30 August 2011

Melbourne has regained the title of the world's most liveable city according to Economist Intelligence Unit's latest survey that ranked 140 cities around the world.

Melbourne scored 97.5 per cent, jumping ahead of former titleholder Vancouver to the number one spot.

Economist Intelligence Unit survey editor Jon Copestake said Melbourne managed to move up one spot to claim the top ranking thanks to a slight fall in Vancouver's infrastructure score, which is one of the measures of liveability.

"Australia, with a low population density and relatively low crime rates, continues to supply some of the world's most liveable cities," Jon Copestake said.

Sydney moved one spot up the ranking from seven to six, and Perth and Adelaide remain unchanged at joint eighth place.

Cities are scored on political and social stability, crime rates, access to quality health care, cultural events, the environment, education and the standard of infrastructure.

The survey also measures the diversity and standard of cultural events and the natural environment; education and the standard of infrastructure, including public transport.

Melbourne has scored near the top of global livability surveys for the past decade but shy of first place.

For more information, see the Economist Intelligence Unit's website.