TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Congratulations to the residents of Denmark, especially those living in Copenhagen. According to the latest Happy City Index released by the Institute for Quality of Life, the capital of Denmark has been named the happiest city in the world.
The Happiness City Index is compiled based on a commitment to cultivating and promoting happiness through factors such as education, inclusive policies, economy, environmental protection, and access to green areas. Overall, the organization looks at 82 different happiness indicators, including individual interviews with residents in cities worldwide.
According to the Institute for Quality of Life, Denmark's capital has ranked high thanks to its commitment to education and innovation, as well as its transparency in governance, sustainability, and access to healthcare.
"Health and well-being are the cornerstones of life in Copenhagen," the report noted.
The city provides universal health care in the report. Every resident is insured and has access to 4.4 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants. Life expectancy reaches 79.9 years, supported by a balanced lifestyle which includes an average of 37 working hours per week.
Zurich, Switzerland, is in second place, followed by Singapore. Another Danish city, Aarhus, topped the list in 2024, is in fourth place, and Antwerp, Belgium, is in fifth place.
Denmark, which earlier this year was named the second-happiest country in the world after Finland, has seven cities in the top 50 alone.
However, the Institute for Quality of Life noted that no city can be deemed the best in ensuring the long-term happiness of its residents. Researchers at the institute only highlight cities for particular achievements or improvements in a specific year.
"However, that is not our ultimate goal. We aim to uncover and celebrate positive trends that enhance happiness worldwide."