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These are the best cities in the world to live in

Words: Thomas Godfrey

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual ‘liveability index’ has been released, revealing the best cities in the world to live in.

Globally living standards in cities have generally increased – despite the terror attacks and threats seen in Europe this year.

The increase marks the first overall improvement to the score, which ranks 140 cities, in 10 years.

Melbourne took the top spot for the seventh time, with the State government of Victoria commenting that they are ‘continuously investing in Melbourne’s Infrastructure’ to keep it at No1.

Austrian capital Vienna missed out on top spot by just 0.01 point, with a score of 97.4/100, while Canada’s Vancouver scored 97.3, putting the top three cities within 0.02 points of each other.

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The cities are scored for stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.

The UK’s highest ranked city was Manchester, which came in in 51st place, a decline of eight places, which has been put down to the recent terror attack in the city.

London was ranked 53rd with an unchanged score of 87.2/100 – despite the London Bridge and Westminster attacks earlier this year.

Europe’s highest ranked city was Helsinki in 9th, whereas its lowest was Kiev, which scored a measly 47.8.

The Syrian capital Damascus finished last out of the cities in the rankings, in 140th position.

Germany’s first and only entry in the top 10 was Hamburg. A city with a population of 1.75 Million, it scored 95 points, putting it just inside the top 10. (Rex features)

Finland’s Capital Helsinki ranks 9th in the list, and is Europe’s second highest entry. It scored 95.6, including perfect scores for stability and healthcare. (Rex features)

New Zealand’s first and only entry on the list is Auckland, which scored 95.7 points. The former capital has a population of 1.37 million and scored perfectly for education. (Rex features)

Perth ranked 7th, the first of three entried in Australia. The city scored 95.9, including perfect 100s in Healthcare and Education. (Rex features)

Canada’s third largest city was one of three entries for the country. It scored 96.5 points including perfect scores for in stability, healthcare and education. (Rex features)