The three cities scored highly in a study looking into the best cities for mental wellbeing.
A recent study by the London-based Expatriate group into the mental wellbeing of ex-pats residing in 40 cities across the world has shown Sweden, Finland, and Denmark all ranking highly in a variety of categories.
The study took into account 8 key factors that can determine the well-being of an individual, it then took the results of these to collate a final table showing Auckland, New Zealand as the current number one city in the world for ex-pats.
The residents of 40 cities were studied with the map showing the top 10, Helsinki placing 7th.
Where did Stockholm, Helsinki and Copenhagen place?
Of the 40 cities assessed, all 3 found themselves within the top 20. Helsinki prooving to be a hit with ex-pat residents as a 7th place testifies. Copenhagen filled 11th spot and was consitently placed in most categories. Stockholm fared well too ranking 15th.
The leading factors for each city
Life in these 3 cities certainly seems to appeal to ex-pats as the results testify. All 3 featured in the top 4 cities where people feel happiest.
- Helsinki-Happiest city to live
- Copenhagen-3rd happiest city to live
- Stockholm-4th happiest city to live
The work-life balance of these 3 citites also illustrated a strong case as to why people are choosing these Northern European cities as a place to find work or relocate.
- Stockholm-Ranked 1st for work-life balance
- Copenhagen-2nd best city to live for a work-life balance
- Helsinki 5th best city to live for a work life balance
Copenhagen is the second-best city for work-life balance. Whilst the Danes are notoriously hard workers, working extra hours over the country’s official 37-hour work week is discouraged. If an employee is sick, they are dissuaded from coming in to work; instead, they are asked to stay home and recover. Employees in Copenhagen and the rest of Denmark are also entitled to five weeks off per year, and offices are often closed in the last weeks of July when people enjoy the short Danish summer. Whilst there is a focus on supporting family life in Copenhagen, single people are also encouraged to make the most of a healthy work-life balance, with many people taking part in sporting activities, socialising and volunteering.
Other areas of note were healthcare where both Copenhagen(3rd) and Helsinki(4th) polled highly. Stockholm was 16th. Quality of sleep was another strong factor for Helsinki as it came 3rd. Both Stockholm (8th) and Copenhagen (9th) made it into the top 10 too.
