Copenhagen Tops the Chart: The Most Liveable City of 2025
The eagerly awaited Global Liveability Index for 2025 has just been unveiled, and in a surprising twist, Copenhagen has claimed the crown, knocking Vienna off its three-year throne.
The Liveability Index Breakdown
Compiled annually by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), this comprehensive ranking assesses 173 cities based on five critical categories: health care, culture and environment, education, infrastructure, and stability.
Why Copenhagen Shines
This year, Copenhagen received an impressive overall score of 98 out of 100, distinguishing itself in several key areas. Notably, it earned perfect scores in stability, education, and infrastructure, marking it as one of only six cities to achieve this coveted status in stability. The focus on urban planning, eco-friendliness, and community vitality makes this city a true exemplar of modern living.
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Vienna’s Fall from Grace
After a string of three consecutive years at the top, Vienna has slipped to second place, tied with Zurich, Switzerland. The decline in its stability score is largely attributed to recent incidents, including two thwarted terrorist attacks this year that dampened its once-stellar reputation. According to Barsali Bhattacharyya, Deputy Industry Director at EIU, “Pressure on stability has led Vienna to lose its position as the most liveable city after a three-year stint.”
The Factors Behind Global Liveability Trends
The EIU has noted that while scores in health care, education, and infrastructure have either remained stable or improved, there’s been a widespread decline in stability scores across the globe, impacting cities like Vienna significantly.
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"Global liveability has remained flat over the past year, and as in 2024, scores for stability have declined at a global level," explains Bhattacharyya. This statement underscores a growing concern regarding urban safety and cohesion in many regions worldwide.
A Closer Look at the Rankings
The latest rankings showcase not just the top contenders but also highlight a trend favoring smaller cities. Here are the top 10 most liveable cities for 2025:
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Vienna, Austria (tie)
- Zurich, Switzerland (tie)
- Melbourne, Australia
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Sydney, Australia
- Osaka, Japan (tie)
- Auckland, New Zealand (tie)
- Adelaide, Australia
- Vancouver, Canada
Interestingly, Vancouver has secured the 10th spot, marking North America’s only presence in the top 10. The highest-ranked city in the U.S. is Honolulu, Hawaii, landing in 23rd place.
Why Smaller Cities Fare Better
It’s important to note that only three cities in the top 20 have populations exceeding 6 million residents, suggesting that medium-sized cities are often better equipped to manage urban challenges. As Bhattacharyya explains, "We’ve seen a trend where smaller or medium-sized cities in the U.S. actually do a lot better than the really big cities like New York or LA."
Economist Intelligence Unit
This trend could lead to a reevaluation of urban development strategies in many metropolises as they strive to enhance liveability.
Conclusion
As we look to the future, cities like Copenhagen set a benchmark for what makes an urban environment thrive. As the landscape of global liveability evolves, it’s clear that a holistic approach to urban living—encompassing stability, community wellness, and environmental consciousness—will be pivotal for cities aspiring to climb the ranks.
For more details on liveability trends and city rankings, delve into the resources provided by the Economist.
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