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Summary

The pace of global economic recovery slowed in 2012. A general feeling of uncertainty permeated global markets, resulting in low growth, a situation exacerbated by the eurozone crisis. Economic insecurity helped provoke social and political unrest of varying degrees in many urban areas. Protests and strikes, largely peaceful, have continued in a few Western European cities. But violence – and, in places, civil war – persists in other regions, compromising the safety of both locals and expatriates.

The revolutions and unrest of the "Arab Spring" of 2011, during which citizens took to the streets to demand regime change or major reforms, have affected North African and Middle Eastern countries in varying ways. Leaders were forced to cede power in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya. Some countries have since regained relative stability. Others are witnessing ongoing unrest. In 2011, both Syria and Libya deteriorated into civil war. The Syrian civil war continued throughout 2012, and the situation remains critical as the year draws to a close. Libya is no longer in a state of war, but the security situation in Tripoli and other cities remains highly volatile.

Natural disasters have hampered development or led to a decline in quality of living in various regions. Severe flooding following torrential rains in Manila, Philippines, and floods and a snow storm affected areas of China, including Beijing.

As the world continues to recover from the global economic and social distress, some cities have capitalized on their stable environments by investing in basic urban infrastructure. This year, we have produced City Infrastructure rankings in our 221 cities, highlighting the importance of this basket of urban services in attracting and satisfying expatriates and other residents.

We evaluated infrastructure as a combination of criteria already included in Mercer's Quality of Living survey. The 2012 Infrastructure ranking is based on electricity supply, water availability, telephone and mail services, public transportation, airports and traffic congestion.

Top 5 cities worldwide

Top 5 cities by region

Quality of living ranking

Infrastructure ranking