On May 17, 2025, the Institute for Quality of Life released its latest global Happy City Index, placing Singapore as the third happiest city in the world, trailing just behind Copenhagen and Zurich. This significant recognition puts the city-state ahead of major international cities including Amsterdam, Tokyo, London, and Sydney.
The Happy City Index is a comprehensive study assessing global urban centers across six core pillars: citizens, governance, environment, economy, mobility, and health. In total, the ranking draws from 82 indicators that provide insights into the overall quality of life in each city. Singapore’s high placement was underpinned by its consistent excellence across several of these categories.
Scoring 979 out of a possible 1,000 points, Singapore stood out particularly in areas like economic prosperity, urban governance, sustainability, and innovation. The study highlighted the city’s robust governance structure, low levels of unemployment, and high life expectancy as key contributors to the sense of well-being experienced by residents.
Specifically, Singapore recorded a notably low unemployment rate of 2%, a life expectancy of 83 years, and an impressive 67% share of green mobility — referring to transport options that are environmentally friendly such as public transport, cycling, and walking. In terms of public safety, the country reported only 3.31 incidents of public violence per 1,000 people, showcasing its reputation for security and order.
The city also fosters a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, with 101.67 business entities per 1,000 residents. This high rate of entrepreneurship demonstrates both economic vibrancy and an environment that supports innovation and start-ups. This aligns with the broader national direction of encouraging a future-ready economy based on creativity, digital transformation, and resilience.
Singapore’s third-place ranking also stands out as a rare achievement for an Asian city. Only two other Asian cities made it to the top 10: Seoul at sixth place and Taipei at eighth. This recognition not only reflects well on Singapore but also suggests a broader regional momentum towards improving urban living standards in Asia.
The Happy City Index emphasizes that happiness is a complex outcome, influenced by both tangible infrastructure and intangible policies. While no city can guarantee individual happiness, cities that promote safety, sustainability, well-being, and innovation can significantly raise the baseline quality of life for their people. Singapore’s showing demonstrates how a balance of economic strength, public health, environmental care, and strong governance contributes to the collective happiness of its population.
As urban planners and governments worldwide examine how to build happier societies, Singapore now stands as an international model. The nation’s policies aimed at green transformation, digital growth, inclusive mobility, and public welfare are now recognised not just for their effectiveness but for their impact on the lived experience of ordinary people.
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