Vienna retains the top spot as the city with the world’s best quality of living, according to the Mercer 2010 Quality of Living Survey . Zurich and Geneva follow in second and third position, respectively, while Vancouver and Auckland remain joint fourth in the rankings.
Mercer conducts the ranking to help governments and multi-national companies compensate employees fairly when placing them on international assignments. The rankings are based on a point-scoring index, which sees Vienna score 108.6 and Baghdad 14.7. Cities are ranked against New York as the base city, with an index score of 100.
Mercer’s quality of living factors
Political and Social Environment
Relationship with other Countries Internal Stability Crime Law Enforcement Ease of Entry and Exit Economic Environment
Currency Exchange Regulations Banking Services Socio-Cultural Environment Limitation on Personal Freedom Media and Censorship Medical and Health Considerations
Hospital Services Medical Supplies Infectious Diseases Water Potability Sewage Waste removal Air Pollution Troublesome and Destructive Animals and Insects Schools and Education Schools Natural Environment
Climate Record of Natural Disasters Public Services and Transport
Electricity Water Availability Telephone Mail Public Transport Traffic Congestion Airport Recreation Variety of Restaurants Theatrical and Musical Performances Cinemas Sport and Leisure Activities Consumer Goods
Meat and Fish Fruits and Vegetables Daily Consumption Items Alcoholic Beverages Automobiles Housing Housing Household Appliances
..and once again, I don't believe that this study is conducted in a manner where you can derive a real quality of living figure...as emphasis is made on matters that hardly affect the real quality of living of a person.
That's quite interesting, many of them are important to me and do affect my quality of life. I would be happy to hear what areas you would like to see included.
I note that they did not include..
Price of a Rum and Coke
Availability of a decent English Breakfast
Thickness of walls and loudness of apartment neighbours.
..yeah like what? Availability of goods and services? Like for instances how there are hardly any opening hours..and establishments have a 30% surcharge on food purchased passed a certain time in the evening..is that part of your idea of quality of life?