Copenhagen has been named the world’s happiest city for 2025, according to the latest Happy City Index by the Institute for Quality of Life. The Danish capital led the ranking of cities based on six key pillars: citizens, governance, environment, economy, health, and mobility.
The study, which considers how these categories shape everyday living conditions, placed Copenhagen ahead of Zurich and Singapore, citing its focus on sustainability, green mobility, and overall safety as major contributors to the well-being of its nearly 1.4 million residents.
Zurich took the second spot, boosted by a thriving economy and earnings 75 percent higher than Switzerland’s national average. Singapore, the only Southeast Asian city in the top five, followed closely, thanks to its strong job market and low unemployment rate of just 2 percent, despite concerns over rising living costs.
Denmark was the only country with two cities in the top five, with Aarhus placing fourth. The city’s commitment to universal healthcare and work-life balance played a key role in its high ranking. Antwerp, Belgium rounded out the top five, noted for its emphasis on education and continued learning among its citizens.
Seoul, South Korea emerged as the sixth happiest city, driven by its high concentration of businesses and competitive salaries. Stockholm in Sweden placed seventh, lauded for its environmental achievements and recycling initiatives.
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, came in eighth with its digitally skilled workforce and high levels of education. Munich, Germany secured the ninth spot for its accessible and high-quality education system, while Rotterdam in the Netherlands completed the top 10, benefiting from its booming trade economy and strategic location as home to Europe’s largest port.
