The London Quality of Life Institute has drawn up its Happy City Index ranking for yet another year, a study that analyzes which are the happiest cities in the world.
The Happy City Index has compiled a list of the 250 happiest cities in the world, evaluating thousands of factors related to quality of life.
The ranking evaluates cities on 24 areas of activity divided into five key categories: Citizens, Governance, Environment, Economy, and Mobility. These categories encompass factors such as educational systems, social inclusion, economic productivity, public involvement in decision-making, transparency, access to digital services, natural resource management, innovation, public transport, and environmental protection.
The researchers highlight that happiness is influenced by various factors including historical, geopolitical, and traditional conditions. They also emphasize the importance of involving residents in urban transformation and decision-making processes to ensure their happiness.
The index includes cities with populations of at least 300,000, as per United Nations guidelines, but also considers smaller cities with significant achievements. Cities are evaluated based on objective, transparent, and verifiable data, focusing on aspects directly impacting residents’ happiness rather than the actions of city authorities.
Key areas impacting happiness include education, social inclusion, innovation, creativity, transparency, access to e-services, natural resource management, pollution control, waste management, green spaces, public transport, safety, and economic factors such as GDP and unemployment rates.
Which is the Happiest City in Spain?
Vigo, located in the beautiful region of Galicia, isn’t just known for its stunning natural and coastal landscapes and vibrant Christmas spirit—it’s also celebrated as one of the happiest cities in the world. According to the Happy City Index, Vigo ranks 58th globally.
While Vigo tops the list in Spain, it’s not the only Spanish city among the world’s 250 happiest cities. Following closely is Bilbao at 59th place.
Other Spanish cities that made the list include Valencia (106), Barcelona (139), Zaragoza (165), Madrid (192), Málaga (216), and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (242).
Which is the Happiest City in Turkiye?
When it comes to happiness in Turkiye, Istanbul leads the way, ranking 197th globally according to the Happy City Index. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, Istanbul offers a unique blend of old and new, making it a fascinating and joyful place to live and visit.
However, Istanbul isn’t the only Turkish city celebrated for its happiness. Izmir, with its beautiful coastal scenery and warm Mediterranean climate, holds the 222nd spot. Further down the list is Antalya, renowned for its picturesque beaches and ancient ruins, ranking 246th.
These cities, each with their own unique charm, contribute to Turkiye’s reputation as a country where happiness thrives amidst diverse landscapes and cultural richness.
Happiest Cities in the World 2024
(Rank 1 – 37)
| CITY | COUNTRY | CIT. | GOV. | ECON. | ENV. | MOB. | TOTAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aarhus | Denmark | 384.2 | 339.3 | 343.1 | 366.4 | 316.2 | 1749.2 |
| Zurich | Switzerland | 385.7 | 315.5 | 382.8 | 314.3 | 338.7 | 1737.0 |
| Berlin | Germany | 383.9 | 314.2 | 374.9 | 316.6 | 331.0 | 1720.6 |
| Gothenburg | Sweden | 376.8 | 331.7 | 332.8 | 371.3 | 307.0 | 1719.5 |
| Amsterdam | Netherlands | 377.4 | 368.5 | 336.6 | 298.1 | 337.9 | 1718.5 |
| Helsinki | Finland | 352.5 | 352.9 | 330.6 | 362.2 | 316.4 | 1714.7 |
| Bristol | United Kingdom | 337.6 | 371.6 | 386.2 | 328.8 | 285.6 | 1709.8 |
| Copenhagen | Denmark | 367.2 | 352.3 | 367.6 | 307.7 | 312.4 | 1707.2 |
| Geneva | Switzerland | 363.7 | 333.5 | 372.3 | 300.6 | 324.9 | 1695.0 |
| Munich | Germany | 361.9 | 332.2 | 364.4 | 302.8 | 317.3 | 1678.6 |
| Stockholm | Sweden | 359.8 | 344.7 | 357.3 | 312.5 | 303.3 | 1677.5 |
| Rotterdam | Netherlands | 370.4 | 311.5 | 366.1 | 299.4 | 329.1 | 1676.5 |
| Oulu | Finland | 370.5 | 380.9 | 355.1 | 303.5 | 262.7 | 1672.7 |
| Vienna | Austria | 315.8 | 369.6 | 372.1 | 317.3 | 295.6 | 1670.4 |
| Edinburgh | United Kingdom | 365.6 | 369.6 | 365.7 | 310.1 | 256.8 | 1667.8 |
| Reykjavik | Iceland | 329.5 | 384.1 | 325.1 | 365.1 | 260.1 | 1663.9 |
| Aalborg | Denmark | 334.2 | 384.3 | 325.6 | 347.7 | 267.4 | 1659.2 |
| Minneapolis (Minnesota) | United States | 360.9 | 317.9 | 386.7 | 266.3 | 315.9 | 1647.7 |
| Basel | Switzerland | 370.7 | 350.5 | 320.3 | 285.6 | 319.9 | 1647.0 |
| Alesund | Norway | 372.7 | 385.8 | 366.7 | 292.2 | 228.0 | 1645.4 |
| Brisbane | Australia | 331.5 | 365.2 | 384.6 | 310.4 | 252.6 | 1644.3 |
| Bruges | Belgium | 320.6 | 367.4 | 368.7 | 302.8 | 277.7 | 1637.2 |
| Luxembourg | Luxembourg | 305.5 | 357.1 | 327.4 | 362.4 | 283.9 | 1636.3 |
| Bordeaux | France | 355.1 | 326.2 | 320.9 | 305.9 | 325.0 | 1633.1 |
| Cork | Ireland | 380.9 | 299.6 | 380.0 | 305.1 | 265.3 | 1631.0 |
| Cologne | Germany | 368.9 | 349.2 | 312.4 | 287.8 | 312.3 | 1630.6 |
| Eskilstuna | Sweden | 346.8 | 376.7 | 340.3 | 317.5 | 248.3 | 1629.5 |
| Utrecht | Netherlands | 362.4 | 353.5 | 314.1 | 279.4 | 319.1 | 1628.5 |
| Innsbruck | Austria | 318.8 | 332.6 | 316.6 | 348.5 | 311.9 | 1628.4 |
| Espoo | Finland | 327.5 | 367.9 | 353.1 | 303.5 | 272.7 | 1624.7 |
| Osaka | Japan | 325.2 | 313.0 | 340.0 | 317.2 | 325.5 | 1621.0 |
| Christchurch | New Zealand | 332.9 | 383.7 | 369.2 | 289.6 | 245.3 | 1620.8 |
| London | United Kingdom | 362.6 | 351.6 | 308.7 | 295.1 | 301.8 | 1619.8 |
| Singapore | Singapore | 355.1 | 282.8 | 383.6 | 297.8 | 298.6 | 1617.8 |
| Jonkoping | Sweden | 364.8 | 309.7 | 342.3 | 305.0 | 295.8 | 1617.5 |
| Seoul | South Korea | 362.4 | 319.7 | 347.4 | 273.0 | 311.0 | 1613.5 |
| Ottawa | Canada | 370.7 | 305.8 | 364.7 | 269.8 | 301.7 | 1612.7 |
Since you know the most happiest cities in the world, pack your bags and get ready to explore these incredible cities. You might just find a bit more happiness along the way.
See the all 250 happiest cities.
Since you’ve explored the happiest cities, be sure to read about the happiest countries in 2024.
