REUTERS/Heinz-Peter BaderPeople relax on a lawn installed on Ringstrasse street by environmental groups to celebrate World Car Free Day.
The Economist Intelligence Unit conducted a livability survey to determine which cities around the world "provide the best or worst living conditions."
Cities that tended to score the best on the survey were mid-size and located in wealthier countries with relatively low population densities. This environment, according to the report, "can foster a range of recreational activities without leading to high crime levels or overburdened infrastructure."
Out of the top 10 cities, seven are located in Canada or Australia, which have population densities of 3.40 and 2.88 people per square kilometer respectively. Finland and New Zealand, which also have high-ranking cities, have 16 people per square km. The global average is 46.65 people per square km, and the U.S. average is 32 people per sq km, according to the report.
Sixty-four cities scored above an 80% — which means they are considered to be "in the top tier of livability."
9. Perth
Country: Australia
Perth scored high on education (100), healthcare (100), and infrastructure (100).
Perth is the capital and largest city of Western Australia. Mining and mineral industries are major parts of Perth's economy.
Additionally, Perth boasts an oil refinery, steel-rolling mill, alumina refinery, desalination plant, power station, and a nickel refinery, according to the Government of Western Australia.
8. Helsinki
Country: Finland
Helsinki scored well on stability (100) and healthcare (100).
Helsinki's major industries include food, metal and chemical processing, printing, textiles, clothing, and manufacturing of electrical equipment. Over 50% of Finland's imports go through Helsinki, although most goods are exported elsewhere.
Additionally, Helsinki has grown into a major European startup hub. And, in 2013, the gaming sector in Finland recorded a combined revenue of approximately ?1 billion.
4. Toronto
Country: Canada
Toronto scored high on education (100) and stability (100) but slightly lower on infrastructure (89.3).
Twenty-one of the 30 largest law practices, seven of the 10 largest accounting firms, and seven of the 10 largest advertising agencies in Canada are located in Toronto. Over 56% of employees in Toronto's multifaceted economy have post-secondary degrees or certificates.
Toronto is also the major design center of Canada's design economy and the third largest in North America after New York and Boston. Plus, Toronto's "fast-moving" fashion industry has contributed to the 550% increase of Canadian apparel exports since 1994.
2. Vienna
Country: Austria
Vienna received perfect scores for healthcare (100), education (100), and infrastructure (100).
A large proportion of workers in Vienna are white-collar workers, public employees, and civil servants — and that percentage continues to grow. Over half of the employees in Austria's service industry live in Vienna.
Overall, Austria's most important and fastest-growing industry is tourism.
1. Melbourne
Country: Australia
Melbourne had great scores with healthcare (100), education (100), infrastructure (100), and stability (95).
The major industries in Melbourne include healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.
The healthcare and social assistance industry has seen the largest positive change in employee number from 2006 to 2011, followed by the construction industry.
Fun facts: Melbourne is referred to as the "cultural capital of Australia" and is where Australian Rules football began.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/best-cities-economist-intelligence-unit-2014-8?op=1#ixzz3EQuYBLvH