What cities from the Balkans have found themselves in the list of happiest in 2025. – BBC News in Serbian
Safe, quiet, clean, alive, rich in historical and cultural content, is porified its transport, and boulevards are spacious.
These are all the expressions we describe the city, but can we call some happy?
And what makes one city happy?
The researchers of the London’s Institute for Quality of Life tried to answer this question.
Analyzed There are no dozens of categories, including the environment (presence of green areas and waste management) economy (innovation, medium wages, presence of international companies), traffic and how it is managed by the city.
And there are no better interlocutors from people who live in them.
On their « happy cities’ list for 2025. In the wider society of world metropolises, four cities were located from the former Yugoslav republics: Ljubljana and Maribor (Slovenia), Pula (Croatia) and Podgorica (Montenegro).
In that society, the capital of Bulgaria – Sofia was also found.
Two places for Slovenia
The capital of Ljubljana is valid for the greenest capital in Europe, and her shelf now completed another one medal.
Ljubljana is at 41. place of the list of happy cities, in front of many European capital.
It is located in the heart of Slovenia, between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, on the River Ljubljanica.
The unofficial symbol of Ljubljana is dragonwhom you can see on the coat of arms of the city, while the monument of Dragon Bridge is one of the pearls of secession architecture.
Ljubljana is also the first European city to commit to become a place No waste.
Another Slovenian city – Maribor has found himself in the list of happy.
He was one of my favorite my mother, and I often listened to stories about that city, Šćokuren between mountain massifs, Drava Polje, Mount Kozjak and Slovenian Gorice.
His position is the golden environment – 104. the place, and its inhabitants of Magdu does not surprise that.
« It is a real oasis of peace, on the river Drava, full of greenery and beautiful nature.
« It’s good living, unemployment is low, and we feel safe, » said the 70-year-old Mac’s Magda for the BBC in Serbian.
This image completes the Pohorje, one of the favorite sites for the weekend enjoyment of its fellow citizens.
« Streets along the Pohorje are quiet, no traffic, all that is heard is the singing of birds, » she added.
Mirna and Relaxed Podgorica
At the crossroads of several significant roads leading from the sea to the continental part of Montenegro, Podgorica, her capital.
Former Titograd focused in 191. place in the list of happy cities.
This information was a little surprised by Milena Jovanović, the mother of two children, which lived in the capital of Montenegro for the last ten years.
« Uh, I don’t know what I’d say, » replies after a short break.
« It could be a happy city for life, only if a little more attention dedicated to urban development, » he adds.
Many architects, activists, but also members of the academic community indicate the urban problem of Podgorica.
Among key issues They pointed out Excessive construction and reminiscent of the sum of buildings than a community space.
« But it is still relaxed, it is reached quickly and easily, sufficiently developed and everything is needed for quality life, » says Jovanovic for the BBC in Serbian.
If you want to meet Podgorica, it recommends walking the main street, and if you want to meet the locals, it is best to sit in some of the small cafes in the side streets, says it in jokes.
The participants of the London researcher survey most points gave the way the city is managed.
Last but equally important
Although in the last, 200. place, it did not diminish the enthusiasm in the Croatian coastal town of Pula.
« Pula – the only Croatian city in the list of happiest world cities, » they proudly wrote on official Facebook page of the city.
The former main war port of Austro-Hungaria is in the south of Istria peninsula, and its steep rocky rocks are immersed in turquoise sea.
The city preserves ancient inheritance – in the center are golden doors, so-called arches, and a little further and Arena, the Roman amphitheater, where concerts are often held.
For many people from the world of film, especially in the Balkans, Pula is an association to the Film Festival, one of the oldest in Croatia.
And while there was a surprise for some Croatian town of Pula in the list of happy cities, the first five were not a big surprise.
Watch the video about happiness
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
The first place of Copenhagen, Denmark capital, is somewhat expected.
Denmark has been in the world’s happiest countries in the world for years.
« Generous, beautiful and with a huge style, you are tucked enough, and again yours, » I was 2020. The acquaintance described the city in which one of the symbols The statue of small sirensJunakinje one of the famous fairy tales of the Danish writer Hans Christian Anderson.
A rich cultural life is one of the key reasons why Mari-An Dauri loves Copenhagen.
« I appreciate how much effort is invested in creating content for its inhabitants: from the light festival, cooking, to the open library.
« You can do something new at any time, so I moved from Gorge Stockhlom (the capital of Sweden) to Copenhagen, » she explains for the BBC.
The inhabitants are especially satisfied with the bike paths.
More than a third of people drive two-wheelers.
2. Zurich, Switzerland
Regular city transport, clean streets, good organization and sense of security were parameters to zurich, the largest Swiss town, deserve silver, second position.
« It’s a perfect place to raise your family.
« Children can go to school and kindergarten, very safe, public transport is accurate, the city is extremely clean and organized, » said Rakel Matos Gonsalves, the mother of two children for BBC News.
His residents of prices and clear rules, and ameli via especially emphasizes the importance of free drinking water from more than a thousand public fountains in the city.
3. Singapore
The bronze place went to Singapore – the second largest port in the world.
Sometimes a small fishing village, today is one of the most modern cities.
The most points were picked in the health category – residents are satisfied with the availability of doctors and vaccines.
High ratings also received for city management.
« Although Singapore became a very expensive, good and early public housing program (HDB) helped many of them have not only the home but also financial assets that could potentially be unloaded for retirement or emergencies.
« Majušno island and good neighbors were important driving force and Singapore managed to develop and parry them, and to retain a friendly attitude towards other countries, » says Hvi-Bun Jar resident.
Residents price and how city infrastructure makes everyday life easier.
« In addition to practicality, a hand-made attitude towards green areas, safety, as well as multiculturalism, » is listed, listing Samuel Huang, some of the positive characteristics of Singapore.
The combination of modern and traditional best depicts in the Antique Residential District Tyong Bahru, where many modern cafes are today, he says.
4. Orhus, Denmark
In the top five, another Danish city – Orhus.
The fourth place brought him high marks in almost all categories: green areas, free public events that encourage communion, regulated traffic and primarily the cycling trail.
« The joy is flawlessly woven into everyday life – not through extravagance, but through a well-designed design.
« I remember driving a bike on the roof of a restaurant overlooking the harbor, realized how much happiness is available when the city truly supports well-being, » says Karl Ninja Pornelos.
The city authorities also launched an initiative for remote heating and a program for converting waste into energy.
Health services and education are at a high level and available to everyone.
« It is not only up to infrastructure, but to the feeling that people believe each other and institutions, » adds to the BBC.
Matijas Stin Specifically stands out the warm and relaxed atmosphere to prey the city after deep Danish winter.
« Everyone is on the streets, hang out in the parks, swim in port baths or drink beer next to the canal – revive everything, » he says.
To get an impression of the city, Karl Ninja Pornelos recommends a walk through the infinity bridge in CEC Dawn.
« He extends deep into the sea – it is a symbolic, Danish manner of merging nature, art and thoughtful urban planning.
« That moment depicts how to live here: balanced, beautiful and human. »
5. Antwerp, Belgium
Reliable public transport, safe and unique cycling, support for workers’ families, investing in social housing, a handful of cultural content was made by Belgian city of Antwerp fifth place.
« I moved to Antwerp in late 20s, expecting a charming city with good food and beautiful architecture, and stayed because he was comfortable for life.
« Millage and efficiency feel in everyday life, » says Grace Carter.
She especially surprised how much city authorities seriously invest and understand the importance of green areas and cultural content.
« From the parks next to the River to the World Class Museum – Antwerp is a city where you can really spend quality time, not your days go in business, » adds a BBC carter.
The best way to meet the atmosphere of the city is to take a good night path and visit Saturday market on the theater Square.
« Take coffee, listen to locals and simply absorb the relaxed, quiet and confident atmosphere that makes you feel at home in Antwerp. »
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