Reuters

The Swiss city of Zurich has come top of a list of the best places to live in Europe.
The following list was based on an annual survey of worldwide quality of living by Mercer Consulting.

1. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich's tiny population -- 376,815 at the end of 2007 -- is spoiled with more than 2,000 bars and restaurants and a breathtaking view of the Alps and Lake Zurich. Taxes are among the lowest in Switzerland, and residents pay no inheritance tax, though its gloomy weather and traffic bring it down.

2. Vienna, Austria
The entire city centre of Austria's political, cultural and economic capital has been designated a UN World Heritage Site. It has excellent education and infrastructure.

3. Geneva, Switzerland
Over 50 per cent of Geneva's population has a foreign passport, according to the region's statistics office -- not surprising given the heavy presence of UN agencies and organizations such as the Red Cross. As a result, the city is geared to be global.

4. Duesseldorf, Germany
Duesseldorf has built up its infrastructure and international transport connections. The city, on the banks of the Rhine, has a plethora of consumer goods and is considered the fashion and shopping capital of Germany.

5. Munich, Germany
With 1.3 million people, Munich is the largest city in the top 10. Best known for its annual beer festival, the city also enjoys a thriving economy, driven by the information technology, biotechnology and publishing sectors. However, the city has a dearth of international schools and its air is polluted.

6. Frankfurt, Germany
The financial capital of Germany has some spectacular architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. The city has excellent hospitals, shops and a thriving economy. However, it has poor housing availability in the city centre and heavy traffic.

7. Bern, Switzerland
Bern, in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, is the world's second-safest city, according to Mercer, with miles of shopping arcades. The city may not have a buzzing nightlife, but it does have excellent medical facilities.

8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Living in Copenhagen is pricey, but the city boasts 11 Michelin-star restaurants and, according to Mercer, is among the best-served cities in terms of international schools and private medical facilities. However, its love of bikes means that congestion drags it down in the rankings.

9. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam's red-light district and liberal policy on drug use don't do much for its family-friendly reputation. What does? The city's canals, parks and museums, and the best selection of international schools in Europe. It is hampered by a lack of city centre housing and air pollution.

10. Brussels, Belgium
The administrative centre of the EU is among the best connected cities in Europe and has a large number of schools serving the expatriate community. It does, however, have a large amount of traffic congestion in the city and air pollution.

Thanks for Information! I like to live in Geneva!!

Hi Mathew,
Here are some more infos about Geneva:



Ideals of peace and humanity

In 1863, Henry Dunant and a group of Genevese formed the International Committee of the Red Cross. Today, Geneva's humanitarian role and action are more than ever necessary and it is widely recognised as the city of Peace and of major international negotiations.

Geneva plays host to some 200 international organizations - the UN European headquarters, the UN Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

As home to major trade pacts, Geneva proved to be the ideal location for the World Trade Organization (WTO).



In addition, a number of specialized bodies such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), give Geneva a major role in the development of technical standards and copyright law.

Geneva has sheltered successive waves of refugees over the centuries. They brought the leading technologies of their era - printing, watchmaking and textile manufacture. The international city, with 40% of its population from other lands remains open to people of different origins and cultures.

It is therefore not surprising that the city has become a top conference centre. The cross-fertilization of ideas encourages action, an open mind and an objective view of the world.



As an open city, Geneva's amazing power of integration makes you soon feel at home. Perhaps it's the city's genius for maintaining traditional values in a modern context, that makes it unique.

Museums

Geneva houses over 40 public and private museums , as well as numerous art galleries.
The various collections cater for all interests, be it archaeology, ethnography, nature, fine arts, applied arts, science or technology.
You will find below the principle museums that have contributed to the reputation of Geneva.
• Art and History Museum
• International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
• Rath Museum
• Natural History Museum
• MAMCO
• Ariana Museum
• Archaeological Site of Saint Peter's Cathedral
• Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
• Martin Bodmer Foundation
• International Museum of the Reformation



Shopping

With a myriad of boutiques and department stores, Geneva offers something for everyone.
It’s the watch capital of the world, a center for exquisite jewelry, and a place to find high quality Swiss and imported items.
Before you leave, don’t forget to purchase some chocolate from one of Geneva’s master chocolate-makers. And why not stock up on Swiss army knives? They make the ideal gift for anyone - including yourself!

Geneva is a city of many faces. And among the most flattering of these is its role as the world capital of luxury watchmaking, a title earned by dint of monumental efforts.
It is reconfirmed today by the city’s unique creativity, its quest of beauty and perfection , its constant technological progress.
Many monuments and curiosities remind the visitors of the role the city played in watchmaking history.

Hi Saradoc,

Thanks for information! Nice Place!!