City Profile: Rotterdam
General Overview
Education & Innovation
Governance & Transparency
Health & Well-being
Mobility & Transport
Environment & Sustainability
Economy & Business
General Overview
- Country: Netherlands
- Population of the city: 1021920
- Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 319.4
- Budget of the city in 2024 (GBP): 47 800 000 000 GBP
- Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 5.60%
- GDP PER PERSON: 53432
- REAL GDB - GROWTH: 0.9
- Percentage of all employed individuals in public administration: 28.00%
Education & Innovation
- The highest ranking position of university in global educational indexes: 101-150
- 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: 7.10%
- Percentage of the population who knew at least one foreign language: 90.00%
- Percentage of population with digital skills: 96.00%
- Patent granted per 10,000 residents: 1.63
Governance & Transparency
- Voter turnout in the last local elections (%): 38.90%
- 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
- E-services: fault reporting, 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: 4
Health & Well-being
- Percentage of population with medical insurance: 100.00%
- Number of doctors per 1,000 residents: 3.9
- Life Expectancy Rate (at birth): 81.6
- Obesity rate: 15.00%
- Average number of working hours: 29
- Percentage of the adult population receiving support and coordinated mental health care: 26.10%
- The number of suicide attempts per 1,000 residents: 0.06
Mobility & Transport
- Green Mobility Share (%): 51.00%
- 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: 0.06
- Distance to the nearest airport offering international flights: 0
- Percentage of public transport vehicles (e.g., buses, metro, trams) fully adapted for people with mobility disabilities: 95
- 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): 0.12
- Average PM10 value in the city: 14
- Existence of biodiversity protection strategy in the city: yes
- Recycling rate: 57.00%
- 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: 157.02
- Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 5.5
- Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: 22.00%
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:
920
Rotterdam, the Netherlands' dynamic port city, is a hub of trade, innovation, and resilience. With a population of just over 1 million and spanning 319.4 square kilometres, Rotterdam is one of the country’s most influential cities. Home to the largest seaport in Europe, its economy is deeply tied to logistics, trade, and maritime industries. With a city budget of 47.8 billion GBP in 2024 and a GDP per capita of 53,432 GBP, Rotterdam is a powerhouse of economic activity, experiencing steady growth at a rate of 0.9%.
Education and innovation are at the core of Rotterdam’s development. The city is home to globally recognized universities ranked in the 101-150 range, fostering an environment of intellectual progress and technological advancement. Lifelong learning is a priority, with 11% of the population engaged in formal education beyond their initial studies. Additionally, 90% of residents speak at least one foreign language, and 96% possess digital skills, making Rotterdam a highly connected and future-ready city. The city also has a strong focus on research and development, with 1.63 patents granted per 10,000 residents, ensuring continuous innovation.
Governance and transparency define Rotterdam’s administrative approach. The city maintains an open data platform, regularly publishing information on governance and services. Voter turnout in the last local elections was 38.9%, reflecting moderate civic engagement. Digital governance is well-integrated into daily life, with e-services for fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling. Rotterdam operates under four key sectoral strategies, ensuring balanced urban development and sustainable growth.
Health and well-being are essential aspects of life in Rotterdam. The city provides universal medical insurance and has 3.9 doctors per 1,000 residents, ensuring widespread access to healthcare. Life expectancy stands at 81.6 years, and the city maintains a relatively low obesity rate of 15%. Mental health is a priority, with 26.1% of the adult population receiving coordinated support. Rotterdam also records a low suicide attempt rate of 0.06 per 1,000 residents, reflecting strong community health initiatives and social safety nets.
Rotterdam’s mobility and transport infrastructure is designed for efficiency and accessibility. With a green mobility share of 51%, the city is steadily transitioning to sustainable transportation solutions. An intelligent traffic management system optimizes urban mobility, and public transport is fully integrated with digital payment options. Around 95% of public transport vehicles are adapted for people with mobility disabilities, ensuring inclusivity. Rotterdam also provides real-time public transport data and journey planning tools, making commuting seamless for residents and visitors alike.
Sustainability is a driving force behind Rotterdam’s urban planning. The city has an active biodiversity protection strategy and is committed to renewable energy solutions. With an electricity efficiency rate of 0.12 per GDP and a low PM10 pollution level of 14, Rotterdam maintains excellent air quality. Waste management is highly effective, with a recycling rate of 57%, positioning the city as a leader in circular economy initiatives. Rotterdam also monitors CO2 emissions closely and continues to implement policies that promote environmental sustainability.
Rotterdam’s economy thrives on entrepreneurship and international trade. The city is home to 157.02 businesses per 1,000 residents, demonstrating its strong commercial foundation. Rotterdam remains a significant player in global markets. Earnings in the city are 22% above the national average, making it an attractive destination for professionals and investors alike. Rotterdam’s economic resilience, coupled with its commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensures continued prosperity for years to come.
Education and innovation are at the core of Rotterdam’s development. The city is home to globally recognized universities ranked in the 101-150 range, fostering an environment of intellectual progress and technological advancement. Lifelong learning is a priority, with 11% of the population engaged in formal education beyond their initial studies. Additionally, 90% of residents speak at least one foreign language, and 96% possess digital skills, making Rotterdam a highly connected and future-ready city. The city also has a strong focus on research and development, with 1.63 patents granted per 10,000 residents, ensuring continuous innovation.
Governance and transparency define Rotterdam’s administrative approach. The city maintains an open data platform, regularly publishing information on governance and services. Voter turnout in the last local elections was 38.9%, reflecting moderate civic engagement. Digital governance is well-integrated into daily life, with e-services for fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling. Rotterdam operates under four key sectoral strategies, ensuring balanced urban development and sustainable growth.
Health and well-being are essential aspects of life in Rotterdam. The city provides universal medical insurance and has 3.9 doctors per 1,000 residents, ensuring widespread access to healthcare. Life expectancy stands at 81.6 years, and the city maintains a relatively low obesity rate of 15%. Mental health is a priority, with 26.1% of the adult population receiving coordinated support. Rotterdam also records a low suicide attempt rate of 0.06 per 1,000 residents, reflecting strong community health initiatives and social safety nets.
Rotterdam’s mobility and transport infrastructure is designed for efficiency and accessibility. With a green mobility share of 51%, the city is steadily transitioning to sustainable transportation solutions. An intelligent traffic management system optimizes urban mobility, and public transport is fully integrated with digital payment options. Around 95% of public transport vehicles are adapted for people with mobility disabilities, ensuring inclusivity. Rotterdam also provides real-time public transport data and journey planning tools, making commuting seamless for residents and visitors alike.
Sustainability is a driving force behind Rotterdam’s urban planning. The city has an active biodiversity protection strategy and is committed to renewable energy solutions. With an electricity efficiency rate of 0.12 per GDP and a low PM10 pollution level of 14, Rotterdam maintains excellent air quality. Waste management is highly effective, with a recycling rate of 57%, positioning the city as a leader in circular economy initiatives. Rotterdam also monitors CO2 emissions closely and continues to implement policies that promote environmental sustainability.
Rotterdam’s economy thrives on entrepreneurship and international trade. The city is home to 157.02 businesses per 1,000 residents, demonstrating its strong commercial foundation. Rotterdam remains a significant player in global markets. Earnings in the city are 22% above the national average, making it an attractive destination for professionals and investors alike. Rotterdam’s economic resilience, coupled with its commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensures continued prosperity for years to come.