No. 1

Quality of life issues are often in the eye of the beholder. Yet in this age of global economic integration, executives and their families do place such factors as schooling, quality housing, health care, recreational amenities, and environment at the top of their list. Mercer Human Resource Consulting, which provides advice to multinational companies on international assignments, has come up with a global ranking of the world’s most livable cities based on 39 criteria ranging from personal safety to public transportation.

Switzerland’s main commercial and cultural center, Zurich topped the 215 cities considered globally, followed by Geneva, Vancouver, and Vienna, which tied for third. In the Asia-Pacific region, Auckland, New Zealand, (5) led the pack, while Sydney (9) cracked the top 10. Meanwhile, in North America, Canadian cities such as Toronto and Ottawa fared better than U.S. ones, of which Honolulu (27) performed best. The hardest of the hardship postings: Brazzaville, the capital city of the Republic of the Congo (214), and Baghdad (215).

Zurich, Switzerland

(2006 Ranking: 1)

This picturesque Swiss commercial and cultural center is a huge global hub for offshore banking and home to such financial powerhouses as UBS, Credit Suisse, and Swiss Re. Financial services is a huge driver of the city’s economy. It’s safe, cosmopolitan, enjoys low crime and tax rates, and boasts some of the finest opera and ballet in Europe.

No. 2

Geneva, Switzerland

(2006 Ranking: 2)

This Swiss business center situated where where Lake Geneva flows into the Rhône River has a strong private banking sector, watch-making and fragrance industries, and is home to the European headquarters of such companies as DuPont, Hewlett-Packard, Procter & Gamble, and Sun Microsystems. The city boasts excellent rail transportation inside the city and direct connections to Paris, Marseille, and Montpellier in France.

No. 3 (Tie)

Vancouver, Canada

(2006 Ranking: 3)

A bustling and increasingly ethnically diverse city, Vancouver boasts stunning natural beauty and has a vibrant Chinese community. Its economy long ago diversified away from natural-resource trade in British Columbia, and the Port of Vancouver is the business seaport in Canada. The city has been dubbed Hollywood North, since it has emerged as the third largest film-production center after Los Angeles and New York. In 2010, the Winter Olympics will be held in Vancouver and nearby Whistler.

No. 3 (Tie)

Vienna, Austria

(2006 Ranking: 4)

The Austrian capital is one of the greenest cities on the planet, with myriad parks and gardens spread out over the city. It’s a classical cultural wonderland, with well-preserved imperial palaces, art galleries, and museums. It’s also home to numerous international organizations.

No. 5 (Tie)

Auckland, New Zealand

(2006 Ranking: 5)

Situated on the North Island of New Zealand, Auckland is home to about 1.2 million people, or about 25% of the entire country’s population. It also has a sizable Polynesian population, a low crime rate, and more yachts per capita than any other city in the world. There are plenty of opportunities for retail therapy in the various shopping districts around town.

No. 5 (Tie)

Düsseldorf, Germany

(2006 Ranking: 6)

This capital city of the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia is considered one of the primary economic hubs of Western Germany. German advertising and fashion companies are clustered here. Many of the nation’s Internet service providers have set up shop as well. Public transportation is excellent.

No. 7

Frankfurt, Germany

(2006 Ranking: 7)

Frankfurt is Germany’s financial and transportation center, and home to the European Central Bank and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. This culturally vibrant city hosts art fairs and music festivals throughout the year. It’s also a city of skyscrapers, with some of the tallest office towers in Europe, such as the Commerzbank Tower and the MesseTurm, or Trade Fair Tower.

No. 8

Munich, Germany

(2006 Ranking: 8 )

This prosperous and economically dynamic city is Germany’s third largest and a major company town. Siemens, BMW, and Allianz are all based there. It’s also emerging into a center for biotechnology, software, and other service industries. If you’re a beer drinker, this is the place to be, given the variety of local brews and fabled drinking halls such as the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl. Munich is also a European cultural center, with fabulous opera houses, theater, and interesting architecture.

No. 9 (Tie)

Bern, Switzerland

(2006 Ranking: 9)

 

This capital city of Switzerland is stunningly beautiful, with an incredible variety of cultural amenities. Its well-preserved medieval architecture has been recognized as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Thanks to its central location, Bern is a convenient departure point for excursions to the Alps.

No. 9 (Tie)

Sydney, Australia

(2006 Ranking: 9)

Sydney’s sheer beauty and lively night life make this town a tourism magnet. The city of 4 million-plus is the country’s business and cultural nexus, home to iconic architecture such as the Sydney Opera House and some fabulous weather. It’s also the country’s financial center — both the Australian Stock Exchange and the Reserve Bank of Australia are located here. Most of the major banks and more than half of Australia’s biggest companies call Sydney home as well.

For complete Listing : View the table 

Indian Cities scored the below Ranking:

148 – New Delhi , 151 – Mumbai, 153 – Bangalore & 159 – Chennai.

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Source : BusinessWeek Online