In a remarkable achievement, Singapore has been ranked as the third-happiest city in the world according to the latest Happy City Index, a significant leap from its previous position of 34th last year. This ranking was announced by the Institute for Quality of Life in London, which evaluated cities based on 82 indicators across six key categories: Citizens, Governance, Environment, Economy, Mobility, and Health.

Singapore is not only the highest-ranked city in Asia but also one of only three cities in the region to receive a “gold” title in the index, underscoring its status as a leading urban center for happiness. The other two Asian cities that achieved this distinction are Seoul and Taipei. The index aims to highlight positive trends that enhance happiness globally, and the top 31 cities were recognized as “Gold cities” based on their performance across the various indicators.

The new Health category introduced in the 2025 index includes four specific areas: Mental Health, Safety, Nutrition, and Work-Life Balance. Singapore excelled in this category, scoring 979 points, and was praised for its accessible and efficient healthcare system. The city boasts a remarkable life expectancy of 83 years, comprehensive medical insurance coverage for its entire population, and a low obesity rate, reflecting a strong commitment to public health initiatives.

In addition to health, Singapore’s governance was highlighted for its high levels of civic engagement, as evidenced by impressive voter turnout in recent elections. The city allocates 30% of its budget to support innovation, which the institute described as remarkable. Furthermore, Singapore’s transport infrastructure is among the most advanced globally, featuring sustainable transit options and an intelligent traffic management system.

Despite this positive recognition in the Happy City Index, Singapore’s ranking in the World Happiness Report has seen a decline, falling to 34th place, which is the lowest since the report’s inception. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of measuring happiness and well-being across different metrics.

Overall, Singapore’s recognition as the third-happiest city in the world reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for its residents through effective governance, robust healthcare, and a commitment to sustainability and innovation.