LONDON: Taipei was ranked as the 62nd most livable city in the world for the second consecutive year, in the latest global survey released by the UK-based Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

The survey, now in its 10th year, assesses living conditions in 140 cities around the world by assigning a rating of relative comfort based on over 30 qualitative and quantitative factors in five broad categories - stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.

The survey gives an overall rating of 0-100, with 1 denoting intolerable conditions and 100 ideal conditions.

Sixty-four cities achieved scores of more than 80, while 13 cities were ranked in the bottom tier of livability with ratings of below 50.

Jon Copestake, editor of the report, told the CNA that Taipei obtained a rating of 81.9, which means that the city has few, if any, living standard challenges.

He suggested, however, that Taipei seek to hold more international sports events and improve its living environment in order to gain a higher ranking.

Worldwide, Vancouver retained its ranking as the most livable city, followed by Vienna, Melbourne, Toronto, Perth and Calgary (tied for fifth), Helsinki, Geneva, and Sydney and Zurich (tied for ninth).

Rounding up the top 20 were Adelaide, Auckland, Osaka, Stockholm and Hamburg (tied for 14th), Brisbane, Montreal and Paris (tied for 17th), and Frankfurt and Tokyo (tied for 19th).

According to the report, the cities with the best score tend to be mid-sized, in developed countries with a low population density, have cultural and recreational assets, lower crime levels, and fewer infrastructure problems.

China Daily/CNA

(HK Edition 06/10/2009 page2)