The share of people who report being exposed to pollution, grime and other environmental problems is more than twice the European average, according to a publication on quality of life indicators released by Eurostat to mark the International Day of Happiness.

Malta is an “extreme case” with more than 40 per cent of the population reporting exposure to pollution and noise compared with the European average of 15 per cent.

The report considers factors including GDP per capita, median income, employment and unemployment, life expectancy, education and early school leavers, the homicide rate, the ability to afford unexpected expenses and the natural and living environment.

Quality of life in Malta is about equal to the EU average although Nordic countries top the list. The report notes people living in western and southern Europe tend to be more satisfied with their lives.

On average, Italian, Spanish and French people live longer than other Europeans. Life expectancy in the EU is among the highest in the world and keeps rising but potential threats remain.

Smoking and obesity are regarded as major threats to public and individual health. Malta is the most serious case in the EU.

The risk of poverty and social exclusion is much higher in southern and eastern Europe than in the western and northern states.

Chronic risk of poverty is most prevalent in Bulgaria and Romania, and significantly higher than the EU average (10 per cent) in Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain.

Almost throughout Europe, the risk of severe material deprivation is sharply reduced for those who pursue higher education studies.

Malta has the second highest number of early school leavers in the EU, exposing them to a higher risk of social exclusion and poverty and making them less likely to participate in civic life and political affairs.