Economy
25 Years After the Wall, Overall, Berlin Is a Happy City
A new survey reveals optimistic attitudes across Germany's capital, though there are still distinct differences between Easterners and Westerners.
Berliners are content, feel good about the future—and they seem to be getting younger. These are some of the key findings of a major survey, released this week, that looks at how citizens of Germany’s capital feel about themselves, their city and their future. Published by the Hertie Foundation, its results show that overall, Berliners seem confident that their city is moving in the right direction.
It’s not entirely blue sky over Berlin, however. The survey reveals that, even 25 years after the Berlin wall fell, most Berliners feel there is still a clear difference between Easterners and Westerners. Berliners are also far more politically disaffected than other Germans and more likely to be living near the poverty line.