Canadian, australian cities 'the most liveable'

Canada’s Vancouver has been selected as the world's most liveable city, according to the Economist magazine. The city earned 98 out of a possible 100 points in the magazine's annual rankings when judged on the city's stability, health care, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.

”(Vancouver's position) can only have been cemented by the successful hosting of the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, which provided a boost to the infrastructure and culture and environment categories,“ the EIU said. ”Only petty crime presents any difficulties for Vancouver, although this would be a typical shortfall of any such location.”

Second placed in terms of livability was Melbourne in Australia (97.5), followed by Vienna (97.4) and Toronto (97.0). Calgary in the Canadian prairies rounded out the top five with a score of 96.6.

The report, which some companies use to determine hardship allowances for relocated employees, says cities that score best tend to be mid-sized and in wealthier countries. Seven of the top ten cities come from Australia and Canada, with Auckland and Helsinki also ranking close to the top.

Source: MercoPress