Real Estate

The Economist Intelligence Unit released their ranking of the best and worst places to live in the world. The index scored 172 cities in five categories.

The stability and good infrastructure of the region make it the most liveable cities. There are many opportunities for culture and entertainment in these cities, according to the index. Austria and Switzerland have developed a well-developed social market economy that has resulted in their cities ranking high on quality of life lists.

The U.S. isn't ranked in the top 10 on either list. Atlanta, Georgia was ranked as the most liveable US city at number 26 on the list, while Washington D.C. was ranked at number 30.

Vienna, Austria, was rated the best place to live in the world. It was in the position for two years, but fell to 12th place in 2011.

Here’s the rest of the top 10 best places to live

  1. Vienna, Austria
  2. Copenhagen, Denmark
  3. Zurich, Switzerland
  4. Calgary, Canada
  5. Vancouver, Canada
  6. Geneva, Switzerland
  7. Frankfurt, Germany
  8. Toronto, Canada
  9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
  10. Osaka, Japan and Melbourne, Australia (tie)

The overall rating is 172 and includes stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructure.

Here’s the rest of the top 10 worst places to live

  1. Tehran, Iran
  2. Douala, Cameroon
  3. Harare, Zimbabwe
  4. Dhaka, Bangladesh
  5. Port Moresby, PNG
  6. Karachi, Pakistan
  7. Algiers, Algeria
  8. Tripoli, Libya
  9. Lagos, Nigeria
  10. Damascus, Syria

Serious social issues and safety concerns are what the cities on the worst list all seem to have. Damascus is on the list due to the social unrest, terrorism, and conflict in the city.

According to the US Department of State, Lagos is known for crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.

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