City Profile: Barcelona
General Overview
Education & Innovation
Governance & Transparency
Health & Well-being
Environment & Sustainability
Economy & Business
General Overview
- Country: Spain
- Population of the city: 5797356
- Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 99.1
- Budget of the city in 2024 (GBP): 3 152 576 700 GBP
- Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 12.10%
- GDP PER PERSON: 28264
- REAL GDB - GROWTH: 3.2
- Percentage of all employed individuals in public administration: 17.00%
Education & Innovation
- The highest ranking position of university in global educational indexes: 151-200
- Percentage of citizens taking part in formal education - lifelong learning: 9.00%
- The percentage of income that should be allocated to cover the cost of studies: 4.30%
- Percentage of the population who knew at least one foreign language: 27.00%
- Percentage of population with digital skills: 75.00%
- Patent granted per 10,000 residents: 0.16
Governance & Transparency
- Voter turnout in the most recent supranational elections (%): 43.53%
- Voter turnout in the last local elections (%): 50.90%
- Percentage of the city's budget to supporting innovation: 4.00%
- 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
- Datasets containing information about the city and its residents which are available on the open data portal managed by the city or a government agency to which the city provides information: 574
- E-services: fault reporting system, electronic payments, on-line appointment scheduling: yes
- Existence of up-to-date and officially adopted development strategy: yes
- Number of valid and currently in-force sectoral (thematic) strategies: 20
Health & Well-being
- Percentage of population with medical insurance: 99.00%
- Number of doctors per 1,000 residents: 6.2
- Life Expectancy Rate (at birth): 83.77
- Obesity rate: 16.00%
- Average number of working hours: 40
- Percentage of the adult population receiving support and coordinated mental health care: 17.60%
- The number of suicide attempts per 1,000 residents: 0.09
- Number of recorded incidents of violence in public places per 1000 residents: 3.1
- Green Mobility Share (%): 80.00%
- 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: 0.02
- Percentage of public transport vehicles (e.g., buses, metro, trams) fully adapted for people with mobility disabilities: 90
- Number of traffic-related fatalities per 10000 residents: 0.02
- 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): 0.18
- Average PM10 value in the city: 22
- Existence of biodiversity protection strategy in the city: yes
- Percentage of the population that is served by sewage treatment facilities: 99.00%
- Number of parks per square kilometre: 1.01
- Existence of any documents or municipal legal solutions promoting the use of renewable energy: yes
- Existance of information about CO2 emissions: yes
Economy & Business
- Number of businesses per 1,000 residents: 20.7
- Number of new businesses per 1,000 residents: 1.9
- Unemployment rate: 8.00%
- Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 1.1
- Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: 26.00%
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:
875
Barcelona, a city that seamlessly blends history, modernity, and Mediterranean charm, stands as one of Spain’s most dynamic urban centers. Home to 5,797,356 residents within just 99.1 square kilometers, it is a vibrant metropolis that accounts for 12.1% of the national population. The city thrives on a strong economy, boasting a GDP per capita of £28,264 and a real GDP growth rate of 3.2%. With a 2024 budget of £3.15 billion GBP, Barcelona invests heavily in its infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring its continued development as a leading European city. Public administration plays a vital role in the local workforce, with 17% of all employed individuals contributing to the smooth operation of city services.
Education and innovation form the backbone of Barcelona’s forward-thinking spirit. The city is home to a globally recognized university ranked within the 151-200 range, attracting students and researchers from around the world. About 9% of residents engage in lifelong learning, and while the cost of studies requires a 4.3% income allocation, higher education remains accessible. Digital proficiency is widespread, with 75% of the population possessing digital skills, and 27% fluent in at least one foreign language. However, patent activity is relatively low, with 0.16 patents granted per 10,000 residents, indicating room for growth in technological innovation.
Governance in Barcelona is built on transparency and civic participation. Voter turnout in the most recent supranational elections stood at 43.53%, while 50.9% of eligible citizens participated in the last local elections. The city allocates 4% of its budget to supporting innovation, ensuring continuous urban progress. With an extensive open data initiative providing access to 574 datasets, residents benefit from an array of digital services, including fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling. Urban planning is guided by an up-to-date development strategy and 20 sectoral strategies aimed at fostering long-term sustainability and efficiency.
Health and well-being are central to Barcelona’s lifestyle, with 99% of the population covered by medical insurance and access to 6.2 doctors per 1,000 residents. Life expectancy is among the highest in Europe at 83.77 years, supported by a balanced Mediterranean diet and active living. The obesity rate remains low at 16%, while mental health services cater to 17.6% of adults requiring support. Public safety is relatively well-maintained, with 3.1 incidents of violence per 1,000 residents and a low suicide attempt rate of 0.09 per 1,000 residents.
Barcelona is a global leader in sustainable mobility, with an impressive 80% of transport classified as green mobility. The city boasts an intelligent traffic management system, ensuring efficient transport flow. Public transport is highly accessible, with 90% of vehicles fully adapted for individuals with mobility disabilities. With 0.02 kilometers of public transport network per 100 residents, the system is optimized for high-density urban living. Digital integration enhances user experience, offering multiple payment options through mobile apps, special transport cards, and direct debit or credit card transactions. Real-time transport data and journey planning tools further improve navigation across the city. The traffic fatality rate is exceptionally low, standing at just 0.02 per 10,000 residents.
Barcelona’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its policies and urban planning. The city efficiently manages electricity consumption at 0.18 per GDP and maintains an average PM10 air quality level of 22. Biodiversity protection strategies are in place, and 99% of residents benefit from sewage treatment facilities. Green spaces are integrated into the urban landscape, with 1.01 parks per square kilometer providing natural retreats amidst the bustling city. Additionally, Barcelona actively promotes renewable energy and closely monitors CO2 emissions as part of its environmental sustainability initiatives.
The city’s economic landscape is diverse and dynamic, with 20.7 businesses per 1,000 residents and 1.9 new businesses established per 1,000 residents annually. While the unemployment rate stands at 8%, Barcelona remains an attractive destination for investment. Earnings in the city deviate 26% above the national average, reinforcing its status as a key economic hub in Spain.
Education and innovation form the backbone of Barcelona’s forward-thinking spirit. The city is home to a globally recognized university ranked within the 151-200 range, attracting students and researchers from around the world. About 9% of residents engage in lifelong learning, and while the cost of studies requires a 4.3% income allocation, higher education remains accessible. Digital proficiency is widespread, with 75% of the population possessing digital skills, and 27% fluent in at least one foreign language. However, patent activity is relatively low, with 0.16 patents granted per 10,000 residents, indicating room for growth in technological innovation.
Governance in Barcelona is built on transparency and civic participation. Voter turnout in the most recent supranational elections stood at 43.53%, while 50.9% of eligible citizens participated in the last local elections. The city allocates 4% of its budget to supporting innovation, ensuring continuous urban progress. With an extensive open data initiative providing access to 574 datasets, residents benefit from an array of digital services, including fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling. Urban planning is guided by an up-to-date development strategy and 20 sectoral strategies aimed at fostering long-term sustainability and efficiency.
Health and well-being are central to Barcelona’s lifestyle, with 99% of the population covered by medical insurance and access to 6.2 doctors per 1,000 residents. Life expectancy is among the highest in Europe at 83.77 years, supported by a balanced Mediterranean diet and active living. The obesity rate remains low at 16%, while mental health services cater to 17.6% of adults requiring support. Public safety is relatively well-maintained, with 3.1 incidents of violence per 1,000 residents and a low suicide attempt rate of 0.09 per 1,000 residents.
Barcelona is a global leader in sustainable mobility, with an impressive 80% of transport classified as green mobility. The city boasts an intelligent traffic management system, ensuring efficient transport flow. Public transport is highly accessible, with 90% of vehicles fully adapted for individuals with mobility disabilities. With 0.02 kilometers of public transport network per 100 residents, the system is optimized for high-density urban living. Digital integration enhances user experience, offering multiple payment options through mobile apps, special transport cards, and direct debit or credit card transactions. Real-time transport data and journey planning tools further improve navigation across the city. The traffic fatality rate is exceptionally low, standing at just 0.02 per 10,000 residents.
Barcelona’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its policies and urban planning. The city efficiently manages electricity consumption at 0.18 per GDP and maintains an average PM10 air quality level of 22. Biodiversity protection strategies are in place, and 99% of residents benefit from sewage treatment facilities. Green spaces are integrated into the urban landscape, with 1.01 parks per square kilometer providing natural retreats amidst the bustling city. Additionally, Barcelona actively promotes renewable energy and closely monitors CO2 emissions as part of its environmental sustainability initiatives.
The city’s economic landscape is diverse and dynamic, with 20.7 businesses per 1,000 residents and 1.9 new businesses established per 1,000 residents annually. While the unemployment rate stands at 8%, Barcelona remains an attractive destination for investment. Earnings in the city deviate 26% above the national average, reinforcing its status as a key economic hub in Spain.