City Profile: Copenhagen
General Overview
• Country: Denmark
• Population of the city: 1391200
• Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 179.8
• Budget of the city in 2024 (GBP): 724 500 000 GBP
• Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 23.30%
• 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: 51-100
• 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: 20.00%
• 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 (%): 60.00%
• 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: 216
• E-services: fault reporting system, electronic payments, on-line appointment schedulig: yes
• Existence of up-to-date and officially adopted development strategy: yes
• Number of valid and currently in-force sectoral (thematic) strategies: 2
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): 79.9
• 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
• Green Mobility Share (%): 69.00%
• 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: 0.05
• Number of traffic-related fatalities per 10000 residents: 1.04
• City provide data on public transportation 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
• Amount of waste produced per resident (tons): 0.03
• Percentage of the population that is served by sewage treatment facilities: 95.00%
• Recycling rate: 52.00%
• Number of parks per square kilometre: 0.96
• 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: 230.2
• Unemployment rate: 4.00%
• Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 25.1
Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: 60.00%
General Overview
• Country: Denmark
• Population of the city: 1391200
• Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 179.8
• Budget of the city in 2024 (GBP): 724 500 000 GBP
• Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 23.30%
• 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: 51-100
• 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: 20.00%
• 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 (%): 60.00%
• 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: 216
• E-services: fault reporting system, electronic payments, on-line appointment schedulig: yes
• Existence of up-to-date and officially adopted development strategy: yes
• Number of valid and currently in-force sectoral (thematic) strategies: 2
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): 79.9
• 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
• Green Mobility Share (%): 69.00%
• 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: 0.05
• Number of traffic-related fatalities per 10000 residents: 1.04
• City provide data on public transportation 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
• Amount of waste produced per resident (tons): 0.03
• Percentage of the population that is served by sewage treatment facilities: 95.00%
• Recycling rate: 52.00%
• Number of parks per square kilometre: 0.96
• 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: 230.2
• Unemployment rate: 4.00%
• Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 25.1
Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: 60.00%
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.
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Rank:
GOLD
Points:
1039
Copenhagen, the vibrant capital of Denmark, is a city that seamlessly blends history, modernity, and sustainability. With a population of 1,391,200 people spread across 179.8 square kilometers, it serves as a vital hub for culture, governance, and economic activity. The city holds a significant place in the national landscape, accounting for 23.3% of Denmark’s population. A well-structured administration ensures smooth governance, with nearly 30% of all employed individuals working in public administration. The city's budget for 2024 stands at £724.5 million GBP, supporting its extensive public services and infrastructure.
Copenhagen is renowned for its commitment to education and innovation. Home to a top-ranking global university, it fosters a strong learning culture, with 11% of residents engaged in lifelong education. A highly educated population defines the city, where 20% of citizens hold a master’s degree, 86% are fluent in at least one foreign language, and an impressive 98% possess digital skills. The city’s dedication to research and development is evident, with 6.34 patents granted per 10,000 residents, reinforcing its reputation as a center of technological and intellectual progress.
Transparency and civic engagement are integral to Copenhagen’s governance. The city maintains an active and participatory democracy, with a 60% voter turnout in the last local elections. Open data initiatives ensure that 216 datasets about the city and its residents are publicly available. Digitalization is at the forefront, with electronic public services such as fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling readily accessible. The city also operates with a clear and up-to-date development strategy, supported by two sectoral plans to guide progress in key areas.
Health and well-being are cornerstones of life in Copenhagen. The city boasts universal healthcare coverage, with every resident insured and access to 4.4 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants. Life expectancy stands at 79.9 years, supported by a well-balanced lifestyle that includes an average workweek of 37 hours. Despite an obesity rate of 22%, Copenhagen places strong emphasis on active living and mental health support, with 17.8% of adults benefiting from coordinated mental healthcare services. However, challenges remain, with 1.22 suicide attempts per 1,000 residents, highlighting the ongoing need for mental health awareness and intervention.
Sustainable and efficient mobility defines urban life in Copenhagen. A leader in green transportation, 69% of all travel in the city is environmentally friendly. An advanced intelligent traffic management system ensures smooth traffic flow, while multiple electronic payment methods make using public transport seamless. Residents can pay via mobile apps, special transport cards, or directly with debit and credit cards. With a public transport network density of 0.05 km per 100 residents and a remarkably low traffic fatality rate of 1.04 per 10,000 residents, the city is a model of safe and sustainable transportation. Public data on transportation is readily available, and digital journey-planning tools ensure that navigating the city is effortless.
Copenhagen is a city deeply committed to environmental sustainability. Its efficient electricity use of 0.08 per GDP, coupled with a recycling rate of 52%, demonstrates its dedication to eco-friendly practices. The city maintains an average PM10 air pollution level of just 17, ensuring a clean and breathable environment. Waste management is highly efficient, with each resident generating only 0.03 tons of waste per year. Nearly the entire population—95%—is served by sewage treatment facilities, and green spaces are abundant, with 0.96 parks per square kilometer. The city actively promotes renewable energy adoption and keeps a close watch on CO2 emissions, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s most sustainable urban centers.
The economy of Copenhagen thrives on a dynamic business environment. The city hosts 230.2 businesses per 1,000 residents, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth. A low unemployment rate of 4% speaks to a healthy job market. Earnings in the city are significantly higher than the national average, with a 60% deviation in wages. With a strong economy, a well-educated workforce, and a business-friendly environment, Copenhagen stands as one of Europe’s leading economic powerhouses.
Copenhagen is renowned for its commitment to education and innovation. Home to a top-ranking global university, it fosters a strong learning culture, with 11% of residents engaged in lifelong education. A highly educated population defines the city, where 20% of citizens hold a master’s degree, 86% are fluent in at least one foreign language, and an impressive 98% possess digital skills. The city’s dedication to research and development is evident, with 6.34 patents granted per 10,000 residents, reinforcing its reputation as a center of technological and intellectual progress.
Transparency and civic engagement are integral to Copenhagen’s governance. The city maintains an active and participatory democracy, with a 60% voter turnout in the last local elections. Open data initiatives ensure that 216 datasets about the city and its residents are publicly available. Digitalization is at the forefront, with electronic public services such as fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling readily accessible. The city also operates with a clear and up-to-date development strategy, supported by two sectoral plans to guide progress in key areas.
Health and well-being are cornerstones of life in Copenhagen. The city boasts universal healthcare coverage, with every resident insured and access to 4.4 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants. Life expectancy stands at 79.9 years, supported by a well-balanced lifestyle that includes an average workweek of 37 hours. Despite an obesity rate of 22%, Copenhagen places strong emphasis on active living and mental health support, with 17.8% of adults benefiting from coordinated mental healthcare services. However, challenges remain, with 1.22 suicide attempts per 1,000 residents, highlighting the ongoing need for mental health awareness and intervention.
Sustainable and efficient mobility defines urban life in Copenhagen. A leader in green transportation, 69% of all travel in the city is environmentally friendly. An advanced intelligent traffic management system ensures smooth traffic flow, while multiple electronic payment methods make using public transport seamless. Residents can pay via mobile apps, special transport cards, or directly with debit and credit cards. With a public transport network density of 0.05 km per 100 residents and a remarkably low traffic fatality rate of 1.04 per 10,000 residents, the city is a model of safe and sustainable transportation. Public data on transportation is readily available, and digital journey-planning tools ensure that navigating the city is effortless.
Copenhagen is a city deeply committed to environmental sustainability. Its efficient electricity use of 0.08 per GDP, coupled with a recycling rate of 52%, demonstrates its dedication to eco-friendly practices. The city maintains an average PM10 air pollution level of just 17, ensuring a clean and breathable environment. Waste management is highly efficient, with each resident generating only 0.03 tons of waste per year. Nearly the entire population—95%—is served by sewage treatment facilities, and green spaces are abundant, with 0.96 parks per square kilometer. The city actively promotes renewable energy adoption and keeps a close watch on CO2 emissions, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s most sustainable urban centers.
The economy of Copenhagen thrives on a dynamic business environment. The city hosts 230.2 businesses per 1,000 residents, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth. A low unemployment rate of 4% speaks to a healthy job market. Earnings in the city are significantly higher than the national average, with a 60% deviation in wages. With a strong economy, a well-educated workforce, and a business-friendly environment, Copenhagen stands as one of Europe’s leading economic powerhouses.