netherlands.

Earlier studies have show Dutch children are among the happiest in the world but a research project by the CBS last year showed 25% of Dutch adults are not happy with their lives.