Australian cities are dominating worldwide quality of living standards making them attractive destinations for migrants, Mercer’s 2007 Worldwide Quality of Living Survey has found.
All of the Australian cities covered in the survey secured a ranking amongst the world’s top 30 for overall quality of living.
Sydney shared joint ninth place with Bern in Switzerland, Melbourne came in at 17th and Perth was ranked 21st.
The analysis of 215 cities by Mercer Human Resource Consulting is based on an evaluation of 39 quality of living criteria. This includes political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health, education, transport and other public services.
The top cities in 2007 were Zurich and Geneva in Switzerland, Vancouver in Canada, Vienna in Austria and Auckland in New Zealand.
Sydney was also ranked the second best city for quality of life in Asia, followed by Wellington, Melbourne and Perth. Auckland was the top city.
Sydney is part of New South Wales and home to half of the state’s 6.8 million population. Sydney is well known for its breathtaking beaches and coastline and famous landmarks including the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
All of the Australian cities covered by the survey ranked higher than New York, the base city, for health and sanitation. Australia, New Zealand and Japan scored highest for health and sanitation in Asia.
Adelaide is the highest-scoring city in Australia for health and sanitation, at position 35, while Sydney is the lowest in 62nd place.
Scores are based on the quality and availability of hospital and medical supplies and levels of air pollution and infectious diseases. The efficiency of waste removal and sewage systems, water portability and the presence of harmful animals and insects are also taken into account.
The rankings are based on data collected by Mercer between September and November 2006 and the data is regularly updated to take account of changing circumstances.
Find out more about Australian states
A quick guide to Australia's states
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