City Profile: Aalborg
General Overview
Education & Innovation
Governance & Transparency
Health & Well-being
Mobility & Transport
Environment & Sustainability
Economy & Business
General Overview
- Country: Denmark
- Population of the city: 143598
- Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 61.3
- Budget of the city in 2024 (GBP): 2 200 000 000 GBP
- Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 2.40%
- GDP PER PERSON: 66919
- REAL GDB - GROWTH: 3.6
- Percentage of all employed individuals in public administration: 29.90%
Education & Innovation
- The highest ranking position of university in global educational indexes: 301-350
- Percentage of citizens taking part in formal education - lifelong learning: 11.00%
- The percentage of income that should be allocated to cover the cost of studies: 0.00%
- Percentage of population of the city with a master's degree: 14.30%
- Percentage of the population who knew at least one foreign language: 86.00%
- Percentage of population with digital skills: 98.00%
- Patent granted per 10,000 residents: 6.34
Governance & Transparency
- Voter turnout in the last local elections (%): 64.60%
- City have its own open data website, or does it regularly report and publish its data on the national open data platform managed by a government agency: yes
- Possibility to make payments for municipal services, such as local taxes or fees for issuing documents, using electronic payments: yes
- Possibility to schedule an appointment with a city hall employee online or book a visit to the city hall for a specific time through a form on the website or mobile app: yes
- Ability to hold conversations with officials via communication platforms or to book appointments online: yes
- Existence of up-to-date and officially adopted development strategy: yes
- Number of valid and currently in-force sectoral (thematic) strategies: 5
Health & Well-being
- Percentage of population with medical insurance: 100.00%
- Number of doctors per 1,000 residents: 4.4
- Life Expectancy Rate (at birth): 83.4
- Obesity rate: 22.00%
- Average number of working hours: 37
- Percentage of the adult population receiving support and coordinated mental health care: 17.80%
- The number of suicide attempts per 1,000 residents: 1.22
Mobility & Transport
- Existence of electronic payment system for transportation services, such as payments by card at terminals or via a mobile app: yes
- Payment via the city's mobile application: yes
- Payment via a special payment card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
- Payment via a debit or credit card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
- Existence of intelligent traffic management system (ITS): yes
- Public transport network km per 100 resident: 0.06
- Distance to the nearest airport offering international flights: 0
- City provide data on public transportation (e.g., departure times, real-time location of public transport vehicles) through an open data portal managed by the city or a government entity: yes
- City provide on its website, mobile app, or through collaboration with other entities the ability to plan a journey using public transportation, known as a journey planner: yes
Environment & Sustainability
- Efficient use of electricity (per GDP): 0.08
- Average PM10 value in the city: 17
- Existence of biodiversity protection strategy in the city: yes
- Amount of waste produced per resident (tons): 0.01
- Percentage of the population that is served by sewage treatment facilities: 89.00%
- Recycling rate: 74.00%
- Number of parks per square kilometre: 0.13
- Existence of any documents or municipal legal solutions promoting the use of renewable energy: yes
Economy & Business
- Number of businesses per 1,000 residents: 133.99
- Number of new businesses per 1,000 residents: 4.53
- Unemployment rate: 3.00%
- Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 25.1
- Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: 14.00%
The 2025 Happy CITY INDEX was developed with contributions from over 150 researchers worldwide, ensuring reliable and comparable data. While we strive to address data gaps and limitations, all data used in our analysis comes from verified sources.
Our methodology is designed to reduce potential errors and ensure accuracy in the final results. However, if you identify any inaccuracies, please email [email protected] with verifiable sources supporting the correction.
We appreciate your understanding and your willingness to contribute to one of the world’s most comprehensive studies on sustainable urban development.
Rank:
GOLD
Points:
906
Aalborg, Denmark’s northernmost major city, is a center of education, innovation, and sustainable development. Home to 143,598 residents and covering 61.3 square kilometres, Aalborg represents 2.4% of Denmark’s population. With a strong GDP per capita of 66,919 GBP and an impressive real GDP growth rate of 3.6%, the city continues to evolve as an economic and cultural hub. Its 2024 budget of 2.2 billion GBP reflects a commitment to fostering economic growth, public services, and technological advancements.
Education and innovation are fundamental to Aalborg’s identity. The city is home to a globally recognized university ranked in the 301-350 range, making it a leader in research and development. Lifelong learning is a priority, with 11% of residents engaged in formal education beyond their initial studies. Aalborg provides free access to higher education, ensuring broad opportunities for academic and professional development. A highly skilled population supports Aalborg’s technological progress, with 14.3% of residents holding a master’s degree and 98% possessing digital skills. The city thrives on innovation, with 6.34 patents granted per 10,000 residents.
Governance and transparency are central to Aalborg’s urban planning. Voter turnout in the last local elections stood at a high 64.6%, reflecting strong civic engagement. The city embraces digital governance, offering electronic payment systems for municipal services, online appointment scheduling, and direct communication with local officials through digital platforms. Aalborg maintains a structured development approach, guided by five active sectoral strategies that ensure balanced urban growth.
Health and well-being are top priorities in Aalborg. The city provides universal medical insurance and has a strong healthcare infrastructure, with 4.4 doctors per 1,000 residents. Life expectancy is high at 83.4 years, and the obesity rate remains moderate at 22%. Mental health services are well-developed, with 17.8% of adults receiving coordinated support. However, Aalborg faces challenges related to mental health, with 1.22 suicide attempts per 1,000 residents, underscoring the need for continued social and healthcare investments.
Aalborg’s mobility and transport network is designed for efficiency and sustainability. The city has implemented an intelligent traffic management system and provides seamless digital payment solutions for public transportation, including mobile apps and contactless payments. Aalborg maintains real-time public transport data, ensuring accessibility and convenience for residents. With the city’s proximity to an international airport, global connectivity is a key advantage for business and tourism.
Sustainability is deeply embedded in Aalborg’s urban policies. The city actively promotes renewable energy and biodiversity protection. Aalborg has an efficient electricity usage rate of 0.08 per GDP and maintains excellent air quality, with an average PM10 pollution level of 17. Waste management is highly effective, with a recycling rate of 74%, positioning Aalborg as a leader in circular economy initiatives. While green spaces remain limited, with 0.13 parks per square kilometre, the city continues to invest in sustainable urban planning.
Aalborg’s economy is resilient and diverse, with a strong emphasis on business and entrepreneurship. The city supports 133.99 businesses per 1,000 residents, reflecting a dynamic commercial environment. With a low unemployment rate of 3%, Aalborg remains an attractive destination for skilled professionals. The city also has a significant international presence. Earnings in Aalborg surpass the national average by 14%, making it a competitive and prosperous business hub.
Education and innovation are fundamental to Aalborg’s identity. The city is home to a globally recognized university ranked in the 301-350 range, making it a leader in research and development. Lifelong learning is a priority, with 11% of residents engaged in formal education beyond their initial studies. Aalborg provides free access to higher education, ensuring broad opportunities for academic and professional development. A highly skilled population supports Aalborg’s technological progress, with 14.3% of residents holding a master’s degree and 98% possessing digital skills. The city thrives on innovation, with 6.34 patents granted per 10,000 residents.
Governance and transparency are central to Aalborg’s urban planning. Voter turnout in the last local elections stood at a high 64.6%, reflecting strong civic engagement. The city embraces digital governance, offering electronic payment systems for municipal services, online appointment scheduling, and direct communication with local officials through digital platforms. Aalborg maintains a structured development approach, guided by five active sectoral strategies that ensure balanced urban growth.
Health and well-being are top priorities in Aalborg. The city provides universal medical insurance and has a strong healthcare infrastructure, with 4.4 doctors per 1,000 residents. Life expectancy is high at 83.4 years, and the obesity rate remains moderate at 22%. Mental health services are well-developed, with 17.8% of adults receiving coordinated support. However, Aalborg faces challenges related to mental health, with 1.22 suicide attempts per 1,000 residents, underscoring the need for continued social and healthcare investments.
Aalborg’s mobility and transport network is designed for efficiency and sustainability. The city has implemented an intelligent traffic management system and provides seamless digital payment solutions for public transportation, including mobile apps and contactless payments. Aalborg maintains real-time public transport data, ensuring accessibility and convenience for residents. With the city’s proximity to an international airport, global connectivity is a key advantage for business and tourism.
Sustainability is deeply embedded in Aalborg’s urban policies. The city actively promotes renewable energy and biodiversity protection. Aalborg has an efficient electricity usage rate of 0.08 per GDP and maintains excellent air quality, with an average PM10 pollution level of 17. Waste management is highly effective, with a recycling rate of 74%, positioning Aalborg as a leader in circular economy initiatives. While green spaces remain limited, with 0.13 parks per square kilometre, the city continues to invest in sustainable urban planning.
Aalborg’s economy is resilient and diverse, with a strong emphasis on business and entrepreneurship. The city supports 133.99 businesses per 1,000 residents, reflecting a dynamic commercial environment. With a low unemployment rate of 3%, Aalborg remains an attractive destination for skilled professionals. The city also has a significant international presence. Earnings in Aalborg surpass the national average by 14%, making it a competitive and prosperous business hub.