The 2025 Global Liveability Index, published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, has named Copenhagen, Denmark, as the world’s most liveable city. The annual report evaluates 173 cities based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure, using 30 indicators to produce an overall score out of 100. Copenhagen earned an impressive score of 98, achieving perfect results in stability, education, and infrastructure. The Danish capital, known for its efficient public transport, low crime rates, and high-quality public services, rose to first place after finishing second in both 2023 and 2024.
The report highlights Copenhagen’s strong governance, reliable healthcare system, and accessible education as key factors contributing to its success. Vienna, Austria, which had topped the index for several years, fell to joint second place alongside Zurich, Switzerland. Vienna’s score dropped slightly due to recent security concerns following terrorism-related incidents in 2024 and early 2025. Zurich, meanwhile, maintained its high position, reflecting Switzerland’s consistent performance across all five liveability categories.
The top ten most liveable cities also include Melbourne, Geneva, Sydney, Osaka, Auckland, Adelaide, and Vancouver. Western European and Asia-Pacific cities dominate the upper rankings, with strong healthcare systems, modern infrastructure, and political stability cited as major strengths. In the Middle East, Dubai recorded steady progress, reflecting the United Arab Emirates’ continued investment in urban development. While Dubai did not feature in the top 20 globally, the report noted the city’s significant improvements in healthcare, infrastructure, and public services over the past year. Dubai’s advanced transport networks, modern medical facilities, and focus on public safety contribute to its rising liveability scores.
Saudi Arabia also recorded notable improvements, particularly in Al Khobar, which climbed 13 positions due to investments in healthcare and education under the country’s Vision 2030 programme. The report acknowledged that several Middle Eastern cities are benefitting from targeted government policies aimed at enhancing urban liveability. However, the report also highlights cities facing serious challenges.
Damascus, Syria, remains at the bottom of the global rankings, largely due to the prolonged impact of civil war, political instability, and inadequate infrastructure. The Syrian capital received the lowest scores across nearly all categories, with the report citing little to no improvement in living conditions. Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, ranked 170th out of 173, making it the fourth least liveable city globally. The report attributes this to persistent problems with stability, healthcare, and infrastructure. Karachi’s high crime rates, limited healthcare access, pollution, and inadequate public services continue to affect residents’ quality of life. Other major Pakistani cities, including Lahore and Islamabad, were not highlighted among the worst globally but remain outside the top-performing categories.
The Global Liveability Index 2025 reflects widening contrasts between cities investing in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, and those struggling with conflict, instability, and underdevelopment. The results show that long-term urban planning and public investment remain critical in determining how liveable a city is for its residents. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.