Only 34% of Maltese were satisfied with the cultural facilities that Valletta could offer, a newly published study by the European Union’s statistics body Eurostat found.
Malta’s result is by far the lowest in a survey which assessed 20 capital cities across the EU. Indeed this survey indicates that in 2015, in 20 capital cities in the EU, over 75 % of respondents were satisfied with the cultural facilities available, such as concert halls, theatres, museums and libraries.
Four EU capitals registered a score of 90 % or more of respondents stating satisfaction at the city’s level of cultural facilities. The city with the highest satisfaction level was Vienna (97%), followed by Helsinki (94%), Prague and Stockholm (both 90%).
The lowest on the spectrum meanwhile were Lisbon (59%), Nicosia (58%) and then Valletta at 34%. Malta’s Mediterranean neighbours also registered a below average rank; with Rome getting a rating of 65% and Madrid a rating of 64%.
These results are part of a wider presentation of statistics on capital cities which look at various other facets of life such as demographics, economic factors, and quality of life.
Malta does score higher in many aspects; for instance 75% of those surveyed were found to be satisfied with the financial situation within their household – a figure that is just above the EU average. 44% of people meanwhile thought that it was easy to find good housing at a reasonable price, and 53% of people agreed that foreigners living in Malta were well integrated. Similarly, 51% of people surveyed agreed that the presence of foreigners was good for the country.
In terms of quality of life; 67% were satisfied with healthcare services, doctors and hospitals in the country, whilst a similar number (65%) were also satisfied with Malta’s schools and education facilities.
Malta did register third lowest in terms of satisfaction with their personal job situation, with 51% being satisfied at their working conditions. Romania registered the same rate of satisfaction, whilst only Hungary (49%) and Greece (45%) registered lower levels.