Copenhagen has been named the world’s most liveable city for 2025, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index. This marks a shift from Vienna, which previously held the top spot. The index evaluates cities based on factors like stability, healthcare, culture, education, and infrastructure. While Copenhagen earned perfect scores in stability, education, and infrastructure, Vienna’s ranking was impacted by a bomb threat and a foiled train station attack. 

Here’s a closer look at the top 10:

  1. Copenhagen, Denmark: Copenhagen’s top ranking is attributed to its perfect scores in stability, education, and infrastructure, according to Forbes. 
  2. Vienna, Austria: Vienna dropped to second place due to safety concerns. 
  3. Zurich, Switzerland: Zurich maintains a high position, reflecting its strong performance in various liveability factors. 
  4. Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne continues to be a strong contender, praised for its culinary and cultural scene. 
  5. Geneva, Switzerland: Geneva’s consistent performance secures its place among the top cities. 
  6. Sydney, Australia: Sydney’s ranking reflects its overall quality of life. 
  7. Osaka, Japan: Osaka is the only Asian city in the top 10. 
  8. Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland’s strong showing highlights its appealing environment. 
  9. Adelaide, Australia: Adelaide’s consistent performance contributes to Australia’s strong presence in the rankings. 
  10. Vancouver, Canada: Vancouver’s inclusion reflects its overall liveability. 

While these rankings offer a valuable snapshot, it’s crucial to remember that they are based on specific criteria and may not fully capture the nuances of daily life in these cities. For example, while Copenhagen is lauded for its stability and infrastructure, some reports suggest that the typical living spaces might not be as desirable as the city center. Similarly, Melbourne’s high ranking is sometimes debated by locals. Ultimately, individual preferences and priorities play a significant role in determining which city is the “best” for any given person. 

Source: BBC Travel