A new study by ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon shows that people in Portugal have fewer close friends than they did a decade ago, with younger and lower-income groups reporting the steepest declines in social connections.
Researchers say the findings, based on comparisons between 2015 and 2025, point to a clear drop in close friendships, increased feelings of loneliness, and weaker social integration—despite many people not perceiving these changes in their daily lives.
According to the study, titled “Friendship in Portugal – What is it like? What has changed?”, young people aged 18 to 64, especially those with lower incomes or precarious employment, are the most affected. These groups report fewer friends, less frequent social interaction, and higher levels of loneliness compared to wealthier and more stable populations.
The report also highlights that people living alone, unemployed individuals, and members of socially marginalized groups—including LGBT+ respondents—report significantly higher levels of loneliness.
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Researchers emphasize that strong social relationships are closely linked to better health and well-being, and argue that public policy should reduce economic barriers to social interaction, including by expanding accessible public spaces for socializing.
The study also notes that friendships may have an even stronger impact on happiness than family relationships, and warns that loneliness is increasingly recognized as a public health concern by the World Health Organization.
