Around 85% of the Dutch are satisfied with life, according to new research by national statistics office CBS.

It is the first time the CBS has carried out in-depth research into the Dutch mood, and follows on from international studies.

Around two-thirds of people say they are always or nearly always happy, with slightly more men than women taking an optimistic view.

The research also shows women are more likely to be nervous and depressed than men. Some 72% of men say they are always calm, compared with 61% of women. By contrast, 91% of women think what they do is meaningful, compared with 87% of men.

In addition, 94% of men and woman say they are satisfied with their relationships and 70% with their financial situation. But just one-third are happy with their weight and 30% are always worried about money.

The most satisfied people live in Drenthe, Zeeland and Friesland. The least positive live in Flevoland but the differences are only marginal.

The research looks at eight different aspects of life to develop its happiness indicator. ‘It is not just about money. It is about measuring a feeling,’ CBS spokesman Jan Latten told news agency ANP. ‘The focus in no longer just on gross national income but on gross national happiness.’