Valencia is the healthiest city in the world
Vitoria, in the Basque Country, is the only Spanish city that has obtained the European Commission’s Green Capital stamp. This badge recognises the cities that take greatest care of the environment and the living surroundings of their inhabitants.
Access to green spaces, reduction in light pollution, decrease in water consumption and protection of their biodiversity were some of the reasons for the award, granted in 2012. Other cities holding the same stamp are Essen in Germany, Stockholm, the Swedish capital city or Nantes in France.
But according to the English organisation ‘Money’, a healthy city goes beyond just its green spaces. This organisation also emphasises life expectancy, safety or the healthcare quality. According to its latest list, Valencia holds the first place as the healthiest city in the world, due to its life expectancy figures, social connection, hours of sunlight and low pollution rates. In second place is Madrid, due to its green spaces such as the Retiro Park, the Casa de Campo, the Capricho Park and the quality of its healthcare; and the third place is held by Canberra, in Australia, known for being a city with 100% renewable energy and its low air pollution rates. Money also highlights Lisbon, Tokyo, Zurich and Vienna amongst the healthiest cities in the world.
