The reputable analytical company Economist Intelligence Unit has published a rating best cities in the world to live for 2017. The company's experts assessed them on 30 parameters - crime, education, military conflicts, healthcare, infrastructure, education, ecology, diversity of cultural life...
According to tradition, we will start from the last, 10th place. So…
10th place. Hamburg, Germany, 95 points
It is the second largest city in Germany (after Berlin), the seventh largest in the European Union and the most populous non-capital city in the European Union. It is the largest port in Germany, the second largest in Europe, and ranks ninth in the world.
The remains of the first buildings on the territory of modern Hamburg are dated by archaeologists to the 5th-6th centuries AD and belong to the era of the Great Migration.
The city has retained certain features of medieval buildings. Hamburg is home to 60 museums and 17 universities.
Central Town Hall:
Hamburg also ranks first among European cities in terms of the number of bridges (according to various sources, from 2300 to more than 2500). The city has more bridges than Venice (400), Amsterdam (1200) and London combined.
9th place. Helsinki, Finland, 95.6 points
It is the capital and largest city of Finland, the administrative center of the province of Uusimaa. Located in the south of the country, on the shores of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea.
The city was founded on June 12, 1550 by the Swedish king Gustav Vasa. The city's elevation changes are significant and rocks are a common part of the landscape. There are waterfalls on the rivers within the city.
Helsinki is home to 8 universities and 6 technology parks. Bicycle lovers are also welcome here - the total length of bike paths in Helsinki is more than 1000 km. By the way, the Helsinki tram system is one of the oldest electrified tram networks in the world.
8th place. Auckland, New Zealand, 95.7 points
It is New Zealand's largest city with a population of approximately 1.3 million people, accounting for a quarter of the country's total population. The city is located within the Auckland Volcanic Region. Within its boundaries are the craters of 49 extinct monogenic volcanoes.
Today Auckland is the economic and cultural center of New Zealand. The city is not rich in historical sights, but with its picturesque beauty Auckland strikes many hearts of those who come here for the first time. Although, some say that it is good, safe, clean, but boring.
One of the attractions is the Sky Tower with a height of 328 meters - the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere:
Panorama of Auckland from the Sky Tower (clickable 2500 x 651 px):
7th place. Perth, Australia, 95.9 points
It is the largest city and capital of the state of Western Australia with a population of approximately 1,200,000 people, located on the shores of the Indian Ocean. It was founded on June 12, 1829 by Captain James Stirling shortly after the formation of the port settlement.
The city is considered one of the main economic centers of Australia. Gold, diamonds and nickel are mined here. It is here that the world's largest open deposits of gold and nickel are located in the Kalgoorlie region, as well as the world's largest diamond-bearing area, the Kimberley, which is the main competitor of the South African and Yakut diamond deposits.
Modern skyscrapers are a characteristic feature of the Perth cityscape:
Perth is called "The Pearl of Australia". Ancient buildings, a convenient pedestrian area in the center of Perth, and beautiful views of the river make Perth attractive to tourists.
One of the attractions is:
6th place. Adelaide, Australia, 96.6 points
The capital and largest city of the state of South Australia, the fifth largest city in the country with a population of more than 1.1 million people is the city of Adelaide. It is named after the queen - the wife of the King of Great Britain and Hanover, William IV, who sat on the throne from 1830 to 1837.
The city is located on the ocean. The central part of Adelaide is multi-storey, with several modern skyscrapers, and is small, while the rest of the city is one or two storey in nature. Perfect cleanliness, neatness and impeccable finishing of buildings are the hallmark of Adelaide.
King William Street is the widest street in the city:
Tourists are attracted here to Adelaide by Australia's third largest Kangaroo Island, a wildlife sanctuary with a colony of sea lions and an excellent coastline for fishing.
5th place. Calgary, Canada, 96.6 points
In the foothills and prairies region, approximately 80 km east of the Canadian Rockies watershed.
The city is one of the sunniest in Canada - the sun shines there on average 2,400 hours a year.
Calgary is located in the transition zone between the foothills of the Canadian Rockies and the Canadian Prairies, so its topography is quite hilly. The elevation of downtown Calgary is approximately 1048 m above sea level.
Life in Calgary, one way or another, revolves around oil production. Its deposits were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century. Despite this, this city is considered by many organizations one of the cleanest in the world. For example, driving just 200 kilometers from the city you find yourself at the glacial Moraine Lake in Banff National Park:
Olympic Plaza. In the distance you can see a famous landmark - the Calgary Tower, 91 m high. It is designed in such a way that, swaying slightly in the wind, even with very strong gusts it maintains its stability:
Downtown Calgary, 2010 (clickable 2000 x 561 px):
4th place. Toronto, Canada, 97.2 points
And the administrative center of the province of Ontario. The city received its current name in 1834.
Toronto is Canada's most diverse city, with about 49% of its residents being immigrants.
"CN tower" - world's tallest TV tower, built back in 1976. Its height with the spire is 553 meters, and at an altitude of 446 meters there is a closed observation deck.
It is difficult to find a point here where the TV tower is not visible:
The main attraction of the Toronto area is. It is located between lakes Ontario and Erie on the border with the United States, 140 km from Toronto:
3rd place. Vancouver, Canada, 97.3 points
Vancouver is located on the west coast of Canada, on the shores of a picturesque bay, at the foot of the Pacific coastline of the North American Cordillera.
It is the 3rd largest city in Canada with a population of 2,433,000 people and the largest population center in the province of British Columbia.
And the climate here is good, because it is part of a unique ecosystem - a temperate tropical forest, so the summers here are mild and not hot, and in winter it rarely snows.
One of the most picturesque cities in the country is surrounded by dense pine forests, snow-capped mountains and fjords. Clickable:
Stanley Park is a city park located in Vancouver, the largest city in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The park is an evergreen oasis on the border with the business center of the city. By the way, it is 10% larger than the area.
By the way, the nearest mountain is just 20 minutes from the city:
2nd place. Vienna, Austria, 97.4 points
Vienna - capital of Austria, located in the eastern part of the country. The population of Vienna including its suburbs is about 2.3 million.
This is one of the most charming cities in Europe, located on the banks of the Danube.
A world-famous center of music, thanks to a long line of famous musicians who lived and worked in this city: Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert.
There are luxurious palaces, majestic squares, picturesque streets and numerous public gardens. One of the most recognizable buildings in the city is the Town Hall:
The Hofburg is the winter residence of the Austrian Habsburgs and the main seat of the imperial court in Vienna. Currently, it is the official residence of the President of Austria. In total there are 2,600 halls and rooms:
Located not far from the capital Vienna Woods- a mountain range in Austria. This is a wonderful natural recreation area - an entire forest area with its own towns and hotels, resorts and thermal springs:
1 place. Melbourne, Australia, 97.5 points
Meet the top city among the 10 best cities in the world to live according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Melbourne is Australia's second largest city with a population of about 3.8 million and the capital of the state of Victoria. The city is considered one of the main commercial, industrial and cultural centers of Australia. It is also often called the sports and cultural capital of the country.
Melbourne is rightfully considered the most picturesque city in Australia. There is exquisite Victorian architecture and wonderful nature here.
Connoisseurs of Victorian architecture should take a stroll along Swanston Street. It is the main street of the city.
Anyone who wants to see the whole of Melbourne at once should go up to the observation deck of the Rialto Tower. This is a skyscraper whose height is 253 meters. View from the Rialto Tower (clickable, 2000 x 548 px):
80th place. Moscow
131st place. Kyiv
Kyiv rounds out the top ten worst cities in the world to live in. The reason for this was the Maidan and its consequences. Or maybe the environment has deteriorated so much from burning tires? According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the worst situation here is with such indicators as “Stability and “Infrastructure”.
The USA closes the top ten. Despite the fact that Americans call the United States “the most democratic in the world,” analysts seem to have a different opinion, if they rated the level of personal freedom in 9th place. Security has absolutely deplorable indicators - 25th place. State administration and entrepreneurship took 3rd place, the economy reached only 14th, and the education system - 9th. 12th place was assigned to social status. The USA was awarded 1st place only in terms of healthcare. As a result, the United States did not receive the best place of prosperity.
The Netherlands came in ninth place. Legatum Institute assigned their economy 3rd place. Compared to the United States, the social budget also turned out to be on par, receiving 5th place. The height of security reached only 18th, and the system of healthcare, education and personal independence of residents reached 13th. The quality of public administration was only ranked 10th.
New Zealand ranked fifth in terms of prosperity. The education system is recognized by Legatum Institute experts as the best on the planet. High indicators demonstrated the quality of social accumulation and personal independence, which are located at number 3. Commerce and the economy are weak in this country - 14th and 17th places. The situation with healthcare is even worse - 19th place.
In terms of wealth status, Australia is one position ahead of its neighbor. The education system achieved good results (2nd place). Social income was ranked 4th, followed by personal space. Business and security of Australia took 13th place in the world, healthcare was rated 15th.
Legatum Institute recognized Finland as the third most prosperous country among all countries. In this country, things are best in terms of safety and education - 3rd place. Entrepreneurship was awarded 4th. But the stage of personal freedom in Finland leaves much to be desired - 12th place.
Denmark took second place. It is recognized as the best in the world for a number of opportunities for entrepreneurs. The category of social capital and efficiency of public administration reached 2nd place. Economic development is rated 4. But the quality of healthcare, unfortunately, only reached 17th place.
Norway. It boasts the highest social capital and economic indicators. Personal freedom and security are ranked second in the world. Education and healthcare systems deserve 4th place. Entrepreneurship is in 6th place. The effectiveness of public administration should strive for better indicators (12th place).
Norway is the Scandinavian country that tops the Prosperity Index in 2015.2. Switzerland
Switzerland comes in second place in the "prosperity index" for three years in a row in the "economy" position.
3. Denmark
Danes can enjoy a high level of education and high social capital, as this is a key feature of this country.
4. New Zealand
Strong social cohesion and community engagement have resulted in it having the best level of social capital on Earth.
5. Sweden
Swedes have achieved the highest level of entrepreneurial activity in the world. This country gets one of the first places this year.
6. Canada
Canada is the true land of the free, as its citizens enjoy the highest level of personal freedom.
7. Australia
Australia is a country that has been ranked seventh for three years in a row for having the best education system in the world.
8. Netherlands
The Netherlands is a leader in education, healthcare and personal freedom.
9. Finland
Finland has the best governance record in the world, but with a relatively poor economy, it ranks 33rd in the ranking.
10. Ireland
Ireland moved up two places in this year's index to become the fourth safest country.
11. United States of America
The United States of America is the most powerful country in the world in terms of health, which is also considered the safest.
12. Iceland
Iceland leads in three areas: personal freedom, security and entrepreneurship in 2015.
13. Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, citizens enjoy a high level of personal freedom and health, and the country is also famous for its high level of economy.
14. Germany
According to the Prosperity Index, Germany's economy ranks fifth in the world, putting it in a stable 14th position for the fourth year in a row.
15. United Kingdom - Great Britain
Britain lost two positions. This is due to failures in education and personal safety. But in terms of objectivity, one can note the clear leadership of the rating compilers (after all, the rating was compiled by the London Public Institute).
16. Austria
Individual successes, such as ranking among the top 10 countries for health care and business opportunities, were not enough to stop Austria from slipping down one place this year.
17. Singapore
Singapore took first place in 2015 due to its economic achievements.
18. Belgium
Belgium ranked tenth in terms of healthcare quality. The wealth index fell one notch compared to 2014.
19. Japan
Citizens in Japan care about their health; according to this indicator, the country ranks seventh in the world, but the degree of personal freedom here, according to the British compilers of the rating, is insufficient (33rd place).
20. Hong Kong
Hong Kong has achieved great success in the field of public safety, and in terms of the conditions created for entrepreneurs, it is one of the ten best places on the planet.
21. Taiwan
Taiwan, an island state, until recently was outside the TOP 20, but in 2015, high indicators in safety and security allowed the country to take an honorable sixth place.
We all know that our world is huge and, considering that there are 196 countries on our planet, this is an indisputable fact. However, with travel becoming easier, international cooperation becoming more efficient and the ability to apply for visas online, the travel possibilities are endless. When most of us want to plan a vacation or even find a new place where we want to work, live and raise our family, we don't have much difficulty determining which country will suit us best.
Whatever climate or culture you're looking for, there's definitely at least one place in the world that suits your needs. However, subjective factors aside, which countries are actually the “best”? Is it possible to define such an ideal? Yes, in fact, such a list exists. It consists of the following...
Analysts at goodcountry.org have come up with the “Good Country Index,” which ranks countries whose populations are actually “good.” “Good” is defined by the HCI on a variety of representative factors, including a country's contribution to protecting the planet and the climate, the level of equality and prosperity of the population, the country's contribution to international peacekeeping missions, and the advancement of science and technology. This ranking, although controversial, is based on facts and statistics and provides us with an overview of each country's priorities and the benefits that countries bring to the international community.
Whether you're a regular tourist, a national, or a potential immigrant, there are certain strengths shared by the world's 10 best countries, as ranked by the Good Country Index.
10. Belgium
Belgium has impressive statistics that earn it a place in the list of the top 10 countries in the world. Although it ranks at the top of the rankings in the Prosperity and Equality and Health and Well-Being categories, it is its top spot in Culture that secures its place on the list. Belgium ranked highly in the categories of Export of Creative Goods, Export of Creative Services, Freedom of Movement and Freedom of the Press. These positive places have given the small European country recognition as one of the best countries in the world on a global scale and an example for other countries lower on the list.
9. Denmark
The beautiful country of Denmark is absolutely different from other countries. It is among the best countries in Culture, World Order and Health and Well-being. Denmark ranks highly in Pharmaceutical Exports, Food Aid, World Health Organization Voluntary Donations, and Humanitarian Aid Donations. It is globally known for its generosity in humanitarian aid, so the fact that Denmark made the list is likely not surprising. Although it is one of the smallest countries on the top ten list, Denmark still has a big influence on the world.
8. Norway
Norway, with its picturesque landscapes and charming cities, graces this list, ranking as the 8th best country in the world. Despite only ranking in the top ten for World Order and Planet and Climate, Norway certainly has a strong global impact. Norway has a positive rating in Charity, Refugees and UN Treaties. All these positive signs indicate that world cohesion is important to Norway and that they do not keep their wealth just for themselves.
7. UK
The UK is home to everyone's favorite royals, led by Queen Elizabeth II. It is also the country ranked 7th according to the HCI. The UK ranks in the top ten for World Order, Prosperity and Equality, and Health and Wellbeing. However, she ranks first in Science and Technology. The UK also ranks highly in Journal Exports, International Publications and Nobel Prizes. The UK is also well positioned in the area of International Students. It is not surprising that this powerful association of countries is among the ten best states in the world.
6. Sweden
Sweden is famous for its large retail chain IKEA, as well as for its chocolate and Absolut vodka. However, Sweden also has the distinction of holding the record (of any country on this list) for placing in the top ten in the largest number of categories included in the Good Country Index. It ranks tenth or higher in Science and Technology, World Order, Planet and Climate, Prosperity and Equality, and Health and Well-Being. Ranked third behind Iceland and Canada in the Planet and Climate category, Sweden has a reputation for its balanced approach to Biodiversity Reserves, Carbon Dioxide Emissions and other greenhouse gases.
5. New Zealand
New Zealand made the top ten in just two categories, namely Planet and Climate and Science and Technology. This unique country, whose people are lovingly called Kiwis, ranks high on the list of Biodiversity Reserves as well as Carbon Dioxide Emissions. Many people live in eco-friendly homes to help the environment in this part of the southern hemisphere. New Zealanders use the Environment Choice label when purchasing products to ensure minimal harm to their environment.
4. Netherlands
The Netherlands is known not only for its wooden clogs and relaxed attitude towards psychotropic drugs and certain behavior. In fact, it ranks in the top ten for Culture, World Order, Prosperity and Equality, and Health and Well-Being, so it's safe to say the country is on the right track in terms of making a positive global impact. The Netherlands ranks highly for freedom of movement (this mainly concerns visa restrictions) as well as Freedom of the Press. Apparently, this country has nothing to hide, and, accordingly, the world community can have confidence in this small state.
3. Switzerland
The home of famous banks and chocolate is in third place on this list. It ranks in the top ten for Science and Technology, World Order, Prosperity and Equality, and Health and Well-Being. Although it ranks 71st in the International Peace and Security rankings, as a resolutely neutral country, it scores missing points in other categories. It ranks highly in Open Trade, as well as Foreign Direct Investment, and Volume of Trade based on mutual benefit in the Prosperity and Equality category, making it a near-perfect country.
2. Finland
This country is located in the northern part of Europe. Despite the fact that it is small, its influence is quite noticeable on a local and global scale. Finland ranks first in two sub-categories - Science & Technology and Prosperity - and the enterprising country appears to be trying to make the world a more cohesive and welcoming environment. In terms of science and education, Finland has a large number of Nobel Prizes and produces large volumes of high-quality international publications, as well as Export Journals.
1. Ireland
The coveted first place among the best countries is occupied, although many do not agree with this, Ireland. The country not only ranked first overall, but also ranked first in the Prosperity and Equality category. The country, which is in the process of returning to normal after a severe crisis, supports Ethical Trade and is also well represented in UN Volunteers around the world. It also ranks top in the categories Culture, World Order, and Health and Wellness. However, no country is perfect, and even this top-ranked country is known in a negative light for its approach to issues such as gender equality. The fact that Ireland is essentially a Catholic country means that it lags behind many other European countries in terms of promoting equality.
The United Nations annually releases an extensive report on the world's best countries to live. A list of 180-197 states is becoming traditional for UN analytical comparisons, taking into account such indicators as the quality of life of the population, including medicine, education, nutrition, recreation, etc., life expectancy and per capita income. The data obtained turned out to be no coincidence: the main twenty first places were occupied by European countries, Russia was in 32nd place on this list. It is worth noting that the irreconcilable rival of the Russian Federation, the United States, did not make it into the Top 10 best countries, ending up only in 11th place. In last place in this ranking was the state of Niger, recognized as the worst country in the world.
Switzerland
Switzerland, a state located in Western Europe with the highest index of potential human development, is recognized as the best country in the world based on the totality of all indicators.
For almost 8 million of the country's population, Switzerland is a state with the most developed social infrastructure and a stable economic situation, thereby satisfying all the average criteria for the life of citizens.
Norway
Norway, with its population of five million, was for many years recognized as the best country in the world, but eventually lost its place in the ranking to Switzerland, despite the fact that the HDI (Human Development Index) index remains the highest in the world.
Achieving high standards of living is facilitated by developed oil and gas production and processing.
Sweden
The Kingdom of Sweden, located on the Scandinavian Peninsula, ranks third in the list of the best countries in the world. Stable economic development and effective social reform of society have allowed this northern country to become one of the most livable people.
The population of Sweden is 9.7 million people, almost fully employed in all sectors of the economic sector, excluding unemployment.
New Zealand
Located in the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand ranks fourth in the ranking of the best countries and becomes the first among non-European countries to be included in this list.
The country's developed market economy allows it to provide for the social sector of the state with a population of just over 4.5 million people. Despite the nominal GDP indicator, which is far from the first world positions, the HDI index is not just high, but is increasing.
Denmark
The next state in this ranking was another Scandinavian state, Denmark, with a population of 5.96 million people, represented by a large percentage of highly qualified workers in various industries. Despite low inflation of no more than 2.4% and an unemployment rate of no more than 5%, huge taxes and a lack of competitiveness due to high wages prevent Denmark from taking a more prestigious place in the list of the best countries in the world.
Australia
In the endless list of European countries that have become the best in the world, fifth place is again occupied by the Pacific country - Australia, with a population of 23 million people. Adhering to the state's development strategy according to the index of economic freedom, GDP and a high level of medicine and education make Australia one of the best among the world's countries.
Netherlands
Once again, a state from Western Europe - the Netherlands - becomes the best in the world. With a population of more than 16.8 million people, the country ranks among the first on the Human Development Index.
Despite numerous controversial reforms and peculiarities of Dutch legislation, the level of social security here is practically the highest in the world. The inhibitory factor in the development of the population's life is high taxes and insurance payments.
