According to the "Great German Enjoyment Study 2004" conducted by the respected polling agency Emnid, you’re likely to find the most carefree Germans in the south-western states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland as well as in the eastern state of Brandenburg.

Residents of the eastern and northern states of Berlin, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are, on the other hand, far less likely describe themselves as happy-go-lucky — or to take a moment out of their stressful lives to enjoy a cup of coffee or a short telephone call with a loved one.

The study, which was published on Tuesday, found that Germans are also divided when it comes to the best way to unwind. 36% of Germans are happiest alone, while 17% feel best painting the town red in the country’s lively cafes and dance clubs.

Another 27%, says the study, are most at ease when enjoying a glass of fine wine or another gourmet treat. The remainder takes comfort in the small pleasures that daily life has to offer: hearing a favourite song on the radio, for instance.
Republished with permission from "The Week in Germany"