West Midlands city revealed as one of ‘happiest’ places in the world, according to new 2025 guide
Discover why Birmingham ranks as one of the world's happiest cities in 2025, according to the latest Happy City Index report.
A West Midlands city has been named as one of the happiest in the world, according to a new study.
The Happy City Index has released its 2025 guide filled with 200 places across the globe - and Birmingham is on the list.
The Happy City Index define happy places as being ‘committed to cultivating and growing happiness, where education, inclusive policies, the economy, mobility, environmental protection, access to green areas, and innovation are not only important components of official policies but are also evident in the solutions implemented.”
Birmingham came in at number 129 with a total of 675 points, landing a bronze award.
By comparison, Copenhagen in Denmark was crowned the happiest city with 1,039 points.
It was closely followed by Zurich in Switzerland with 993 points in second place, and Singapore (city) in Singapore with 979 points.
The happy city guide is an annual study taking into account the past year’s activities that may impact cities’ landscape.
Speaking about challenges, the Happy City Index wrote: ‘Every year has its highs and lows, and the past year was no exception.
“This included debates related to AI, polarizations around the globe and aftershocks of the pandemic, such as the increased focus on wellbeing in public debate.
“The challenges of today’s world are complex, requiring a holistic approach and tailored solutions. We all know it’s better to prevent than to cure. Strong leadership in the implementation of wellbeing policies is more crucial now than ever.
“Policymakers are often perceived as slow to react and quick to be blamed, but we believe this is often an unfair bias, especially concerning local leaders. Local governments have a direct and significant impact on people’s everyday lives and, consequently, their happiness—our shared fundamental human goal.”
To see the full list of all 200 happiest cities in the world click here.
What do you think of Birmingham’s ranking?
Birmingham is frequently cited as one of the UK's happiest cities due to a combination of factors, including its vibrant culture, family-friendly environment, and significant job opportunities.
The city offers a variety of entertainment, from nightlife to year-round events, and boasts the Bullring Shopping Centre, making it attractive for residents and visitors.
Additionally, Birmingham is considered one of the youngest cities in Europe, adding to its dynamic atmosphere.