Millions of people in the world start the year with a common purpose: lead a healthier life. However, this does not depend only on ourselves, but also influences -and a lot- the place where we live.
To find out what they are the healthiest cities in the world in 2022 , the financial products consultancy, Money.co.uk has carried out a study in which it has taken into account factors such as life expectancy, air pollution, obesity rates, safety, and hours of sunlight at each location.
In addition, this year they have considered elements whose importance has been growing since the start of the pandemic, using metrics like access to health coverage and the number of mental health nurses, social workers, psychiatrists and psychologists in each country.
Finally, the research also analyzed the prevalence of mental and substance use disorders, as well as overall health spending of the country or city.
Valencia.
According to him study from Money.co.uk, Valencia is, for the second consecutive year, the healthiest city by 2022.
In second position, another Spanish city! Madrid He also revalidates his 2021 position, taking the silver medal. Barcelona enters the ranking in the 17th place.
From 10 to 1, the ranking of the healthier cities of the world would look like this:
10. LJUBLJANA (SLOVENIA)
Why visit (or live) in Ljubljana? For many reasons. First of all, obviously, because it is the tenth healthiest city in the world. But we have many more reasons: It is small and ideal for cycling and despite being the capital of the country, it is still a little known destination and far from mass tourism.
What else? It has extensive green areas and its clean and well-maintained streets, rivers and lakes. (This, along with many other factors, earned him the title of European Green Capital in 2016 ) has an interesting (and healthy) gastronomic proposal, a long wine tradition and is the perfect operations center from which to start hiking and cycling routes, such as the Path of Memory and Camaraderie.
Ljubljana.
9. ADELAIDE (AUSTRALIA)
Adelaide moves up from 11th to 9th on the list of healthiest cities (which includes three Australian cities by the way: Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane).
In Adelaide, in addition to leading a healthy lifestyle, you will be able to meet people from all over the world (alert, dear digital nomad), it has a temperature average maximum of 29 °C in summer and 16 °C in winter, it has a great cultural offer and its surroundings make up a small paradise of natural enclaves. Oh, and don't miss their cellars!
Adelaide (Australia).
8. CHIANG MAI (THAIANDIA)
Chiang Mai enters this year's ranking straight to eighth place! Where do we begin to praise her? In this Thai city, the hustle and bustle of the markets coexists and contrasts with the peace and tranquility of its temples, the weather always accompanies, culture overflows in every corner and according to the ranking of The Nomad , is one of the best places in the world to telecommute.
Chiangmai.
7. VIENNA (AUSTRIA)
Vienna is one of the cities with the best quality of life in the world. In fact, in 2019, Vienna proclaimed itself, for the tenth consecutive year, as the best city to live in, according to the ranking of the consulting firm Mercer, which takes into account the social, political, economic, cultural, medical, environmental and educational environment of more than 450 cities.
Need more reasons to visit (or even move)? Vienna is a very dynamic city, full of maverick architects, bohemian foodies and a new breed of creative citizens that have changed the rules of the game. Of course, it is still religion to see the hours go by in their coffee shops , designated Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Vienna, the best city to live?
6. ZURICH (SWITZERLAND)
Zurich has an extremely low crime rate, so if you are looking for a safe place, this is the ideal city.
The city also has a vast cultural panorama (with more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries) and excellent anti-pollution measures, since public transport works wonderfully here, whether the bus, the tram, the bicycle or why not, the funicular!
It is also one of the cities with highest quality of life in the world and better salaries, according to the annual ranking of the consulting firm Mercer. Of course: it is also one of the most expensive.
Zurich, one of the safest cities in the world.
5. TOKYO (JAPAN)
Tokyo climbs two steps and is placed this year in fifth place. The Japanese capital stands out in terms of security , as it always appears at the top of the index of the safest cities in the world prepared by The Economist Intelligence Unit (in 2015 and 2017 in first place and in 2021 in fifth place.).
In addition, Tokyo is investing in the habitability at street level and the well-being of its residents and tourists.
Tokyo, the fifth healthiest city in the world.
4. LISBON (PORTUGAL)
Lisbon loses a position compared to 2021, ranking fourth on the list. Of course, we will not tire of dreaming of the Portuguese capital: its sunsets on the Tagus, its delicious bacalhau, the fado nights, the afternoons strolling through Alfama...
Because, can there be anything healthier than the Atlantic breeze (as long as it's not too angry, of course) while you enjoy the first gHello in the morning?
Lisbon, I love you.
3. CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA
Canberra moves up two places compared to the previous year, placing third in the ranking and thus highlighting his significant improvement in health issues.
“Canberra is one of the safest cities in the world and has a high life expectancy of 82.9 years” , affirm from Money.co.uk. In addition, it has very low rates of air pollution and enjoys 2,813.7 hours of sunlight per year! , so its inhabitants are well supplied with vitamin D.
Very close to the city, we find reserves and places where you can breathe fresh air and multitude of natural wonders.
Canberra.
2. MADRID (SPAIN)
Madrid rises with the second position, which it already held last year, becoming the second healthiest city in the world in 2022.
In Madrid there is traffic, yes, but there are also huge green lungs where you can enjoy nature without leaving the city: the Retiro Park, the Casa de Campo, the Parque del Capricho... runners –and walkers– have a choice: Start the day with a walk through Madrid Río or end it with a run in the Parque del Oeste? (not forgetting the exercise that is done going up and down the subway stairs, ahem, ahem...).
The climate also accompanies the city and when the sun shines the terraces are filled with people enjoying good Madrid cuisine and more than one takes the opportunity to have a Sunday picnic.
And you will wonder: what about contamination? It is one of the great challenges of the capital, which is why, last year, Madrid unveiled the goal of the first 'Roadmap towards climate neutrality in the city of Madrid': reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) by up to 65% in 2030 compared to 1990, for which some measures have already been put in place.
Retirement park.
1. VALENCIA (SPAIN)
Valencia revalidates its title as the healthiest city in the world and it is placed at the top of the ranking for many and varied reasons: its climate, its gastronomy, its low pollution rates, its good medical care, its light...
“Life expectancy is high, 83.5, which gives residents a long life to enjoy all the offers that Valencia offers” they comment from Money.co.uk, also highlighting “the richness of its cultural heritage and its residents' emphasis on social connection, leading to a very healthy work-life balance.”
“The city has 2,696 hours of sunlight per year and an average temperature of 19 degrees. These characteristics make the city a timeless destiny which to enjoy in any season” point out from Visit València.
And what about their food , “few cities in the world have natural pantries from which citizens, markets and restaurants are supplied” they continue to say.
The sea breeze purifies the air in Valencia, keeping pollution levels low, to which must be added the 5 million square meters of green areas in the city such as the Cabecera Park, the Central Park, the Royal Gardens or the Turia Garden.
In addition, he holds the titles of World Design Capital Y European Capital of Smart Tourism 2022 . In summary, whether you are thinking of moving or planning your next getaway, the capital of the Turia rises as the best option for lovers of healthy life, because the city takes great care of the health of its inhabitants and of all those who come to visit it.
Valencia, the healthiest city in the world.
FROM 11 TO 20
In the ranking of the 20 healthiest cities in the world continues with Singapore (ranked 11th) , Y Helsinki (12th), the city with the cleanest air on the list, It is the capital of the least polluted country in the world.
To get it, Finland has established a series of strict environmental regulations, with particular emphasis on renewable energy, electric vehicles and environmental conservation in high regard.
At number 13 stands tallinn , followed by Port (14th), Vilnius (15th), Brisbane (16th), Barcelona (17th), muscat (18th), Reykjavik (19th) and Zagreb (20º).