Highest quality of life: Copenhagen replaces Vienna

Vienna has been ranked first as the metropolis with the highest quality of life three times. However, this year, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Copenhagen dethrones Austria's capital.

In the Economist Group's annual ranking, Copenhagen generally scores higher in terms of stability, infrastructure, and education. However, Vienna follows closely in second place, sharing this spot with Zurich. One reason Vienna didn't make it to the top spot is the key factor of stability. The cancellation of the Taylor Swift concert last summer due to a bomb threat tarnished Vienna's security record. No German metropolis is among the top ten. A total of 173 cities were ranked based on 30 criteria.

The top ten most livable cities:

Rank	City	index	stability	Health	Infrastructure
1	Copenhagen/DK	98	100	95.8	100
2	Vienna/AT	97.1	95	100	100
2	Zurich/CH	97.1	95	100	96.4
4	Melbourne/AUS	97	95	100	96.4
5	Geneva/CH	96.8	95	100	96.4
6	Sydney/AUS	96.6	95	100	96.4
7	Osaka/JPN	96	95	100	96.4
7	Auckland/NZL	96	95	95.8	92.9
9	Adelaide/AUS	95.9	100	100	96.4
10	Vancouver/CAN	95.8	95	95.8	92.9

Source: EIU

In general, given the tense times, stability ratings have declined, particularly in Europe and Asia. The European losers include the three British cities of London, which slipped from 45th to 54th place, Manchester (from 45th to 52nd), and Edinburgh (from 59th to 64th). Social tensions and political unrest are cited as reasons for this decline. The Canadian metropolis of Calgary also experienced a decline, falling out of the top ten and ranking 18th this year. A public health crisis negatively impacted its rating.

Kyiv ranks 165th. The lowest positions remain unchanged from previous years. Libya ranks 172nd, and Damascus ranks 173rd.

(thy)

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