Zurich named world's smartest city for seventh consecutive year

Zurich has been named the world’s smartest city for the seventh consecutive year according to the IMD Smart City Index. Evaluating 148 cities globally, the index measures economic and technological infrastructure, quality of life, environmental factors, and inclusivity, with a heavy emphasis on resident perception.

Zurich was the only city to receive an overall AAA rating. Oslo followed in second place, with Geneva, London, Copenhagen, and Dubai rounding out the top rankings. Switzerland also secured a high position with Lausanne ranking seventh. Notable climbers in the index include Washington, D.C., which rose 23 positions to 39th, and AlUla, Saudi Arabia, which jumped 27 spots to 85th.

Despite its top ranking, Zurich faces local challenges identified by its residents: 82 percent cited affordable housing as a major issue, 60 percent expressed concern over traffic congestion, and 47 percent noted unemployment. These issues mirror global trends where housing affordability, traffic, and safety remain the primary concerns for urban populations.