For the first time in 2025, the title of the world’s happiest city has been awarded to Copenhagen, Denmark.
This annual ranking, known as the Happy City Index, considers various factors to evaluate how ‘happy’ residents of a city feel.
Cities are scored based on governance, civic engagement, economy, health, environment, and mobility, with Copenhagen coming out on top.
Copenhagen Shines with Sustainability and Happiness
Copenhagen’s impressive score of 1,039 happiness points helped it secure the number one spot.
The Danish capital is recognized as a hub for culture, governance, and economic activity, but what really sets it apart is its deep commitment to environmental sustainability.
A remarkable 69% of the city’s transport is environmentally friendly, making it a leader in green urban living.
Additionally, Copenhagen boasts a unique Happiness Museum, which delves into the key factors that make Denmark one of the happiest countries in the world.
Zurich and Singapore Follow Behind
In second place, Zurich, Switzerland, scored 993 happiness points.
Known for its economic strength and high quality of life, Zurich also has a strong focus on sustainability, boasting eco-friendly transport options and renewable energy initiatives.
Singapore, which ranks third with 979 points, is recognized for its world-class universities, active civic engagement, and low unemployment rate, contributing to its high happiness score.
Aarhus and Antwerp Among Top Five
Another Danish city, Aarhus, takes fourth place with 958 points.
As Denmark’s second-largest city, Aarhus has a thriving economy and high levels of civic engagement.
Antwerp, Belgium, rounds out the top five with 956 points, edging out Seoul, which ranks sixth at 942 points. Antwerp’s success is attributed to its strong economy and focus on sustainability.
The UK and USA’s Struggles
While London, the highest-ranking city in the UK, scored 842 points, it didn’t make it into the top 20, landing in 31st place.
The city’s ranking was impacted by its high obesity rate, which stands at 26%.
Other UK cities like York (63rd), Reading (88th), Manchester (101st), and Bristol (103rd) also appear on the list, but none crack the top 20.
On the other side of the Atlantic, New York is the highest-scoring city in the United States, ranking 17th with 902 points.
While it excels in education, civic engagement, and sustainability, its healthcare system and high obesity rate (41.9%) contributed to a lower ranking.
Other Notable Cities in the Ranking
Among the other cities in the Happy City Index, Stockholm (7th), Taipei (8th), and Munich (9th) have also earned high marks for their quality of life, sustainability efforts, and civic engagement.
At the bottom of the top 20 are Geneva (20th) and Porto (21st), showcasing the wide range of cities around the world focusing on happiness and well-being.
This year’s Happy City Index shows how much cities are prioritizing their residents’ well-being, from sustainable transport to health services.
As these rankings continue to evolve, we’ll likely see more cities striving to improve happiness scores and create more vibrant, livable communities.