Copenhagen Crowned World’s Most Liveable City in EIU Ranking

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has unveiled its latest Global Liveability Index, naming Copenhagen as the world’s most liveable city. The Danish capital achieved an impressive score of 98, surpassing Vienna, which had held the top spot since 2022 with a score of 97.1. This annual ranking assesses 173 cities based on factors such as stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure.

Copenhagen’s victory can be attributed to its perfect scores in stability, education, and infrastructure. According to the EIU, it exemplifies the best of what urban living can offer, combining a commitment to environmental sustainability with a vibrant cultural scene. The report highlights Western Europe as the leading region for liveability, consistently achieving high scores across multiple categories.

Regional Highlights and Global Trends

Cities from the Asia-Pacific region also made a significant impact in this year’s rankings, with nine cities appearing in the top 20. Notably, Melbourne secured the fourth position, while Dhaka ranked last at 171. The EIU report notes the stark contrast within the region, showcasing both the most and least liveable cities globally.

Meanwhile, cities in the United States did not feature in the top 20, although Honolulu, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Washington performed well in the broader evaluation. The lack of representation from UK cities in the upper echelons of the ranking can be attributed to rising crime rates and social unrest. Despite this, major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh still made it onto the list of assessed locations.

The EIU’s findings indicate a global trend towards declining security in several cities, influenced by terrorism threats, social disorder, and political tensions. The report states, “In several West European cities, terrorist attacks and threats, as well as a rising incidence of crime and xenophobia, continue to undermine stability.”

The Top 20 Liveable Cities

The full list of the top 20 most liveable cities includes:

1. Copenhagen, Denmark
2. Vienna, Austria (tie)
2. Zurich, Switzerland (tie)
4. Melbourne, Australia
5. Geneva, Switzerland
6. Sydney, Australia
7. Osaka, Japan (tie)
7. Auckland, New Zealand (tie)
9. Adelaide, Australia
10. Vancouver, Canada
11. Luxembourg
12. Toronto, Canada
13. Helsinki, Finland
14. Tokyo, Japan
15. Perth, Australia
16. Brisbane, Australia
17. Frankfurt, Germany
18. Calgary, Canada
19. Amsterdam, Netherlands
20. Wellington, New Zealand

Copenhagen’s recognition as the most liveable city reaffirms its status as a prime destination for residents and visitors alike, thanks to its exceptional quality of life and commitment to fostering a sustainable urban environment.