The world’s most liveable cities in 2023 have been identified and celebrated in the latest release of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index. After enduring the challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, cities worldwide have made remarkable recoveries, reclaiming their positions as havens of quality living. In this article, we will delve into the rankings, exploring the key attributes that contribute to their desirability. From stability and healthcare to culture, education, and infrastructure, join us on a journey through the most liveable cities in 2023, where urban excellence is at its finest.
The Resurgence of Liveability
Living conditions in cities across the globe have fully rebounded, indicating a significant recovery from the pandemic-induced deterioration. The EIU’s comprehensive liveability index meticulously evaluates 173 cities across five crucial categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Notably, cities in the Asia-Pacific region have experienced remarkable bounce-backs, showcasing their resilience and commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life.
The Crème de la Crème
Topping the list for the fourth time in five years is Vienna, the epitome of an exemplary city. Its exceptional blend of stability, culture, entertainment, and reliable infrastructure continues to captivate both residents and visitors alike. Following closely is Copenhagen, a similarly sized city that shares many of Vienna’s enviable characteristics. Melbourne, a perennial favorite, secures the third spot, boasting its unique charm and allure. It is worth mentioning that nine out of the top ten cities are small to mid-sized, with a common thread of being located in affluent countries. Large cities burdened by high crime rates, congestion, and density tend to fare less favorably, as reflected in London’s 12-place decline and New York’s ten-spot drop in the rankings.
The Ascending Stars
Remarkable progress has been observed in various cities worldwide. Wellington and Auckland have climbed an impressive 35 and 25 places, respectively, compared to the previous year. Hanoi’s ascent by 20 spots and Kuala Lumpur’s leap by 19 positions further demonstrate the positive strides made in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East post-pandemic. Notably, education and healthcare improvements have played a significant role in elevating the living standards of these cities.
The Challenging Bottom
While celebrating the triumphs, it is essential to acknowledge the cities facing significant challenges. Damascus, regrettably, has maintained its unenviable position as the least liveable city for over a decade, haunted by social unrest, terrorism, and conflict. Just above it, Tripoli, with a score nearly ten points higher than Damascus, battles its own struggles. Kyiv, despite its efforts to shield itself from war, finds itself among the bottom ten cities, largely due to the lowest infrastructure score in the index caused by Russian bombs. These cities serve as stark reminders of the obstacles impeding liveability.
Stability as a Crucial Factor
Within the five categories assessed by the EIU’s survey, stability scores experienced a slight decline on average in 2023. While some eastern European cities witnessed improved stability scores after the 2022 decline caused by their proximity to Ukraine, other regions faced deterioration. Strikes in Greece, pension protests in France, and deadly clashes in Israel and Peru contributed to reduced stability scores in those respective countries. The potential impact of inflation on stability scores further emphasizes the need for global vigilance in preserving liveability standards.
Check out the latest news in our Global News section
Stay updated on environmental data and insights by following KI Data on Twitter
