Czechia’s two largest cities—Prague and Brno—have secured spots on the global list of the happiest places to live, according to the latest Happy Cities Index published by the Institute for Quality of Life.

The index evaluates 200 cities around the world, ranking them based on factors such as governance, civic participation, economy, healthcare, environmental quality, and mobility.

Although Prague and Brno appeared in the lower quarter of the ranking, their inclusion still highlights a positive quality of life in the Czech Republic.

Europe Leads the Way in Urban Happiness

Copenhagen took the top spot in the 2025 ranking, scoring 1,039 points. The Danish capital not only offers efficient governance and a strong economy, but also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and culture. Nearly 70% of transportation in Copenhagen is eco-friendly, and the city even hosts its own Museum of Happiness, underlining its commitment to resident well-being.

Zurich followed in second place with 993 points, thanks to its robust economy, world-class healthcare, and environmental initiatives. The Swiss city is frequently cited for its high standard of living and sustainable transport systems.

In third place—the highest-ranked non-European city—was Singapore, earning 979 points. The city-state received praise for its top universities, low unemployment, and strong civic engagement.

Rounding out the top ten were Aarhus (Denmark), Antwerp (Belgium), Seoul (South Korea), Stockholm (Sweden), Taipei (Taiwan), Munich (Germany), and Rotterdam (Netherlands).

Prague and Brno: Quiet Achievers

Prague ranked 153rd, earning 620 points. It performed strongest in the areas of public administration, healthcare, and environmental management.

Brno placed 176th with 582 points, performing similarly to Prague but with lower scores in economic strength and transportation infrastructure.

Both cities fall into the “bronze cities” category—those ranked from 101st to 200th. While not at the top, their presence on the list underscores a solid quality of life and urban planning that values the well-being of residents.

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