This Is the Happiest City in Asia—and It Has One of the Best Airports in the World
There's no place on Earth quite like Lion City.
Stacey Leasca
Sat, 10 May 2025 at 6:00 PM SGT4-min read
Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty Images
The Supertree Grove at Gardens By The Bay in Singapore.
Key Points
- Singapore was named the happiest city in East Asia in the Institute for Quality of Life's Happy City Index report.
- The city-state scored high marks in economic prosperity, government transparency, and quality education.
- Lion City is also known for its thriving food scene, wide selection of luxury hotels, and vibrant local culture.
"Happiness" is a pretty subjective term. What makes me happy (my dog, a warm beach day, and a big bowl of pasta) may not bring the same joy to you. But a few universal truths seem to spark bliss in people regardless of their personal preferences: Access to healthcare, education, green spaces, and a supportive community, to name a few. And, as it turns out, some places cater to happiness a bit better than others. And the
Institute for Quality of Life knows exactly where they are.