We already know that Finland is the happiest country in the world. However, what is the scenario when applied to cities? Is Porto one of the happiest or unhappiest? The answers can be found in the Happy City Index 2024 study, a ranking by the Institute for Quality of Life.
According to the study, available for consultation the aim is to identify the 250 happiest cities in the world. In the 2024 edition, Portugal is represented by a total of five urban destinations. We’ll reveal the positions of each of them later. For now, it’s time to get to know the leaders of the ranking.
The happiest cities in the world
According to the Happy City Index, the city of Aarhus in Denmark is the happiest in the world, coming first with a total score of 1749.2 points, divided into five parameters: Citizens; Governance, Economy, Environment and Mobility.
Zurich in Switzerland and Berlin in Germany are also in second and third place respectively. The top five is rounded off with Gothenburg in Sweden and Amsterdam in the Netherlands in fourth and fifth place.
And what is the scenario in Portugal? And in the city of Porto?
At the top of the ranking are the Nordic and/or colder countries. Around here, even though the climate is better, it seems that happiness levels aren’t as high. After all, Portugal is still a long way from at least breaking into the top 50.
In this context, Portugal is only represented in the second and third parts of the Happy City Index – Silver Cities (from 38th to 100th position) and Bronze Cities (101st to 250th positions).
Lisbon is the Portuguese city that appears in the best position in the ranking, namely 96th. Porto comes 119th with a total of 1441.6 points, Faro 146th, Aveiro 175th and Funchal 199th.