Copenhagen named world's most livable city for 2026; Damascus ranks last

Copenhagen, Denmark, has been named the world's most livable city for 2026 by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The Danish capital, with over a millennium of history and a population of approximately 675,000, earned its top spot due to its high quality of life, progressive green policies, and sustainable urban development.

The EIU's annual ranking assessed 175 cities based on five key criteria: healthcare, culture and environment, education, infrastructure, and stability. Following Copenhagen, three Australian cities made the top ten: Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide. Japan is represented by Tokyo and Osaka, with Tokyo being the largest and one of the most populous cities on the list, nearing 37 million residents.

Rounding out the top ten are Zurich and Geneva from Switzerland, and Vancouver, the sole North American city to achieve a high ranking. Vienna also maintained its consistent high position, recognized as one of the most pleasant cities to live in. These cities were lauded for their balance of urban amenities, safety, and quality of life for their residents.

In stark contrast, Damascus, the capital of Syria, was ranked as the least livable city for the year. The EIU noted that Damascus has consistently held the last position since 2013, largely due to the devastating consequences of the protracted civil war. The ongoing instability significantly impacts daily life, compounded by recent security incidents like bombings.

Beyond security concerns, Damascus faces extreme climate challenges, with summer temperatures potentially reaching 46°C (115°F), further complicating life for its inhabitants. The city, considered the world's oldest continuously inhabited capital, struggles with the combined effects of conflict and climate, leading to its lowest ranking in the EIU's assessment.