Vienna regained the title of the world’s most livable city after losing the spot last year amidst coronavirus restrictions.
The City of Music had held the title in 2018 and 2019 in the annual list that is compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
In 2021, it fell to 12th place as cafés, concert halls, museums, and restaurants remained closed.
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Known for images of the Blue Danube, castles and cafés, sweets, and Strauß waltzes, the Austrian capital toppled Auckland to regain the top spot. Auckland dropped to number 34 in the rankings.
“Stability and good infrastructure are the city’s main charms for its inhabitants, supported by good healthcare and plenty of opportunities for culture and entertainment,” the EIU said in announcing the latest rankings.
In a list that was dominated by European nations – six of the top ten cities were on the continent – Russian cities including Moscow and St. Petersburg plummeted in the rankings. The report cited “restrictions on culture and environment” due to sanctions relating to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as the reason for the decline.
The EIU used what it calls a “liveability” ranking, which considers 30 factors across culture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and stability.
In addition to Vienna, the top ten cities were Copenhagen, Denmark; , Zürich, Switzerland and Calgary, Canada (tied); ), Vancouver, Canada; Geneva, Switzerland; Frankfurt, Germany; Toronto, Canada; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Melbourne, Australia; and Osaka, Japan.
Meanwhile, the bottom ten were Tehran, Iran; Douala, Cameroon; Harare, Zimbabwe; Dhaka, Bangladesh; Port Moresby, PNG; Karachi, Pakistan; Algiers, Algeria; Tripoli, Libya; Lagos, Nigeria; and Damascus; Syria.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)
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