The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released its highly anticipated Global Liveability Index 2024, highlighting Vienna, Austria, as the world’s most desirable city for the third consecutive year. The city earned top marks for stability, healthcare, and education, cementing its reputation for exceptional public services and cultural vibrancy.
In contrast, Karachi, Pakistan, and Dhaka, Bangladesh, find themselves among the least liveable cities, ranking in the bottom 10 according to the report. Factors contributing to their low rankings include challenges in stability, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The index evaluates 173 cities worldwide across five key categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. This year’s findings show an overall increase in average scores, driven by improvements in healthcare and education in developing regions. However, some top-tier cities experienced declines, reflecting ongoing challenges globally.
Notable mentions in the top 10 include Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, Osaka in Japan, and Auckland in New Zealand, all recognized for their high quality of life and robust public services. Meanwhile, cities in the Middle East and North Africa displayed a mixed picture, with improvements in education and healthcare in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries contrasting with regional stability challenges.
The EIU’s rankings underscore Vienna’s continued dominance as a liveable city while highlighting areas for improvement in cities struggling to provide basic services and stability. The annual index serves as a barometer of global urban quality of life, influencing decisions for businesses and expatriates alike seeking optimal living environments worldwide.
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