Image Credit: Michael Waterhouse Photography
If you’ve been feeling extra happy lately, you’re not alone. Adelaide has just been recognised as one of the happiest cities worldwide in the latest Happy Cities Index.
Adelaide scraped into the Gold category of “happiest” cities, which are up to 31, securing 29th spot and leading the way for Australia.
Canberra followed at 51, Melbourne at 67, Sydney at 75, Brisbane at 78, Gold Coast at 88, Hobart at 135, Darwin at 146, and Perth at 165.
The index, released annually, evaluates cities based on various parameters that contribute to the overall wellbeing and satisfaction of their residents.
There are six key dimensions: Citizens, Governance, Environment, Economy, Health, and Mobility, and each category is given a score that contributes to the city’s total points.
Adelaide scored a total of 846 points, performing exceptionally well in the Environment category with 217 points, slightly ahead of its scores in Health and Mobility, which stood at 132 and 100, respectively.
In top spot was Copenhagen, amassing a total score of 1039 points and performing exceptionally across all categories, including a high score of 177 in Governance.
Zurich and Singapore followed next, scoring 993 and 979 points, respectively, also performing well in Governance and Environment.
A city’s ranking on this index directly correlates with the quality of public services it provides and the effectiveness of its local governance.
The inclusion of Adelaide among the top happy cities is significant, especially when considering the global challenges cities faced last year, from navigating post-pandemic recovery to addressing issues brought forth by technological advancements and socio-political changes.
Cities on the Happy Cities Index have shown that wellbeing integrations into policy frameworks and city planning are no longer just optional but essential. These include areas such as economic opportunities, efficient mobility networks, health systems, and environmental conservation efforts, which have each played a crucial role in improving happiness.
With its continued commitment to fostering an environment where its citizens can thrive, Adelaide’s recognition on this international stage not only enhances its reputation but also sets a benchmark for other cities to follow.
As cities around the world strive to improve their livability, indexes like these provide valuable insights and examples of best practices in urban development and wellbeing.
For Adelaide, this recognition is not just an honour but also a reminder of the ongoing responsibility to its residents’ quality of life.
For the official #2025 Happy City Index, click here.
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