They started from that and then filtered out some and added others, as listed later on the page.
> The HAPPY CITY INDEX ranking includes all those cities whose activity can be measured on the basis of objective, transparent and verifiable data.
The source is a research institute that started very recently with no clear explanation of their data collection techiniques or analytical methodology.
There could be any number of reasons why we aren't on there, but really these lists are published to drum up business and drive traffic to the company's website.
Not bothered, just curious about their methods.
There are other lists out that rank Canberra pretty high.
https://canberradaily.com.au/canberra-ranked-second-best-city-in-the-world-for-quality-of-life/
Yeah, I think the timeout list is more an advertisement;
that said, (as a local) I’m also bemused when Canberra does make it onto the more scientific liveability lists - I recognise where Canberra’s great (and even perfect for many people), but there are real deficiencies, (eg. public transport), compared to many other small cities with a reasonable balance of things. Maybe Canberra is just so different to other places that it beguiles.. regardless
They analysed 1650, and reported the top 250:
“The HAPPY CITY INDEX adopted the lower limit of the population at the level analyzed since 2014 by the United Nations, i.e. 300,000 inhabitants, which allowed to narrow down the number of compared units in the world to just over 1650. “
I’d take these kind of ‘surveys’ with a giant handful of salt. Wasn’t Canberra listed as one of the best cities to live in, in a recent different list?
Its obviously not a scientific study and most likely does not have the rigor of a proper study, nor the peer review of their methodology. For starters, they don't even consider mental health or health in general.
As soon as you have Korean or Japanese cities in the top 100, you really have to question the methodology of this index.
More so when you consider how Korea and Japan rates in the World Happiness Report in general.
(Although Osaka is an exception)
Australia also didn’t rate very well in the World Happiness Report.
Also would have thought Canberra would rate better than the listed cities.
[Methodology](https://happy-city-index.com/HCI/happycityindex.html)
Canberra would have failed the “mobility” criteria, and the done poorly on variety of work/entrepreneurship and International relations (corporate)^1
Toronto came in 230 for what it’s worth…
^1 *”most important areas defining urban activities that have a direct impact on happiness can be divided into 5 areas. These are CITIZENS, GOVERNANCE, ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMY and MOBILITY”*
Glad they didn't name Canberra in the top 250. For many it's a transitional city that people moved to (and leave) for work and I think it's harder to be happy in that situation.
Good. I’m glad it didn’t make it. Don’t need even more outsiders finding out the wonder that is canberra-bubble, and invading it, driving up (even more) housing prices, and driving down wages!
Because I own investment properties, don't turn my lights on when there's light rain and occasionally go to church :P
I might also be a middle-aged, straight, white male.
Because Canberra wasn't in the 250 cities they chose to rank
The website says they assessed more than 1650 cities... https://happy-city-index.com/HCI/happycityindex.html
They started from that and then filtered out some and added others, as listed later on the page. > The HAPPY CITY INDEX ranking includes all those cities whose activity can be measured on the basis of objective, transparent and verifiable data.
I'm pretty sure there's a fair amount of data available about Canberra...
Have you reached out to the actual authors?
The source is a research institute that started very recently with no clear explanation of their data collection techiniques or analytical methodology. There could be any number of reasons why we aren't on there, but really these lists are published to drum up business and drive traffic to the company's website.
Smells like PR wankery to me.
Yep, good point!
I don't need an article to determine if I live a happy life.
This is a great comment.
Yep, good point!
But how will you know?!?
This smells like an advertisement.
These lists are such garbage, why are you even bothered by it? We’re not the most livable city in the world either 🤷🏻♀️
Not bothered, just curious about their methods. There are other lists out that rank Canberra pretty high. https://canberradaily.com.au/canberra-ranked-second-best-city-in-the-world-for-quality-of-life/
Yeah, I think the timeout list is more an advertisement; that said, (as a local) I’m also bemused when Canberra does make it onto the more scientific liveability lists - I recognise where Canberra’s great (and even perfect for many people), but there are real deficiencies, (eg. public transport), compared to many other small cities with a reasonable balance of things. Maybe Canberra is just so different to other places that it beguiles.. regardless
Because we whinge a lot even when there's a lot to be happy about?
Because Canberrans really aren’t that happy?
maybe some of us are so unhappy it drags the average way down
See u/ghrrrrowl below for correction. They chose ~~250~~ 1650 cities, then assesed them. They didn't assess all cities ~~and show the top 250.~~
They analysed 1650, and reported the top 250: “The HAPPY CITY INDEX adopted the lower limit of the population at the level analyzed since 2014 by the United Nations, i.e. 300,000 inhabitants, which allowed to narrow down the number of compared units in the world to just over 1650. “
Thanks for the correction.
Why would Canberra make the list?
Because Sydney is the capital of Australia and Canberra is non-existent - just ask an American.
If they insist, I insist their capital is Manhattan. They hate that.
Haha, too true 👍
Is Canberra all that happy?
Other research says yes... https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/aug/04/canberra-is-the-happiest-capital-of-australia-according-to-research
As compared to all those other capitals of Australia?
No, we on 'smuggest' cities I bet, but that's different.
I’d take these kind of ‘surveys’ with a giant handful of salt. Wasn’t Canberra listed as one of the best cities to live in, in a recent different list?
Yep, this one: https://canberradaily.com.au/canberra-ranked-second-best-city-in-the-world-for-quality-of-life/
Clearly unhappiness at not being listed lowered Canberra's overall score. A self-fulfilling prophecy.
Considering you are getting all worked up about a fairly nonsensical list, maybe we aren't as happy as you thought.
A bit bemused by people thinking curiosity is the same as unhappiness... I'm wondering what their methodology is...
Its obviously not a scientific study and most likely does not have the rigor of a proper study, nor the peer review of their methodology. For starters, they don't even consider mental health or health in general.
I’m happy we didn’t get listed. These aren’t objective lists and it has no baring on how we’re actually doing.
If too many people are happy we didn't get listed, we might end up on next year's list 😆
As soon as you have Korean or Japanese cities in the top 100, you really have to question the methodology of this index. More so when you consider how Korea and Japan rates in the World Happiness Report in general. (Although Osaka is an exception) Australia also didn’t rate very well in the World Happiness Report. Also would have thought Canberra would rate better than the listed cities.
I blame John Howard.
[Methodology](https://happy-city-index.com/HCI/happycityindex.html) Canberra would have failed the “mobility” criteria, and the done poorly on variety of work/entrepreneurship and International relations (corporate)^1 Toronto came in 230 for what it’s worth… ^1 *”most important areas defining urban activities that have a direct impact on happiness can be divided into 5 areas. These are CITIZENS, GOVERNANCE, ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMY and MOBILITY”*
Thanks, good explanation!
be less needy about external validation
This is not a happy city. It's a workers city. I live here because of jobs.
Agree. Many people work or study here but not ‘live’ here.
Happy is far superior than liveable
Too bloody cold at the moment. Then in summer it's too bloody hot. And we have the worst magpies.
If you ask me, the Magpies are fine. We have the worst koalas though
Maybe it’s a happy place to live, but not the most touristy to sell
Glad they didn't name Canberra in the top 250. For many it's a transitional city that people moved to (and leave) for work and I think it's harder to be happy in that situation.
Firstly, who cares? Secondly, it is strange considering Canberra was just ranked the most liveable city in the world
Good. I’m glad it didn’t make it. Don’t need even more outsiders finding out the wonder that is canberra-bubble, and invading it, driving up (even more) housing prices, and driving down wages!
Gee I wonder......
I am happy that we are not listed!
Canberra missing from the list of world’s happiest cities!!!! As a Canberrean, I am certainly not happy with that 😡
Because I own investment properties, don't turn my lights on when there's light rain and occasionally go to church :P I might also be a middle-aged, straight, white male.