Zaragoza is among the happiest cities in the world according to a prestigious international report

Happiness is no longer just a personal matter: it also depends on the city we live in. More and more studies measure how the environment, public health, transportation, and air quality influence our daily well-being. This is the foundation of the Happy City Index, an international ranking that evaluates which cities in the world offer the best conditions for a fulfilling life.

And in the 2025 edition, Zaragoza has earned a place among the happiest cities on the planet. The Aragonese capital ranks 84th in the world, tied with Baltimore (United States), thanks to its strong performance in 
sustainability, health, and urban mobility. The report, prepared by the Institute for Quality of Life , analyzes hundreds of cities annually and places Zaragoza alongside major global benchmarks of well-being such as 
Copenhagen, Zurich, and Singapore.

THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN ZARAGOZA BECOMES A GLOBAL REFERENCE

Zaragoza has obtained a total score of 741 points, distributed in six categories: citizens (126), governance (141), environment (155), economy (64), health (154) and mobility (101) . These data reflect a positive evolution in the way the city responds to the real needs of the population , prioritizing urban well-being and sustainability.

The report emphasizes that it’s not just about designing policies, but also about implementing them in tangible ways. In this sense, Zaragoza has managed to position itself as an example of a medium-sized European city that promotes a balanced and realistic quality of life, without relying on large budgets or megalomaniacal structures.

AN URBAN MODEL BASED ON HEALTH, THE ENVIRONMENT AND MOBILITY

Among the aspects most valued by experts are access to quality healthcare services, environmental awareness that promotes sustainable measures, and a functional mobility system that allows for efficient and less polluting travel. All of this creates a city where everyday life is lived with greater comfort and less stress .

Furthermore, the index recognizes that in Zaragoza, public decisions have a direct impact on daily life, something fundamental at a time when urban happiness has become a strategic objective for many municipalities.

SIX SPANISH CITIES AMONG THE 100 HAPPIEST IN THE WORLD

Along with Zaragoza , five other Spanish cities have made it into the top 100 of the Happy City Index 2025 :

• Barcelona (ranked 22nd), the only Spanish city in the gold category, stands out for its mobility and governance.
• Bilbao (ranked 52) stands out for its equitable approach to access to services.
• Valencia (ranked 96) has been particularly recognised for its healthcare system.
• Madrid is ranked 132nd, outside the top 100, although with a high score in health.
• Vigo, in 166, has attracted attention for its citizen involvement and inclusive local policies.

This multiple presence demonstrates the progress made by many Spanish cities in terms of well-being , but also underlines Zaragoza’s privileged position within the national landscape.

COPENHAGEN, THE HAPPIEST CITY IN THE WORLD IN 2025

Copenhagen (Denmark) took first place in the ranking, leading the way with 1,039 points. Its balance of sustainability, public services, and citizen participation makes it a model to follow. It is followed by Zurich, Singapore, Aarhus, and Antwerp, in a list dominated by northern European cities.

Zaragoza has proven that you don’t have to be a global capital to be among the happiest cities on the planet . Its commitment to an urban model centered on people, the environment, and health consolidates it as a place where people can live well. A source of pride for Aragon and a motivation to continue improving.