North America

North American cities experienced few changes in quality of living between 2008 and 2009. Although the global financial crisis – which originated in the US – had a serious impact on the US banking sector, the overall quality of living in North America, and particularly in Canada, remains high.

One factor that affected quality of living in 2009 was the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza pandemic. Originating in Mexico in March 2009, the virus quickly spread to other countries – including those within in North America – in spite of dedicated measures to contain the virus.

South America and Central America

As a region, South and Central America witnessed a decline in quality of living between 2008 and 2009. Political instability, economic woes and energy shortages have been the main obstacles to increasing quality of living in the region. High levels of crime also remain a major problem.

Of all the cities in this region, Caracas (Venezuela) saw the greatest decrease in quality of living. This can be partly attributed to the tension between Venezuela and neighbouring countries increasing in the past few years. In addition, water rationing was implemented in November 2009 as a response to water shortages, and the availability of consumer goods decreased as a result.

Another area plagued by problems in quality of living is Lima. Political instability increased, and the prime minister of Peru resigned after clashes that occurred in the Amazon resulted in more than 50 deaths.