Survey: 64% Of Young People Are Satisfied With Life, But Seek Migration For Better Jobs

According to the survey, 64% of respondents said they were satisfied with their lives, while 35% stated they were not. Optimism about the future stood at 60%, with 39% saying they did not feel optimistic.

When asked about their financial situation, 52% said they were satisfied, compared with 45% who were not. In terms of income distribution, 21% reported a monthly income of 4,500 TL or less, 20% between 4,501 and 9,000 TL, 22% between 9,001 and 13,500 TL, 15% between 13,501 and 18,000 TL, and 22% 18,001 TL or above. Allowances from family members emerged as the main source of income for 79% of participants.

The survey found that 18% of young people were in debt to banks due to credit card use, 4% owed money to friends, while 70% reported having no debt. When comparing their economic situation with others in their area, 59% described themselves as “middle,” 26% as “poor,” and 13% as “good.”

Migration intentions were notably high. A total of 71% of respondents said they plan to settle in another country in the future, with 80% citing better job opportunities as the main reason. Education opportunities and the search for greater personal freedoms were also highlighted as motivating factors. However, 23% said they did not believe they would be able to realise their migration plans.

The survey also showed that 70% of young people had never crossed the Green Line, while 30% said they had. Emotional attachment to the north was reported by 41% of those with both parents born in Northern Cyprus, 31% of those with one parent born there, and 29% of those whose parents were not born in Northern Cyprus.

In terms of identity and political views, 78% of respondents described themselves as centrist, 19% as nationalist and 3% as non-nationalist. Identity preferences were reported as 54% Turkish Cypriot, 30% Turkish and 13% Cypriot. On the left–centre–right political spectrum, 18% identified as left-wing, 75% as centrist and 5% as right-wing. Regarding religiosity, 66% described themselves as moderate, while 2% identified as religious.

Voting was cited as the most common form of political participation at 26%, with lower rates reported for other forms such as petition signing and boycotts.