2015 Global Liveability Ranking Released: Melbourne Wins for the Fifth Consecutive Year, Taipei Ranks 60th

▲ An artistic tram on the streets of Melbourne. (Photo / Provided by Lenovo International Marketing)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

Which city in the world is the most livable? The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) recently released the “2015 Global Liveability Ranking,” with Australian city Melbourne taking the top spot once again, becoming the first city in the world to rank first five times. Taipei came in at 60th place.

The EIU evaluates 140 cities worldwide each year based on five criteria: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Melbourne has won favor with judges across various aspects including art, cuisine, ecology, sports, and festivals, thus claiming the title of the world’s most livable city for the fifth time.

▲ A rooftop cinema in Melbourne. (Photo / Provided by Lenovo International Marketing)

The Economist also pointed out that over the past year, frequent global terrorist attacks, the continued aggression of ISIS, as well as police-civilian conflicts in many regions, have led to a decline in the liveability index of numerous cities.

Among major Asian cities, Hong Kong dropped from 31st in 2014 to 46th due to last year’s “Occupy Central” movement. Taipei ranked 60th, Beijing 69th; Japanese cities Tokyo and Osaka ranked 15th and 17th respectively, while South Korea’s Seoul came in at 58th.

Additionally, the top five least livable cities in the world for 2015 were: Damascus in Syria, Dhaka the capital of Bangladesh, Port Moresby the capital of Papua New Guinea, Lagos in Nigeria, and Tripoli the capital of Libya.

Top 10 Most Livable Cities in 2015

1. Australia — Melbourne
2. Austria — Vienna
3. Canada — Vancouver
4. Canada — Toronto
5. Australia — Adelaide
6. Canada — Calgary
7. Australia — Sydney
8. Finland — Helsinki
9. Australia — Perth
10. New Zealand — Auckland