Global Liveability Index 2023

Background:

The Global Liveability Index is an annual ranking that assesses the liveability of cities around the world based on various factors such as stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and culture. Here is a historical overview of the Global Liveability Index, highlighting its key milestones:
2002: The Global Liveability Index was first launched in 2002 by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a research and analysis division of The Economist Group. The aim was to provide a comparative assessment of cities globally and help individuals and organisations make informed decisions regarding living and working environments.
Methodology: The EIU developed a methodology to evaluate cities based on over 30 qualitative and quantitative indicators across five broad categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Each category consists of multiple sub-indicators, and cities are assigned scores out of 100 based on their performance in these areas.

Linkage:

Australia: Australian cities consistently perform well in the Global Liveability Index. Cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide have often secured high rankings due to their excellent healthcare systems, stable political environments, quality education, and developed infrastructure.
Canada: Canadian cities have also consistently featured prominently in the Global Liveability Index. Cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary are known for their high standards of living, well-functioning public services, and cultural diversity.
European Countries: The Global Liveability Index evaluates numerous cities in European countries, including Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries. Cities like Vienna (Austria), Zurich (Switzerland), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Helsinki (Finland) have often ranked among the top for their stability, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The index highlights the livability of these cities and underscores the well-developed social systems and urban planning in these countries.
Asian Countries: Several Asian countries are represented in the Global Liveability Index. Cities like Tokyo (Japan), Singapore, and Seoul (South Korea) have consistently scored high in terms of safety, education, and infrastructure. These rankings showcase the modernity and livability of these Asian cities, attracting attention from international investors and expatriates.

Current Scenario:

The Economist Intelligence Unit released its 2023 report on the global liveability index, placing Austria’s capital Vienna as the top-ranked city to live in 2023.
Many developing nations have shown incremental improvements in their livability rankings.
Asia-Pacific cities have demonstrated significant progress, while Western European cities have slipped in the 2023 rankings.
The report highlights the growing emphasis on healthcare and education in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries, signalling a positive trend. However, it also notes a decline in stability scores attributed to civil unrest in certain parts of the world.
Indian Cities: New Delhi and Mumbai are at 141st position and Chennai at 144th. Ahmedabad and Bengaluru are ranked 147 and 148, respectively.

Impact:

City Branding and Reputation: A high ranking in the Global Liveability Index can significantly enhance a city’s brand and reputation. It showcases the city as a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Urban Planning and Policy-making: The Global Liveability Index provides valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers. It highlights areas of strength and weakness in cities’ infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other factors.
Quality of Life Improvements: The index serves as a catalyst for improving the quality of life in cities. Governments and city authorities may invest in infrastructure development, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and cultural amenities to boost their rankings.