Posted on 10/05/2005 11:21:59 AM PDT by loreldan
Beaches, ski resorts, mountains, great weather and friendly people are just some of the ingredients of the best place to live in the world.
But where is this heaven on earth, where can you have a great standard of living and healthcare, get your hands on the world's best goods and experience some of the best services?
The answer, according to the United Nations quality of life survey, is Vancouver in British Columbia.
The "City of Glass" - so called because of its mirror-fronted skyscrapers - has topped the poll every year for nearly a decade.
Conde Nast Traveller describes Vancouver as the "perfect Pacific city, shimmering on the edge of a beautiful harbour."
Canada did well in the poll, with two other entries: Toronto at number nine and Calgary in tenth place.
Jon Copestake, editor of the Economist Intelligence Unit, which commissioned the research, said: "There are hardly any problems in Canada and even less in Vancouver."
An impressive five Australian cities made it into the top 10, explaining why so many Brits escape the UK for Down Under.
London failed to impress in the survey and came a dismal 47th out of the 127 cities included.
The worst place to live was named and shamed as Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.
The 10 best cities to live in are:
Vancouver, Canada
Melbourne, Australia
Vienna, Austria
Geneva, Switzerland
Perth, Australia
Adelaide, Australia
Sydney, Australia
Zurich, Switzerland
Toronto, Canada
Calgary, Canada
The 10 worst cities to live in are:
Tehran, Iran
Douala, Cameroon
Harare, Zimbabwe
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Lagos, Nigeria
Karachi, Pakistan
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Algires, Algeria
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Its says alot about the UN that no American city is on the list. Oh well, at least San Francisco isn't on the list and Australia (a loyal ally) is on the list. Good job Aussies!
Besides the downtown east side, Vancouver is a pretty nice city.
New Orleans. Maybe next year...
I agree with both of you. More jobs and less democrats would be welcome in our fair town. Too bad any of us has as much of a chance of getting elected mayor as Joe Weinroth.
Vancouver and Victoria are two of THE MOST beautiful places on earth.
If I go anywhere again in my life, I want to go there.
I'd take Oakland anytime. Good chow. Anchor Steam Beer on tap...
Thankfully Oom Papa Mow Mow isn't on the list this year, Sultan.
I agree with you. It is a very pretty city, but it bores me to tears. I would include Singapore in my top 10.
Just who votes in theses polls and what standard do they use?
bttt
Vienna, Toronto, and Zurich are the only ones I've been to on this list; and I agree Vienna is deserving. Beautiful. I didn't care for Zurich as much.
Do you have an American city in mind?
That "worst" list is very telling!
When I visited Vancouver back in '96, I got the impression it was Canada's San Francisco (a would-be beautiful spot infested with fruits and nuts).
My father would spit out his tea if he sees this list - he has spent more time in Zurich than he would care to mention and he positively despises the place.
Regards, Ivan
ROFL!!
(Perhaps I'll have to revive that tagline)
Text messaged your tagline to Mrs. Fierro as the Thought Of The Day.
Oakland is the second most scary city in the USA to me. Only LA tops it. They do have awesome chinese food about 3 -4 blocks up from Jack London Square.
Then winter comes. 
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