baroque Plaque Column, Vienna
1679. Bing
Vienna kohlmarkt
The survey assesses 140 of the world’s major cities in fixed categories, stability, education, universal health care, public transport, culture and environment. Cities were scored out of 100, with the availability of goods and services pushing scores up and personal risk (guns, terrorism) pushing down.
In 2010 & 2011, Vancouver remained in top position. Even in 2014, 2015 and 2016, the top cities have remained amazingly constant, scoring VERY closely:
1 Melbourne;
2 Vienna;
3 Vancouver;
4 Toronto;
5 Calgary;
6 Sydney;
7 Helsinki;
8 Perth;
9 Adelaide;
10: Auckland.
Australian and Canadian cities did best, capturing 7 of the top 10 spots. So why did the world’s most powerful cities not score well? Global business centres (cities with 8+ million) eg New York, London, Paris and Tokyo were victims of their own size, with strained public transport, higher crime rates and crowding. London ranked 53rd! In addition, The Economist Intelligence Unit showed Europe scores had been pushed down a bit by the euro-zone crisis.
The report concluded the best scoring cities were mid-sized cities (2-4 mill) in wealthier countries with a relatively low population density. Cities with a significant proportion of their area allocated to green parkland did well, as did cities with Olympic Games-standard sporting facilities.
But some disagree that the successful cities were equally liveable for all residents eg The Victorian Council of Social Service said Melbourne's top ranking failed to recognise the growing disparity between those who can afford to live where the services and jobs are, and those who have to live in areas of high unemployment, expensive housing and very long public transport commutes. [NB aggregated stats lose individual differences in overall results].
The same Global Liveability Survey listed Damascus Syria as the least liveable cities in the Aug 2015 index, although Harare Zimbabwe, Dhaka Bangladesh, Tripoli Libya, Lagos Nigeria and Port Moresby PNG were close. But that too can change. Ongoing conflicts in Syria, Ukraine and Libya might have been predicted, but totally unexpected tragedies in France, Belgium, Tunisia, Ukraine and Gaza were not predictable. In Athens, governmental austerity reduced employment and reduced the provision of public services.
European cities dominated the top 10 positions in the Quality of Living Rankings, with Vienna remaining in the No.1 spot and Zurich, Geneva, Munich, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Copenhagen coming in the top 10. How could the Mercer results be so different from the Global Liveability Survey results, in the same year? Because this American global human resource and financial firm, is more influenced by business concerns eg currency exchange regulations, banking services, housing costs and consumer goods.
The Economist Intelligence Unit is a British business providing forecasting and advisory services through research and analysis, including country, industry and management analyses world-wide. It has published an annual Global Liveability Ranking which began in 2004. The Unit ranks cities for their urban quality of life, based on assessments across five categories: stability, infrastructure, healthcare and culture, education and environment.
With Melbourne winning the world title for the many previous years, it may come as a surprise to Australians that in 2018 Vienna for the first time topped the EIU’s Global Liveability Index. The differences between the top 30 cities in this index were small. Vienna and Melbourne were VERY close in the index of 140 urban centres for years, and are still separated by less than a point.
In 2018, Vienna was the World's Most Liveable City, the results being: 1. Vienna Austria; 2. Melbourne Australia; 3. Osaka Japan; 4. Calgary Canada; 5. Sydney Aus; 6. Vancouver Canada; 7. Toronto Canada, Tokyo Japan; 9. Copenhagen Denmark and 10. Adelaide Aus. Vienna and Melbourne saw an improvement in their score this year, scoring maximum points in health-care, education and infrastructure. But while Melbourne extended its lead in the culture and environment component, that was outweighed by Vienna’s improved stability ranking. Osaka's improved in public traffic, as well as a consistent decline in crime rates, contributed to Osaka’s improved ratings in infrastructure and stability categories.
Osaka, Calgary and Sydney filled the top 5 positions. The EIU believed the survey usually favoured medium-sized cities in wealthy countries, often with relatively low population densities. Larger, more crowded cities tended to have higher crime rates and more strained infrastructure.
Australia and Canada achieved great liveability results, as expected. Melbourne (98.4%), Sydney (97.4%) and Adelaide were joined by Calgary (97.5%), Vancouver (97.3%) and Toronto (97.2%) in the Top Ten. But apart from Vienna, only one other European city achieved a great rating. This was Copenhagen, 9th place at 96.8%. Helsinki and Hamburg, who held Top Ten places last year, dropped out.
Green spaces are important. 50% of Vienna comprises green areas, parklands and gardens that can be reached on foot or by tram. Melbourne has huge public parks and wide, tree-lined boulevards. Vancouver has its harbour setting, with beautiful parks and gardens. Copenhagen has fine Botanical and Tivoli facilities.
Now examine January Magazine's published results of The 2020 Best Countries Report which was part of US News’ Government Rankings initiative, measuring government performance at the state and international levels.
Overall Best Countries results 2020
1. Switzerland
2. Canada
3. Japan
4. Germany
5. Australia
6. United Kingdom
7. United States
8. Sweden
9. Netherlands
10. Norway and New Zealand
Regarding Switzerland, the report emphasised that “Switzerland has low unemployment, a skilled labour force and one of the highest gross domestic products per capita in the world, according to the CIA World Factbook. The country’s strong economy was powered by low corporate tax rates, a highly-developed service sector led by financial services and a high-tech manufacturing industry.”
Citizens painted a bleak picture when asked about nations’ trustworthiness. While the US was seen as the most powerful country in the world, it was not seen as trustworthy. Canada was seen as the most trustworthy country, and has been since the first Best Countries report in 2016. During the same time, perceptions of the US as being trustworthy steadily dropped to a record low of 16.3 on a 100-point scale. As did UK also fall in this attribute
There was global consensus about climate change’s effects, 87% agreeing it was serious. Of the 36 countries surveyed, people in Russia agreed about climate change the least (71%), and Indonesia agreed the most (97%) with Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. Only 60% agreed their country addressed climate change.
For Quality of Life in 2022
1. Canada
2. Denmark
3. Sweden
4. Norway
5. Australia
6. Netherlands
7. Switzerland
8. New Zealand
9. Finland
10. Germany
Since 2012 the World Happiness Report has published World's Most Liveable Cities in an annual survey ran by the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The survey ranks global happiness in countries globally and the World Happiness Report’s most important source has always been the Gallup World Poll, unique in the range and comparability of its global series of annual surveys. The Gallup World Poll provide the basis for the annual happiness rankings have always drawn in readers who want to know how their nation is faring but soon become curious about the secrets of life in the happiest countries. Right from the outset, we received very favourable terms from Gallup and the very best of treatment. Gallup researchers have also contributed to the content of several World Happiness Reports. The value of this partnership was recognised by two Betterment of the Human Conditions Awards from the Society for Quality of Life Studies. Although the statisticians typically base the ranking on data from the Gallup World Poll, this year was a bit different. Since the researchers were unable to do face-to-face interviews in a number of countries, they focused on the relationship between well-being and Covid-19 in order to rank the countries.
“Surprisingly there was not, on average, a decline in well-being when measured by people’s own evaluation of their lives. A possible explanation is that people see Covid-19 as a common, outside threat affecting everybody and this has generated a greater sense of solidarity and fellow-feeling.”
We need urgently to learn from Covid-19. The pandemic reminds us of our global environmental threats, the urgent need to cooperate, and the difficulties of achieving cooperation in each country and globally. The World Happiness Report 2021 reminds us that we must aim for wellbeing rather than mere wealth, which will be fleeting indeed if we don’t do a much better job of addressing the challenges of sustainable development.”
In 2010 & 2011, Vancouver remained in top position. Even in 2014, 2015 and 2016, the top cities have remained amazingly constant, scoring VERY closely:
1 Melbourne;
2 Vienna;
3 Vancouver;
4 Toronto;
5 Calgary;
6 Sydney;
7 Helsinki;
8 Perth;
9 Adelaide;
10: Auckland.
Australian and Canadian cities did best, capturing 7 of the top 10 spots. So why did the world’s most powerful cities not score well? Global business centres (cities with 8+ million) eg New York, London, Paris and Tokyo were victims of their own size, with strained public transport, higher crime rates and crowding. London ranked 53rd! In addition, The Economist Intelligence Unit showed Europe scores had been pushed down a bit by the euro-zone crisis.
The report concluded the best scoring cities were mid-sized cities (2-4 mill) in wealthier countries with a relatively low population density. Cities with a significant proportion of their area allocated to green parkland did well, as did cities with Olympic Games-standard sporting facilities.
But some disagree that the successful cities were equally liveable for all residents eg The Victorian Council of Social Service said Melbourne's top ranking failed to recognise the growing disparity between those who can afford to live where the services and jobs are, and those who have to live in areas of high unemployment, expensive housing and very long public transport commutes. [NB aggregated stats lose individual differences in overall results].
The same Global Liveability Survey listed Damascus Syria as the least liveable cities in the Aug 2015 index, although Harare Zimbabwe, Dhaka Bangladesh, Tripoli Libya, Lagos Nigeria and Port Moresby PNG were close. But that too can change. Ongoing conflicts in Syria, Ukraine and Libya might have been predicted, but totally unexpected tragedies in France, Belgium, Tunisia, Ukraine and Gaza were not predictable. In Athens, governmental austerity reduced employment and reduced the provision of public services.
European cities dominated the top 10 positions in the Quality of Living Rankings, with Vienna remaining in the No.1 spot and Zurich, Geneva, Munich, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Copenhagen coming in the top 10. How could the Mercer results be so different from the Global Liveability Survey results, in the same year? Because this American global human resource and financial firm, is more influenced by business concerns eg currency exchange regulations, banking services, housing costs and consumer goods.
The Economist Intelligence Unit is a British business providing forecasting and advisory services through research and analysis, including country, industry and management analyses world-wide. It has published an annual Global Liveability Ranking which began in 2004. The Unit ranks cities for their urban quality of life, based on assessments across five categories: stability, infrastructure, healthcare and culture, education and environment.
With Melbourne winning the world title for the many previous years, it may come as a surprise to Australians that in 2018 Vienna for the first time topped the EIU’s Global Liveability Index. The differences between the top 30 cities in this index were small. Vienna and Melbourne were VERY close in the index of 140 urban centres for years, and are still separated by less than a point.
In 2018, Vienna was the World's Most Liveable City, the results being: 1. Vienna Austria; 2. Melbourne Australia; 3. Osaka Japan; 4. Calgary Canada; 5. Sydney Aus; 6. Vancouver Canada; 7. Toronto Canada, Tokyo Japan; 9. Copenhagen Denmark and 10. Adelaide Aus. Vienna and Melbourne saw an improvement in their score this year, scoring maximum points in health-care, education and infrastructure. But while Melbourne extended its lead in the culture and environment component, that was outweighed by Vienna’s improved stability ranking. Osaka's improved in public traffic, as well as a consistent decline in crime rates, contributed to Osaka’s improved ratings in infrastructure and stability categories.
Osaka, Calgary and Sydney filled the top 5 positions. The EIU believed the survey usually favoured medium-sized cities in wealthy countries, often with relatively low population densities. Larger, more crowded cities tended to have higher crime rates and more strained infrastructure.
Australia and Canada achieved great liveability results, as expected. Melbourne (98.4%), Sydney (97.4%) and Adelaide were joined by Calgary (97.5%), Vancouver (97.3%) and Toronto (97.2%) in the Top Ten. But apart from Vienna, only one other European city achieved a great rating. This was Copenhagen, 9th place at 96.8%. Helsinki and Hamburg, who held Top Ten places last year, dropped out.
Green spaces are important. 50% of Vienna comprises green areas, parklands and gardens that can be reached on foot or by tram. Melbourne has huge public parks and wide, tree-lined boulevards. Vancouver has its harbour setting, with beautiful parks and gardens. Copenhagen has fine Botanical and Tivoli facilities.
Now examine January Magazine's published results of The 2020 Best Countries Report which was part of US News’ Government Rankings initiative, measuring government performance at the state and international levels.
Overall Best Countries results 2020
1. Switzerland
2. Canada
3. Japan
4. Germany
5. Australia
6. United Kingdom
7. United States
8. Sweden
9. Netherlands
10. Norway and New Zealand
Regarding Switzerland, the report emphasised that “Switzerland has low unemployment, a skilled labour force and one of the highest gross domestic products per capita in the world, according to the CIA World Factbook. The country’s strong economy was powered by low corporate tax rates, a highly-developed service sector led by financial services and a high-tech manufacturing industry.”
Citizens painted a bleak picture when asked about nations’ trustworthiness. While the US was seen as the most powerful country in the world, it was not seen as trustworthy. Canada was seen as the most trustworthy country, and has been since the first Best Countries report in 2016. During the same time, perceptions of the US as being trustworthy steadily dropped to a record low of 16.3 on a 100-point scale. As did UK also fall in this attribute
There was global consensus about climate change’s effects, 87% agreeing it was serious. Of the 36 countries surveyed, people in Russia agreed about climate change the least (71%), and Indonesia agreed the most (97%) with Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. Only 60% agreed their country addressed climate change.
For Quality of Life in 2022
1. Canada
2. Denmark
3. Sweden
4. Norway
5. Australia
6. Netherlands
7. Switzerland
8. New Zealand
9. Finland
10. Germany
Since 2012 the World Happiness Report has published World's Most Liveable Cities in an annual survey ran by the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The survey ranks global happiness in countries globally and the World Happiness Report’s most important source has always been the Gallup World Poll, unique in the range and comparability of its global series of annual surveys. The Gallup World Poll provide the basis for the annual happiness rankings have always drawn in readers who want to know how their nation is faring but soon become curious about the secrets of life in the happiest countries. Right from the outset, we received very favourable terms from Gallup and the very best of treatment. Gallup researchers have also contributed to the content of several World Happiness Reports. The value of this partnership was recognised by two Betterment of the Human Conditions Awards from the Society for Quality of Life Studies. Although the statisticians typically base the ranking on data from the Gallup World Poll, this year was a bit different. Since the researchers were unable to do face-to-face interviews in a number of countries, they focused on the relationship between well-being and Covid-19 in order to rank the countries.
“Surprisingly there was not, on average, a decline in well-being when measured by people’s own evaluation of their lives. A possible explanation is that people see Covid-19 as a common, outside threat affecting everybody and this has generated a greater sense of solidarity and fellow-feeling.”
We need urgently to learn from Covid-19. The pandemic reminds us of our global environmental threats, the urgent need to cooperate, and the difficulties of achieving cooperation in each country and globally. The World Happiness Report 2021 reminds us that we must aim for wellbeing rather than mere wealth, which will be fleeting indeed if we don’t do a much better job of addressing the challenges of sustainable development.”
Adelaide
Melbourne
Osaka
Vancouver
It's official! In 2021 Finland is the Happiest Country in the world for the 4th year running. So where did other countries fall on the list this year? Norway slipped a bit this year, coming in at #8. Last year, Norway was at #5, and in 2019, Norway was in the top three overall. United Kingdom slipped 4 spots from 2020, coming in at #18, while Germany is at 7—up 10 spots. Another big leap was Croatia, which rose to 23 this year, up from #79 in 2020.
One of the countries that had a challenging time this past year—China—made the top 20 in 2021, coming in at number 19. It was a dramatic leap from last year, when China was at 94. But the researchers, who took a deep dive into the lessons learned in Asia, weren’t surprised. “The East Asian experience shows that stringent government policies not only control Covid-19 effectively, but also buffer the negative impact of daily infections on people’s happiness,” said the Korea Development Institute.
There were similar success rates in Australia, which ranked #12 and New Zealand at #9 “The evidence shows that people’s morale improves when the government acts,” says the editors. Besides the happiest countries in the world, the Happiness Report also looked at the places where people are the most miserable. This year, countries like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Jordan were ranked as some of the unhappiest countries in the world.
Vienna was named the world's most liveable city in 2024 for the 3rd year running, according to the EIU's latest results. Two Canadian cities (Calgary, Vancouver) and 4 in Asia-Pacific (Melbourne, Sydney, Osaka,Auckland) completed the top 10.
The 2020 Best Countries methodology used data gathered from a survey of 20,000 business leaders; college educated individuals; and general citizens who were representative of their country. The goal of the Best Countries report was to understand how global perceptions are related to investment, foreign trade and tourism of a nation. But Best Countries should also measure peace for the residents, democracy, universal health care, adequate social housing, unemployment rates, free schooling for all children.
Beyond the essential ideas of broad access to food and housing, to quality education and health care and employment, the Quality of Life measure may also include intangibles such as job security, political stability, individual freedom and environmental quality.
And I have another question. Does cultural diversity add to a city’s overall liveability? If GIU could measure cultural diversity (eg the proportion of a city’s population born overseas), Toronto might maximise its score. But then if climate was one of the included catagories, Toronto might go down the list a tad and Barcelona might go up the little.
One of the countries that had a challenging time this past year—China—made the top 20 in 2021, coming in at number 19. It was a dramatic leap from last year, when China was at 94. But the researchers, who took a deep dive into the lessons learned in Asia, weren’t surprised. “The East Asian experience shows that stringent government policies not only control Covid-19 effectively, but also buffer the negative impact of daily infections on people’s happiness,” said the Korea Development Institute.
There were similar success rates in Australia, which ranked #12 and New Zealand at #9 “The evidence shows that people’s morale improves when the government acts,” says the editors. Besides the happiest countries in the world, the Happiness Report also looked at the places where people are the most miserable. This year, countries like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Jordan were ranked as some of the unhappiest countries in the world.
Vienna was named the world's most liveable city in 2024 for the 3rd year running, according to the EIU's latest results. Two Canadian cities (Calgary, Vancouver) and 4 in Asia-Pacific (Melbourne, Sydney, Osaka,Auckland) completed the top 10.
The 2020 Best Countries methodology used data gathered from a survey of 20,000 business leaders; college educated individuals; and general citizens who were representative of their country. The goal of the Best Countries report was to understand how global perceptions are related to investment, foreign trade and tourism of a nation. But Best Countries should also measure peace for the residents, democracy, universal health care, adequate social housing, unemployment rates, free schooling for all children.
Beyond the essential ideas of broad access to food and housing, to quality education and health care and employment, the Quality of Life measure may also include intangibles such as job security, political stability, individual freedom and environmental quality.
And I have another question. Does cultural diversity add to a city’s overall liveability? If GIU could measure cultural diversity (eg the proportion of a city’s population born overseas), Toronto might maximise its score. But then if climate was one of the included catagories, Toronto might go down the list a tad and Barcelona might go up the little.
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22 comments:
Hello Hels, These scores are all averages, yet all people who might want to live in these cities are individuals. Melbourne might have many happy citizens, but also I am sure a lot of dissatisfied ones. Also, in these studies the cities are viewed holistically, and only considering certain parameters (you at the end mentioned a few additional important ones), but what matters to some is of little importance to others.
I suppose that for the time being, any American city is off the charts, but the favorite place I lived was the village of Moreland Hills, a suburb of Cleveland. The houses were pleasantly spaced, and the crime rate close to zero. It is located in the beautiful Chagrin Valley, and while nothing is within walking distance, there is much beautiful architecture, natural history, and other attractions very close.
--Jim
It highlights how measures of liveability, quality of life, and happiness intertwine yet diverge, revealing that a truly liveable city depends as much on cultural inclusiveness and human wellbeing as on infrastructure and wealth
I see from your photo that Vancouver has added a new geodesic dome that wasn't there in 1970--when I was a refugee from Nixonal Socialism. A WAY better design than the old one that wasn't RBuckyF at all. I have never been anywhere as FUN as Vancouver except SF of that same era. Curitiba is my final choice... kinda of like a slice of Poland/Ukraine transplanted to Brazil, but with weather that can't be beat!
Fascinates me how the authorities come to their decisions.
The best cities to live in the world changes with time and with categories. What does this year’s report reveal about the state of global liveability? The 2025 edition evaluates 173 cities using 30 indicators across five broad categories: stability, health care, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, there’s an overall global decline in stability, due to terrorism threats, civil unrest, housing crises and geopolitical tensions. Scores in the stability category have continued to fall amid geopolitical tensions, civil unrest and widespread housing crises. In several west European cities, terrorist attacks and threats, as well as a rising incidence of crime and xenophobia, continue to undermine stability. On the other hand there were improvements in scores for healthcare, education and infrastructure in some cities.
Parnassus
You are quite right. It is very difficult to come to a unified response to Happiest City or Safest Nation or any other global comparison. Some nations would demand that a total ban on guns would be most important variable. Some citizens would prefer free health care or high employment rates as the key variables to measure.
I see no way around this issue, so perhaps we need to recognise and spell out the differences.
Average life expectancy is very accurately measured. But happiness is so personal, I think we cannot make sensible inter-national comparisons. So do we include the number of public swimming pools in a city? The proportion of a city allocated to open parkland? Free trams to and from work each day?
Hank
it is not surprising that you mention Vancouver and San Francisco in the one sentence. And I would add Venice, Cape Town, Rio and Sydney. But then I am Australian and would always expect to live on a coast.
Thanks for mentioning weather - it surely must make a difference to peoples' happiness, safety and health.
Margaret
each survey is scientifically designed and tested, over and over before the yearly results are collected. So once the variables are defined and tested, you can trust the results within that particular project. But you cannot compare the results BETWEEN surveys.
So before the results are published, the statisticians must explain which variables they selected and which they excluded.
Forbes
thank you for specifying the five broad categories: stability, health care, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. You found the best city to live in the world is Copenhagen since Copenhagen got perfect scores of 100 in three categories: stability, education and infrastructure. Previously, Copenhagen came in second place to Vienna in both 2024 and 2023.
Such surveys are interesting but are not going to result in huge numbers of people relocating. Perhaps governments should take notice and act accordingly.
jabblog
cities and nations do whatever they want and may take zero notice of these reviews. My street had 4 tennis courts available for the local population, surrounded by lawns and seats for everyone to socialise. Essential for health and community bonding, but the council took the land for flats :(
Beautiful blog
This was a very interesting read. It goes to show so many not well traveled and very home territory centered Americans are missing out on a lot of the world. And I know I've been to several places in the world where I feel a lot safer than I do here in the US. And maybe it's just me. Thanks for sharing Hels.
Rajani
many thanks. Which city do you think is the world's most liveable?
Erika
people are travelling less now than in the pre-Covid decades because of wars, epidemics, endless costs and unreliable transport systems. My old goal of visiting eg 150 of the 193 nations in this world.. was going along nicely until Covid struck, but now it will never happen :(
Thus you will have to make your travel decisions very very carefully OR you can happily rely on blogging, tv programmes and films instead.
Boa segunda-feira e boa semana, minha querida amiga. Nunca saí do Brasil, tenho certeza que Viena, mereceu esse título. Sobre o homem que fazia sermos no Jardim do Méier, confesso que não sabia. As vezes tenho oportunidade de fazer sermões em casa e as vezes vem espontâneos. Coisas de Deus não se explica, se vive. Obrigado pelo comentário. Aprendendo co o seu Blogger e sua situação no meu. Muito obrigado. É sempre muito bom aprender. Grande abraço carioca.
I find these stats interesting. For some odd reason I'm fantasied about stats. One thing I like to find is a stats on smaller community. Like mind with population on 5,000
Luiz
there is so much to read, listen and learn, even when we don't necessarily agree with all the material. The results in this post, for example, revealed the importance of a country I had neither studied nor visited - Japan. So as soon as he could, my spouse planned a detailed trip around Japan and had a wonderful time.
Peppylady
I know EXACTLY what you are saying :) When my father retired and bought into a travel agency, he spent a lot of time in Russia and China. He loved those years, but found it a bit overwhelming.
There are so many variables to take into consideration. Also people's preferences are so different. For example weather and temperature. Some like it hot and some like cooler climates. I agree smaller cities are more pleasant than hugely populated ones. That is why I worry about Brisbane's population explosion. Infrastructure can't keep up. Even so, when one travels the world, it always feels great to come home to Australia.
diane, Helen didn't mention Brisbane, so I refer you to the ranking of all the 140 cities accompanied by their liveability rating. The liveability score is the combination of all the 5 factors surveyed.
Brisbane came 17th in the world!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Liveability_Index
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