Swiss cities continue to top world rankings

Zurich has been confirmed as the city with the highest overall quality of living in the world, according to a survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting.

Geneva came in second position, ahead of Vancouver, Vienna and Auckland. European, Canadian and Australian cities continue to dominate the rankings, which saw little movement among the top 50 cities and none among the top ten.

Mercer's yearly worldwide quality of living survey evaluates 215 cities on 39 criteria including political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health, education, transport, and other public services.


Ranking of quality of living in 2007:
1. Zurich
2. Geneva
3. Vancouver
3. Vienna
5. Auckland
5. Dusseldorf
7. Frankfurt
8. Munich
9. Berne
9. Sydney

Source: NZZ, Mercer HR Consulting

Ranking of Mercer HR Consulting


April 3, 2007

 

Switzerland ranks 2nd among countries with the best worldwide image

According to the 4th edition of the Anholt Nation Brands Index, a global survey of the image of 35 nations, Switzerland ranked second most popular country worldwide. The survey was done by Simon Anholt, an expert on brands, in cooperation with the market research-software company GMI (Global Market Insite, Inc.). The global opinion barometer examined how 25,907 interviewees around the globe rated culture, politics, economy, population, investment potential and tourist attractiveness of different countries.

Switzerland was rated particularly high for its competency and fairness in government affairs (first place, before Sweden and Canada), for its contribution to world peace (first place, before Sweden and Norway), and for observing human rights and treatment of natives (first place, before Sweden and Canada). In the areas of “education” (top5) and “research and technology” (top10) Switzerland also ranked high.

„In the age of globalization the brand image of a country becomes more and more important“, says Simon Anholt. “Because nations are competing for attention, the respect and trust of investors, tourists, consumers, immigrants, national governments and the media, a strong and positive image means a basic competitive advantage. It is important nations understand how they are seen by the global public, and how their successes and failures, positive and negative capital, population and products are reflected in that image.”

The top ten ranking of the nation brands is:

1. UK
2. Switzerland
3. Canada
4. Italy
5. Sweden
6. Germany
7. Japan
8. France
9. Australia
10. USA

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May 2, 2006