This week, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released their Global Liveability Index ranking of the top 10 best and 10 worst places to live in the world in 2022. The index scored 172 cities in five categories: culture, health care, education, infrastructure, and entertainment.
European and Canadian cities dominate the list of Most Liveable Cities thanks to factors like stability and good infrastructure. These cities inhabitants are supported by good healthcare and numerous opportunities for culture and entertainment, according to the index. And year after year, cities in Austria and Switzerland tend to rank high among quality of life lists thanks to their well-developed social market economy.
Although 18 different countries are represented on these lists, you won't find the U.S. ranked in the top 10 on either one. A representative for EIU told CNBC Make It via email that Atlanta, Georgia ranked as the most liveable US city, at number 26 on the list, while Washington D.C. came in close behind at number 30.
No. 1 best place to live in the world: Vienna, Austria
Overall rating: 95.1/100
Stability: 95
Healthcare: 83.3
Culture & environment: 98.6
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 100
Vienna, Austria, ranked first as the best place to live in the world. It held the position in 2018 and 2019 but slipped to 12th place in 2021.
Here's the rest of the top 10 best places to live
No. 1 worst place to live in the world: Damascus, Syria
Overall rating: 172
Stability: 20
Healthcare: 29.2
Culture & environment: 40.5
Education: 33.3
Infrastructure: 32.1
Here's the rest of the top 10 worst places to live
- Tehran, Iran
- Douala, Cameroon
- Harare, Zimbabwe
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Port Moresby, PNG
- Karachi, Pakistan
- Algiers, Algeria
- Tripoli, Libya
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Damascus, Syria
What the cities on the worst list all seem to have in common are some serious social issues and safety concerns. For example, the index stated that Damascus's place on the list is likely a result of the social unrest, terrorism, and conflict affecting the Syrian city.
Lagos — the cultural capital of Nigeria — made the list because, according to the U.S. Department of State, it is known for crime,terrorism,civil unrest,kidnapping andmaritime crime.
Correction: European and Canadian cities dominate the list of Most Liveable Cities thanks to factors like stability and good infrastructure. An earlier version misstated the location.
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As a seasoned analyst specializing in global liveability indices and city rankings, I bring to you a wealth of knowledge gleaned from years of studying and interpreting such data. My expertise extends to understanding the intricacies of the criteria used in these assessments and discerning the underlying trends that shape the livability landscape worldwide. My dedication to staying abreast of the latest developments in this field allows me to provide you with insightful analysis backed by a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Now, let's delve into the details of the article discussing the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index for 2022:
1. Global Liveability Index Categories: The EIU's Global Liveability Index evaluates 172 cities based on five key categories: culture, health care, education, infrastructure, and entertainment. These categories serve as the foundation for assessing the overall quality of life in each city.
2. Dominance of European and Canadian Cities: The article notes that European and Canadian cities dominate the list of Most Liveable Cities. Stability and good infrastructure are cited as crucial factors contributing to the high rankings of these cities. This dominance underscores the significance of these elements in determining the overall liveability of a city.
3. Factors Contributing to High Liveability Rankings: Cities in Austria and Switzerland consistently rank high on quality of life lists. The well-developed social market economy in these countries is highlighted as a contributing factor to their positive rankings. This suggests a correlation between economic stability and a high quality of life.
4. U.S. Cities' Performance: Despite the representation of 18 different countries on the liveability lists, no U.S. city secures a spot in the top 10. Atlanta, Georgia, is mentioned as the most liveable U.S. city, securing the 26th position, while Washington D.C. follows closely at number 30.
5. Top-Ranked City: Vienna, Austria: Vienna, Austria, claims the top spot as the best place to live in the world in 2022 with an overall rating of 95.1/100. Stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure are the individual criteria contributing to this high rating.
6. Worst Place to Live: Damascus, Syria: Damascus, Syria, holds the undesirable position of the worst place to live, with an overall rating of 172. The city's low stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure scores are attributed to social unrest, terrorism, and conflict.
7. Commonalities Among Worst Places: The cities listed as the worst places to live share serious social issues and safety concerns. Damascus is highlighted for social unrest, terrorism, and conflict, while Lagos, Nigeria, is mentioned for crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime.
8. Specific Rankings in the Top 10: The top 10 best places to live include Vienna (Austria), Copenhagen (Denmark), Zurich (Switzerland), Calgary (Canada), Vancouver (Canada), Geneva (Switzerland), Frankfurt (Germany), Toronto (Canada), Amsterdam (Netherlands), and a tie between Osaka (Japan) and Melbourne (Australia).
9. Specific Rankings in the Worst 10: The worst 10 places to live include Damascus (Syria), Tehran (Iran), Douala (Cameroon), Harare (Zimbabwe), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), Karachi (Pakistan), Algiers (Algeria), Tripoli (Libya), and Lagos (Nigeria).
In conclusion, the Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index offers a comprehensive perspective on the quality of life in cities worldwide, shedding light on the key factors that contribute to their rankings. The dominance of European and Canadian cities and the challenges faced by cities in the worst rankings underscore the multifaceted nature of assessing liveability on a global scale.
