What city has the lowest quality of life?

Where Life is Hardest: Damascus Tops List of Least Liveable Cities

When it comes to quality of life, not all cities are created equal. According to the latest Global Liveability Index, Damascus, the war-ravaged capital of Syria, has been ranked as the least liveable city in 2025. Decades of conflict, crumbling infrastructure, unreliable access to basic services, and ongoing security concerns have left the city struggling to provide even minimal living standards for its residents.

Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the spectrum, Copenhagen claimed the top spot as the world’s most liveable city. Known for its efficient public services, strong healthcare, low crime rates, and commitment to sustainability, the Danish capital sets a high benchmark for urban living. The contrast between the two cities couldn’t be starker—one symbolizes resilience amid ruin, the other, stability and comfort.

The Global Liveability Index, compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit, evaluates cities based on stability, healthcare, culture, education, and infrastructure. Damascus scores poorly across all categories, particularly in stability and infrastructure, where damage from prolonged conflict remains visible and widespread. Daily life is shaped by uncertainty, with frequent power outages, limited medical care, and disrupted education systems.

While rankings like these highlight extreme disparities, they also remind us of the profound impact peace, governance, and investment have on everyday life. For residents of Damascus, the idea of “liveability” isn’t about convenience or comfort—it’s about survival. As global attention shifts, cities like Damascus serve as sobering reminders of how fragile quality of life can be when conflict takes hold.