Barcelona has recently been ranked 40th out of the top 50 cities in the world which have the best quality of life. Other popular European cities which made it into the top 50 include Vienna and Zurich. The Spanish capital of Madrid was placed 43rd, just behind Barcelona.

The study centred on over 200 cities around the world, including New York, and compared cities on their various qualities of life; public services, accommodation, nightlife, socio-cultural atmosphere and also the economy, environment and the education system in each city.

Many American and South American cities hit the bottom of the list, including Lima at 118th, La Paz at 147th, San Salvador at 168th and La Habana at 189th place. The company who undertook the study, Mercer, believe that the rankings will help companies and governments alike establish aid that needs to be given to each city.

It is also good news for those that made it into the top 50 as they can expect to benefit from increased tourism and migration as quality of life is near the tope of the list of priorities for those looking to move abroad.

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