Economist: Vienna the best city to live in, Belgrade advanced on the list

The British newspaper "Economist" published index of living conditions for this year, whose results show that Vienna is the best city to live in the world with 98,4 points. The research was carried out on the basis of five categories: culture and environment, education, health care, infrastructure and stability.

According to these categories, it was established that cities in Western Europe are at the top of the list every year, and so it was this time as well. After Vienna, which is already in first place for the fourth time in the last five years, the leading places are occupied by Copenhagen, Zurich, Geneva and Helsinki, the research map shows.

On the list of European cities that have progressed the most is Belgrade, which achieved progress of 4,6 points. Behind Belgrade are Bucharest, Bratislava, Warsaw and Stuttgart.

Cities in Southeast Asia recovered the most from the deterioration of living conditions after the pandemic. Thus, Hanoi in Vietnam rose by 20 places, and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia by 19 places.

Unstable cities

As stated, it is surprising that some cities, for which it was not expected, recorded the biggest drop in the global ranking. Thus, Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, fell by as many as 23 places. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, recorded the second biggest drop, where living conditions have worsened due to unrest caused by right-wing groups over the Koran burning situation.

The British cities of Manchester and London fell by 16 and 12 places, and it is estimated that the culprit for this situation is a poor standard of living. New York fell ten places because of its high crime rate, size and congestion. At the bottom of the list of European cities is Kiev, which is a consequence of Russian aggression against Ukraine, i.e. "Russian bombs", it is said.

Stability in many cities has reportedly deteriorated this year, illustrated by strikes in Greece, protests in France and conflict in Israel.

"The Economist" estimates that inflation could lead to a further decline in stability ratings during the next year.

Also, this summer's forest fires and heat waves made parts of southern Europe look more like hell than a pleasant place to live, so that could also affect the liveability results.

AE/Economist

Read daily news, analysis, commentary and interviews at www.vreme.com