This year, Copenhagen has been named the world’s most livable city on The Economist annual most livable cities list. Each year, The Economist’s sister organization Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) ranks 173 global cities on healthcare, education, stability, infrastructure and environment.
The EIU awarded Copenhagen “perfect” scores in stability, education and infrastructure, according to CNN, with Vienna, Austria and Zurich, Switzerland tied for second place.
It’s no surprise that Copenhagen was also named the happiest city in the world by the Institute for Quality of Life. Each year the organization releases a Happy City Index, which ranks cities based on education, inclusivity, economy, environmental protection, and access to green areas. Assessments include interviews with city residents and focus on cities “committed to cultivating and growing happiness.”
So what gives? The Institute for Quality of Life indicates that Copenhagen shows commitment to education and innovation, transparency in governance, sustainability and access to health care, according to Travel + Leisure.
“The city boasts universal health care coverage, with every resident insured and access to 4.4 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants. Life expectancy stands at 79.9 years, supported by a well-balanced lifestyle that includes an average workweek of 37 hours.”
The policies of wider Denmark are also the reason for the city’s success. The country famously offers citizens free university tuition, high quality of education, and no-fee public healthcare. Plus, a cultural emphasis on community and honesty are key in creating healthy lasting friendships, families, and communities that thrive.
