Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Most livable cities: Vancouver tops, Mumbai 117th

Last updated on: February 15, 2010 17:13 IST
The Olympic Torch in Vancouver.

Australia and Canada are home to the world's top ten most liveable cities.

Vancouver, the city which is hosting the Winter Olympics, is the world's best city to live in, according to a survey by The Economist.

While Mumbai is ranked a dismal 117th, New Delhi is ahead at 113th scoring 56.5 and 58.6 per cent, respectively.

New York was ranked 56th, two slots behind London which was at 54, while Los Angeles ranked at 47. In Asia, cities in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China and Taiwan all score well, as do Australia's main hubs.

The ranking scores each city from 0-100 on 30 factors spread across five areas: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, The Economist also lists the worst cities to live in. The bottom 10 incldue:

1. Harare
2. Dhaka
3. Algiers
4. Port Moresby
5. Lagos
6. Karachi
7. Douala
8. Kathmandu
9. Colombo
10. Dakar

Click NEXT to take a look at the world's 10 best cities to live in. . .

Most livable cities: Vancouver tops, Mumbai at 117

Last updated on: February 15, 2010 17:13 IST
The downtown skyline of Vancouver.
1.Vancouver, Canada

The eighth largest city in Canada, Vancouver tops the world's most liveable cities' list of 144 cities with a score of 98.0.

A city with beautiful scenery and a mild climate, Vancouver boasts of a high standard of living.

It is no surprise that the most desirable destinations are those with a lower perceived threat of terrorism, the survey stated.

Most livable cities: Vancouver tops, Mumbai at 117

Last updated on: February 15, 2010 17:13 IST
A woman with a dog walks over Heldenplatz square in front of the historic Hofburg palace.

2. Vienna, Austria

The capital of Austria, Vienna, has breathtaking natural beauty, numerous green expanses and parks.Vienna has a good combination of the old world charm and modern amenities.

Score: 97.9

Most livable cities: Vancouver tops, Mumbai at 117

Last updated on: February 15, 2010 17:13 IST
High voltage electrical transmission towers are seen near a freeway in Melbourne.
3. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne offers the best of food and wine and is a haven for art lovers.

A lively city, Melbourne hosts a number of festivals, major art exhibitions and musical extravaganzas.

Score: 97.5

Most livable cities: Vancouver tops, Mumbai at 117

Last updated on: February 15, 2010 17:13 IST
The entertainment capital of Canada, Toronto.
4. Toronto, Canada

The financial and entertainment capital of Canada, Toronto is most ethnically-diverse city in the world.

The city scores high on low crime rates, clean environment, high standard of living, and friendly attitude to diversity.

Score: 97.2

Most livable cities: Vancouver tops, Mumbai at 117

Last updated on: February 15, 2010 17:13 IST
The Pengrowth Saddledome stands as one of the icons of the Calgary, Alberta skyline.
5. Calgary, Canada

Calgary is best known for winter sports and ecotourism. A modern cosmopolitan city, it still retains much of its traditional culture.

Score: 96.6

Most livable cities: Vancouver tops, Mumbai at 117

Last updated on: February 15, 2010 17:13 IST
Finland's museum of modern art, 'Kiasma' , in Helsinki with the House of Paliament in the background
7. Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is Finland's major political, educational, financial, cultural and research centre. It is one of the cleanest cities in Europe, ranks high in health and sanitation.

Score: 96.2

Most livable cities: Vancouver tops, Mumbai at 117

Last updated on: February 15, 2010 17:13 IST
A southern right whale shows its tail in front of the Sydney Opera House.
8. Sydney, Australia

Sydney, the business gateway to Australia,  is a cosmopolitan city that is surrounded by beautiful beaches, world heritage sites and bountiful wine regions.

Score: 96.1

Most livable cities: Vancouver tops, Mumbai at 117

Last updated on: February 15, 2010 17:13 IST
A view of the Perth city skyline from Kings Park.
8. Perth, Australia

Perth and Adelaide share the 8th position. Perth is Australia's fourth largest city, with a growth rate consistently above the national average. It is a hotspot for business, entertainment, nightlife, culture and arts.

Score: 95.9

Most livable cities: Vancouver tops, Mumbai at 117

Last updated on: February 15, 2010 17:13 IST
Adelaide, world's 8th best city to live in.
8. Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide, the fifth-largest city in Australia is famous for festivals, sporting events, food, wine and culture.

Score: 95.9

Most livable cities: Vancouver tops, Mumbai at 117

Last updated on: February 15, 2010 17:13 IST
Auckland city.
10. Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland has scenic locales, beautiful beaches, best holiday destinations, great food and wine, shopping and exciting nightlife.

The city scores high on international lifestyle surveys.

Score: 95.7