Zurich still enjoys the highest quality of living in the world

According to the annual quality of living survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Zurich continues to be the city with the highest quality of living worldwide. The metropolis of the Greater Zurich Area, Switzerland’s leading economic region, was declared the winner for the seventh consecutive time. With a score of 108 Zurich was ranked first, followed by Vienna and Geneva who shared second place with 107.9 points each.

In May, the IMD Competitiveness Yearbook 2008 had declared Switzerland the most competitive economy in Europe. The excellent scores in the two separate annual surveys confirm the Greater Zurich Area’s status as a prime business location and preferred destination of foreign direct investment.

"Both the quality of living and competitiveness are key to a location’s economic development. Our leadership in quality of living and the improvement of the Swiss economy’s overall competitiveness are therefore particularly welcome news," said Willi Meier, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Zurich Area AG. “Healthy GDP growth rates and the third largest account surplus in the world have helped Switzerland and the Greater Zurich Area to weather recent turbulences in the credit market and in the global economy very well.“

Mercer’s worldwide quality-of-living survey 2008 has evaluated 215 cities on 39 criteria including political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health, education, transport, and other public services. Each city is awarded a score according to how far the quality of life exceeds or falls behind New York, which serves as the baseline reference city at 100. The survey helps governments and multinational companies to choose relocation destinations and place employees on international assignments.

Worldwide Quality of Living Rankings (Top Ten):
1. Zurich
2. Vienna
3. Geneva
4. Vancouver
5. Auckland
6. Dusseldorf
7. Munich
8. Frankfurt
9. Berne
10. Sydney

Source: Mercer HR Consulting

Ranking of Mercer HR Consulting


June, 2008