10 Happiest Cities in the World 2026

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Gothersgade main street in Copenhagen, Denmark, September 19, 2023. Denmark continues to captivate the world with its concept of hygge-the art of finding happiness in simple moments. Work-life balance in this country has become the global gold standard for the well-being of modern society. Shutterstock

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In a world where uncertainty and instability continue to dominate headlines, happiness has become something people long for more than ever. That sense of well-being is, however, felt more strongly in certain parts of the globe, particularly in the happiest cities in the world.

The Institute for Quality of Life attempted to examine this phenomenon through the release of the 2026 Happy City Index. The ranking evaluates cities across six key dimensions: Citizens, Governance, Environment, Economy, Health, and Mobility.

Rather than declaring a single “best city,” the study highlights places that showcase a strong blend of good governance, sustainability, resilience, and quality of life, ultimately presenting a balanced picture of urban development.

The final ranking features several familiar names. Copenhagen continued to retain its top position, adding to its previous recognition as the world’s most liveable city. Beneath its captivating architecture, the Danish capital is known for striking an exceptional balance between high living standards, work-life balance, and creativity.

Copenhagen is joined by fellow Nordic destinations in the top 10, including Helsinki, Uppsala, Trondheim, Malmö, and Aarhus—Denmark’s second entry on the ranking. Meanwhile, four of the remaining cities are also located in Europe, with Tokyo standing as the only Asian representative in the top 10.