Dhaka ranked 171st out of 173 cities in the latest Global Liveability Index, making it the world’s third-least liveable city. Only Libya’s capital, Tripoli, in 172nd place, and Syria’s capital, Damascus, in 173rd place, ranked lower. Bangladesh held the same position in last year’s index.

Copenhagen has retained its position as the world’s most liveable city for a second consecutive year in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual liveability index, with Vienna second and Melbourne taking third ahead of Sydney.

The Danish capital scored maximum points for safety, education and infrastructure in the survey, which rates cities across stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. Residents cited its bicycle-friendly layout, cleanliness and relaxed pace of life as its main draws.

Vienna took second place after achieving perfect scores for healthcare and education. Locals attributed the Austrian capital’s appeal to efficient public transport, walkable streets, historic architecture and its tranquil atmosphere.

Melbourne secured third spot, driven by a culture and environment score of 96. The Australian city is often described by residents as offering “a small-city feel inside a big city”, with neighbourhoods each boasting distinct cuisines, arts and lifestyles. Sydney came fourth, also recording perfect marks in healthcare and education.

Zurich slipped to fifth place from joint second last year. The Swiss financial centre has more than 1,200 public drinking fountains and is prized by residents for its cleanliness.

Adelaide, Geneva, Osaka, Vancouver and Tokyo rounded out the top 10. Europe continued to dominate the upper tier, while Australia placed four cities among the frontrunners.

The index rates cities on a scale of 1 to 100. Scores above 80 are considered acceptable, while those below 40 are deemed intolerable. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, scored 42, remaining barely clear of the threshold.