Where was it best to live in 2012? According to the Mercer Quality of Life Survey, Vienna is comfortable, Zurich and Auckland are salubrious, and Vancouver, when not convulsed with hockey fever, is safe and pleasant. Click on to begin the top 10.

1. Vienna

Vienna remains on top of the list for the city’s quality of living among hundreds of other cities around the world. Vienna is the capital of Austria and apart from being recognized as one of the best economic and political centers, the city is very popular for its culture of innovation. Vienna also attracts millions of tourists every year.

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2. Zurich

Zurich is a leading global city and is known as one of the wealthiest cities of Europe. This largest city of Switzerland is listed second for its quality of living. The city is in rich cultural tradition of museums, galleries, opera, ballet and theaters. Zurich offers a great deal of variety when it comes to night time leisure. Apart from that, the city enjoys an active lifestyle and sport is a major recreation.

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3. Auckland

Auckland is the most popular city in New Zealand and is ranked number three among other cities in the world for its quality of living. The city gets its cosmopolitan culture because of a large number of inhabitants who choose the city for education and employment opportunities. Auckland offers numerous leisure facilities in its mild climate.

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4. Munich

Munich is one of the largest cities of Germany which is considered to be a popular destination for migration and expatriates because of its quality of living. The city is famous for its breweries and houses the second largest tent at the Oktoberfest, which is a major tourist attraction. It is also a major European cultural centre and has played host to many festivals and artists.

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5. Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada and is ranked among the best cities for quality of living. The city is surrounded by nature, making tourism a major industry. Vancouver is known for its film production centers, musical contributions, libraries and museums. Be it dining or dancing, the city wears a vibrant nightlife.

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6. Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is ranked number six among other best cities for its quality of living. The city is renowned for its fashion and trade fairs. Düsseldorf takes fine arts very seriously and pioneers influence on electronic music. The city’s cultural scene comprises traditional and avant-garde, classical and glamorous.

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7. Frankfurt

While Frankfurt is considered to be Germany’s most expensive city, it is also known for a high quality of living. The city is an international center for finance, culture, transport, tourism and education. Botanical gardens, performing arts and festivals are the main attractions of the city. It is believed that the roots of techno music can be traced back to Frankfurt.

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8. Geneva

Geneva is ranked number eight for the city’s quality of living. Apart from being known as an international financial center, Geneva observes its traditions and customs religiously. Music, museums and sports is considered to be a major part of the city’s lifestyle.

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9. Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and a major regional center of culture, business, media and science. The city has been repeatedly recognized as one of the cities with the best quality of living. Copenhagen has witnessed strong cultural developments with many successful designers, chefs and architects.

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10. Bern

Bern is a city in Switzerland and is ranked among the world’s top ten cities for the best quality of living. Theatres, cinemas, film festivals and fairs are a major part of the city’s culture. The structure of Bern's city centre is largely medieval and has been recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural World Heritage Site and this attracts many visitors to the city.

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)