These are the world's 5 happiest cities in 2025

IOL News

21-05-2025

Residents of Copenhagen cite an overall sense of security and access to high-quality public services as major contributors to daily happiness.
While no single city was declared 'the happiest', a group of 31 were awarded 'Gold City' status for excelling across the board.
The comprehensive study analysed 82 indicators across six core categories used to evaluate how well cities are promoting the wellbeing of their residents.
According to the 2025 Happy City Index, published by the Institute for the Quality of Life, happiness is the result of a well-balanced combination of these and other key factors.
What makes a city truly happy? Is it green spaces, strong governance, or access to quality healthcare?
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The happiest cities in the world
From that list, five cities stood out with the highest scores. Here's what residents in those cities had to say about what makes their hometowns among the happiest places on earth.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is often associated with exceptional quality of life, and this year's results confirm its status.
The city earned top marks in environmental sustainability, thanks to expansive green areas, forward-thinking waste policies and a strong commitment to clean energy.
Its economic indicators are equally impressive, with a healthy GDP, strong salaries, and a thriving innovation sector with international businesses. Residents cite an overall sense of security and access to high-quality public services as major contributors to daily happiness.
2. Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland's largest city landed the second spot, particularly excelling in the citizens and governance categories.
Zurich's residents benefit from an inclusive political atmosphere and robust digital public services that simplify everyday tasks. The city's infrastructure and efficient administration are widely credited for creating a stress-free urban experience.
Locals say the balance between personal freedom and civic responsibility helps foster a calm, well-ordered lifestyle.
3. Singapore
Singapore remains a standout in Asia when it comes to quality of life.
The city-state performed exceptionally well in the newly introduced health metric, which encompasses public safety, healthcare access, and preventative health programmes.
Governance was another strong point—residents note how policy changes have actively worked to reduce the cost-of-living pressures that affect so many urban centres. Its clean environment, efficient transport, and business-friendly climate all contribute to a consistently high ranking in global happiness surveys.
4. Aarhus, Denmark
Nicknamed 'the world's smallest big city,' Aarhus combines the cultural and economic advantages of a metropolis with the warmth of a smaller community.
Denmark's second-largest city scored highly across the board, particularly in the citizens, environment and health categories.
Locals say that the city's liveability is enhanced by its friendly atmosphere, walkability and strong sense of community. Many point to the ease of daily life and accessible public services as reasons why happiness feels tangible here.
5. Antwerp, Belgium
Outperforming the Belgian capital, Antwerp has emerged as a surprise top contender.
It ranked strongly in the citizens, governance and environment categories, with residents praising its dependable public transport system, excellent cycling infrastructure, and compact urban layout.
These features make commuting easy and stress-free, while the city's rich cultural life adds vibrancy to everyday living.
These five cities show that happiness doesn't happen by chance - it's the product of intentional planning, inclusive policies, and a shared commitment to wellbeing.
IOL Travel