Geneva ranks 5th in the world’s most liveable cities in 2025

Geneva reaffirms its global standing by securing 5th place in the 2025 edition of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index, highlighting the region’s continued excellence in quality of life, infrastructure, and public services.

The Global Liveability Index evaluates 173 cities worldwide based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Geneva achieved an impressive overall score of 96.8 out of 100, maintaining its presence among the global elite. Its strongest pillars, healthcare and infrastructure, scored a near-perfect 100 and 96.4, respectively, while its education system also reached the maximum score.

This year’s top spot went to Copenhagen, with Zurich sharing second place alongside Vienna. Geneva’s consistent presence in the top ten, now three years in a row, is a testament to the city’s balanced urban planning, high safety standards, and strong social infrastructure. It also underlines Switzerland’s broader appeal: two of its cities rank among the world’s five most liveable, a rare achievement.

Geneva’s stability score of 95, which is on par with other leading cities, underscores its secure and predictable environment, even as geopolitical tensions and domestic unrest caused declines in several other European cities. For example, Vienna, the long-time leader of the ranking, dropped from first to second this year following a bomb threat and a foiled attack, while London, Manchester, and Edinburgh saw stability-related declines.

A model of global stability

The EIU’s assessment reinforces Western Europe’s dominance in the index, particularly in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. However, the report also notes that stability scores have generally declined in the region due to rising threats and unrest. Geneva’s ability to maintain its high scores across all categories, especially in such a context, speaks to the robustness of its governance model and the city’s capacity to anticipate and mitigate risks.

Beyond its quantitative strengths, Geneva continues to serve as a cosmopolitan hub with a uniquely international character, hosting numerous UN agencies, NGOs, and multinational headquarters. Its global outlook, combined with efficient public transport, exceptional schools, and access to nature, positions it as a benchmark for urban liveability.

As the world faces mounting challenges to the quality of life in urban centers, Geneva emerges as a resilient model of stability, public health, and human-scale development, upholding its reputation as one of the world’s best places to live.