Copenhagen has once again been recognised as the world’s most liveable city, retaining the top position in the 2026 Global Liveability Index published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The Danish capital secured first place for the second consecutive year, reinforcing its reputation as a global benchmark for quality of life, sustainability, and urban excellence.

The annual index evaluates 173 cities worldwide across five key dimensions: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. The rankings provide an internationally recognised measure of how effectively cities create safe, healthy, and vibrant living environments for their residents.

Following Copenhagen, Vienna claimed second place, while Melbourne ranked third. Sydney and Zurich completed the top five, highlighting the continued strength of European and Australian cities in delivering high standards of urban living.

The remainder of the top ten featured Geneva in sixth position, followed by Osaka, Adelaide, Vancouver, and Tokyo. These cities were recognised for their strong public services, efficient transport networks, excellent healthcare systems, educational opportunities, and attractive cultural environments.

Beyond the rankings, the Economist Intelligence Unit also explored the everyday experiences that make these cities exceptional places to live by inviting residents to share their favourite neighbourhoods, local attractions, and aspects of daily life that visitors often overlook. The initiative offers valuable insights into how urban planning, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and public investment contribute to long-term liveability.

As governments and city planners worldwide seek to improve urban resilience and quality of life, the 2026 Global Liveability Index continues to serve as an influential benchmark for measuring the effectiveness of cities in meeting the evolving expectations of residents and businesses in an increasingly competitive global landscape.