What is the world’s most liveable city?

Every year we compile a list of our most popular daily charts, and every year I can predict with near certainty that the liveability index from EIU, our sister company, will sit at the top. Rankings are always a hit with our readers, but the liveability index, which rates living conditions in 172 cities based on more than 30 factors, is in a league of its own. I think its popularity is down to its thought-provoking indicators (climate, culture and now covid are included), the ability to locate yourself within the data—as long as you live in one of the assessed cities—and a finding that always causes global debate. Judging by the popularity of this year’s regional spin-offs, there are plenty of disagreements to be had at a local level too. If you enjoy our liveability index, why not subscribe to our data newsletter, Off the Charts? Every week a different member of our award-winning team lifts the lid on their process of gathering, analysing and visualising data. Sign up here. Alex Selby-Boothroyd Head of data journalism The Economist