China is now the number two economy in the world, behind the USA. Despite the kudos and money this brings, it doesn’t seem to equate to a better quality of life. In a recent survey, Beijing only ranked 72nd in the list of the world’s most liveable cities.
In the survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Vancouver took top spot. Scoring 98% on a combination of stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. Melbourne was second and Vienna, third out of the 140 cities it ranked.
Interestingly, none of the other world’s capitals and major financial cities appeared in the top twenty 20. London was 53 and New York 56, with the highest placed Asian city, Osaka at 12. Hong Kong was the highest placed Chinese city, with Beijing a long way behind.
I haven’t seen the full report, but based on the EIU ratings below I would assume Beijing falls somewhere in the middle. Negative factors for Beijing would include; over crowding, pollution, lack of healthcare facilities, corruption and the worsening traffic congestion.
80-100: There are few, if any, challenges to living standards
70-80: Day–to–day living is fine, in general, but some aspects of life may entail problems
60-70: Negative factors have an impact on day-to-day living
50-60: Liveability is substantially constrained
50 or less: Most aspects of living are severely restricted
Let’s hope that being the world’s second largest economy will have a positive for the average Chinese person. Gradually helping to improve the quality of life and living standards in it’s cities across China.
(Blog posted by Ray Ally on February 26, 2011. You can see the original article by following this link to rayally.com)
