Nearly eight out of ten Swiss are satisfied with their lives, according to the results of a survey published on Sunday.

The polling institute, Isopublic, said 77.5 per cent of those surveyed responded with either an eight, nine or ten - ten representing “completely satisfied” – on a scale of one to ten.

The results, published in the Sonntags Blick newspaper, showed that there is almost no demographic difference when it comes to happiness. Whether young or old, male or female, German or French speaker – nearly all said they were satisfied with their lives.

Income was the only factor which seemed to have an impact on responses. The average high-income earner estimated his happiness at 8.7 on the scale, while people with low wages only gave themselves a 7.7 rating.

One possible reason for the lower note is due to concerns over job security, with only half of those at the lower end of the pay scale certain that they would keep their jobs.

More than 1,000 people took part in the survey between December 15 and 21.

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