Daily Current Affairs : 23-June-2023
The recently published Global Liveability Index 2023 by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) of the Economist has provided valuable insights into the quality of living conditions across cities worldwide. This index aims to assess the best and worst living conditions based on 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five key categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges individuals may face in their lifestyles in 173 cities globally. The findings of this index have important implications for various purposes, including benchmarking development levels and determining hardship allowances for expatriates.
Top Performers: European and North American Dominance
The top-ranked cities in terms of liveability are predominantly from Europe and North America. These regions have consistently demonstrated high standards of living and quality of life. However, the Asia-Pacific cities have made significant progress, accounting for eight out of the top ten cities that have shown the most improvement. This positive trend can be attributed to the recovering economies in these cities following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vienna in Austria has secured the top rank in the list of the most liveable cities globally, followed by Copenhagen in Denmark. Melbourne and Sydney in Australia have attained the third and fourth positions respectively. Vancouver in Canada has been ranked as the fifth-best city in terms of liveability. Among Asian countries, Osaka in Japan stands out as the only city within the top ten, securing the ninth position.
Worst Performers: Challenges Persist
While some cities have seen improvement, there are still areas of concern in terms of liveability. Damascus in Syria and Tripoli in Libya continue to be at the bottom of the list. These cities face numerous challenges due to social unrest, terrorism, and conflict, which have significantly affected the quality of life for their residents. However, it is worth noting that Tripoli and other cities in the bottom ten have shown improvement in their scores as the pandemic recedes. Although Damascus has not witnessed any progress since the previous year, there is hope for gradual enhancements in the future.
Key Analysis: Post-COVID Improvements and Persistent Concerns
The 2023 survey reveals a noticeable improvement in the liveability index worldwide following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. The average index score among the 172 cities considered has reached 76.2 out of 100, marking a positive trend. This increase can be attributed to the recovery of healthcare and education sectors in many cities, particularly in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. However, stability scores have experienced a decline compared to the previous year due to instances of civil unrest observed globally.
Moreover, the ongoing war in Ukraine has had far-reaching consequences on economic and political stability, directly impacting the liveability of several European cities. These challenges highlight the dynamic nature of the liveability index and the need for continuous monitoring and improvement efforts by governments and stakeholders to ensure optimal living conditions for their residents.
Important Points:
- The Global Liveability Index 2023, published by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) of the Economist, assesses the living conditions of 173 cities worldwide based on 30 factors across five categories.
- European and North American cities dominate the top rankings in terms of liveability.
- Asia-Pacific cities have shown significant improvement, with eight of the top ten cities in terms of improvement coming from this region.
- Vienna, Austria is ranked as the most liveable city in the world, followed by Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Melbourne and Sydney in Australia rank third and fourth respectively, while Vancouver in Canada is ranked fifth.
- Osaka, Japan is the only Asian city within the top ten, securing the ninth position.
- Damascus, Syria, and Tripoli, Libya, remain at the bottom of the list due to social unrest, terrorism, and conflict.
- Tripoli and other cities in the bottom ten have shown improvement in their scores.
- The liveability index has shown improvement globally following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.
- The average index score among the 172 cities considered has reached 76.2 out of 100.
- Healthcare and education sectors have shown significant improvements in many cities, particularly in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
- Stability scores have declined compared to the previous year due to instances of civil unrest observed globally.
- The war in Ukraine has had negative effects on economic and political stability, impacting liveability in European cities.
- Continuous monitoring and improvement efforts are needed to ensure optimal living conditions for residents.
Why In News
Recently, the Global Liveability Index 2023 was published, shedding light on the cities that have excelled in providing a high quality of life for their residents. The index not only considered factors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education but also emphasized the growing importance of sustainability and resilience in the face of global challenges.
MCQs about Insights from Global Liveability Index 2023
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What region has shown the most improvement in city rankings, according to the Global Liveability Index 2023?
A. Europe
B. North America
C. Asia-Pacific
D. Middle East
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Which city secures the top rank in the Global Liveability Index 2023?
A. Vienna, Austria
B. Copenhagen, Denmark
C. Melbourne, Australia
D. Sydney, Australia
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Which factor has experienced a decline in scores compared to the previous year, according to the index?
A. Stability
B. Healthcare
C. Culture and environment
D. Education
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Which two cities remain at the bottom of the list in terms of liveability?
A. Vienna, Austria and Copenhagen, Denmark
B. Damascus, Syria and Tripoli, Libya
C. Osaka, Japan and Vancouver, Canada
D. Melbourne, Australia and Sydney, Australia
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