The European Intelligence Unit (EIU) released its 2023 global livability index, shedding light on the cities that have excelled in providing an exceptional quality of life for their residents. The index covers 173 cities and ranks them in multiple factors under 5 categories – stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
According to EIU, this year’s global livability index reached a 15-year high with many cities in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa showing significant improvements in healthcare and education scores. This upswing in livability can be attributed to a gradual return to normalcy following the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the diligent and incremental efforts made by many developing countries in improving livability are primarily responsible for driving shifts in the rankings.
Top 10 Cities of the 2023 Global Livability Index
Vienna, Austria’s capital, has clinched the top spot on the global livability index for the second year in a row. With an exceptional total score of 98.4 and perfect ratings in four categories, Vienna maintains its outstanding livability status. While it saw a minor decline in the culture and entertainment category, scoring 94.5, Vienna continues to shine as a premier destination for quality living.
Denmark’s capital Copenhagen comes in second with a total index score of 98, followed by Melbourne with a score of 97.7 in the third place. Here are the top 10 with their index scores-
- Vienna (Austria) – 98.4
- Copenhagen (Denmark) – 98.0
- Melbourne (Australia) – 97.7
- Sydney (Australia) – 97.4
- Vancouver (Canada) – 97.3
- Zurich (Switzerland) – 97.1
- Calgary (Canada) – 96.8
- Geneva (Switzerland) – 96.8
- Toronto (Canada) – 96.5
- Osaka (Japan) – 96.0
- Auckland (New Zealand) – 96.0
Calgary and Geneva jointly occupy the seventh position, while Osaka and Auckland complete the top 10.
From the livability index, we also learn that Wellington and Auckland made significant leaps in the rankings compared to the previous year. Wellington climbed an impressive 35 places, while Auckland surged ahead by 25 places. Eight of the 10 biggest climbers are from the Asia-Pacific region.
Factors Affecting Index Scores
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted living conditions in numerous cities worldwide, particularly in the areas of healthcare, culture and environment, and education. Stress on these factors has had a profound effect on the overall livability of cities.
EIU adds that the global stability of cities has experienced a decline, making it the only category to witness a decrease in ratings compared to the previous year. Some factors affecting stability ratings are-
- Civil unrest
- Inflation
- Dissatisfaction with working conditions
- Protests
- Shortage of goods
The bottom 10 of the 2023 global livability index comprises cities that face considerable challenges in terms of overall livability, scoring lower across multiple factors and categories. The least livable city according to the index – Damascus in Syria, is affected by social unrest, terrorism, and conflict. The second least livable city Tripoli in Libya shares the same narrative. Here are the bottom 10 cities of the 2023 global livability index-
- Douala (Cameroon) – 46.4
- Kyiv (Ukraine) – 44.0
- Harare (Zimbabwe) – 43.8
- Dhaka (Bangladesh) – 43.8
- Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) – 43.4
- Karachi (Pakistan) – 42.5
- Lagos (Nigeria) – 42.2
- Algiers (Algeria) – 42.0
- Tripoli (Libya) – 40.1
- Damascus (Syria) – 30.7
The impact of the war in Ukraine extends beyond Kyiv, affecting several European cities and resulting in their significant decline in rankings. The city of Edinburgh in the UK tumbled down 23 places compared to last year, whereas Manchester went down 16 places. Sweden’s capital Stockholm lost 22 places, and two cities from the United States – Los Angeles and San Diego, each went down 17 places in the rankings compared to last year.
While civil unrest and economic imbalance continue to present significance, we must maintain an optimistic outlook as we strive for positive change and progress. It is through collective efforts, empathy, and a shared vision that we can pave the way for peace, stability, and sustainable development.
As we confront climate change, the need for better living conditions becomes increasingly imperative. We must prioritize sustainable and regenerative infrastructure, resilient communities, and eco-friendly practices to adapt to these changes and ensure a high quality of life for present and future generations. Investing in renewable energy, efficient transportation systems, green spaces, and climate-resilient housing can contribute to mitigating the impact of climate change and enhancing the overall livability of our cities.
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