City Profile: Stockholm
General Overview
Education & Innovation
Governance & Transparency
Health & Well-being
Mobility & Transport
Environment & Sustainability
Economy & Business
General Overview
- Country: Sweden
- Population of the city: 950000
- Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 188
- Budget of the city in 2024 (GBP): 4 860 000 000 GBP
- Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 9.00%
- GDP PER PERSON: 53169
- REAL GDB - GROWTH: 0.7
- Percentage of all employed individuals in public administration: 28.60%
Education & Innovation
- The highest ranking position of university in global educational indexes: 51-100
- Percentage of citizens taking part in formal education - lifelong learning: 19.00%
- The percentage of income that should be allocated to cover the cost of studies: 0.00%
- Percentage of the population who knew at least one foreign language: 89.00%
- Percentage of population with digital skills: 83.00%
- Patent granted per 10,000 residents: 2.06
Governance & Transparency
- Voter turnout in the last local elections (%): 81.60%
- 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
- E-services: fault reporting, electronic payments, on-line appointment scheduling: yes
- Existence of up-to-date and officially adopted development strategy: yes
Health & Well-being
- Percentage of population with medical insurance: 100.00%
- Number of doctors per 1,000 residents: 4.3
- Life Expectancy Rate (at birth): 83.6
- Obesity rate: 15.00%
- Average number of working hours: 37.6
- The number of suicide attempts per 1,000 residents: 0.72
Mobility & Transport
- Green Mobility Share (%): 61.70%
- 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: 1.02
- 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: 100
- Number of traffic-related fatalities per 10000 residents: 0.13
Environment & Sustainability
- Efficient use of electricity (per GDP): 0.24
- Average PM10 value in the city: 21
- Recycling rate: 40.00%
- Existence of any documents or municipal legal solutions promoting the use of renewable energy: yes
Economy & Business
- Number of businesses per 1,000 residents: 253.01
- Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 3.8
- Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: 6.00%
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:
941
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a city where innovation meets nature, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to sustainability. Home to 950,000 residents and covering 188 square kilometres, Stockholm is the political, economic, and cultural heart of Sweden. Representing 9% of the national population, the city thrives with a GDP per capita of 53,169 GBP and a steady economic growth rate of 0.7%. With a city budget of 4.86 billion GBP in 2024, Stockholm continues to invest in infrastructure, social services, and sustainability initiatives.
Education and innovation drive Stockholm’s competitive edge. The city’s universities rank within the 51-100 range globally, making it a center for research and academic excellence. A significant 19% of residents engage in lifelong learning, supported by a tuition-free education system. Stockholm’s global outlook is evident, with 89% of the population speaking at least one foreign language and 83% possessing digital skills. The city fosters technological progress, granting 2.06 patents per 10,000 residents, reinforcing its position as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Governance and transparency are hallmarks of Stockholm’s administration. The city boasts an impressive 81.6% voter turnout in local elections, reflecting strong civic engagement. Stockholm maintains an advanced open data platform, providing accessible government data to the public. Digital services such as fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling streamline interactions between residents and city officials. A clearly defined development strategy ensures Stockholm’s continued progress while preserving its unique character.
Health and well-being are central to Stockholm’s quality of life. With universal medical insurance and 4.3 doctors per 1,000 residents, the city ensures high-quality healthcare services. Life expectancy is among the highest in the world at 83.6 years, while the obesity rate remains relatively low at 15%. Mental health support is a priority, though Stockholm records 0.72 suicide attempts per 1,000 residents, highlighting an ongoing need for social support systems and mental health initiatives.
Stockholm’s mobility and transport infrastructure is among the most efficient in Europe. With a green mobility share of 61.7%, the city emphasizes sustainable transport solutions. The public transport network is extensive, with 1.02 km of transport lines per 100 residents. An intelligent traffic management system enhances efficiency, while digital payment options offer seamless transit experiences. All public transport vehicles are fully adapted for passengers with mobility disabilities, ensuring accessibility for all. Road safety remains a priority, with a traffic-related fatality rate of just 0.13 per 10,000 residents.
Stockholm’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its urban policies. The city promotes renewable energy and has adopted legal measures to support environmental responsibility. Air quality remains high, with an average PM10 level of 21. Waste management is efficient, with a recycling rate of 40%, and electricity usage per GDP is optimized at 0.24. Stockholm’s environmental strategies continue to position it as a leader in sustainable urban development.
Stockholm’s economy is diverse and resilient, driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit. The city hosts 253.01 businesses per 1,000 residents, underscoring its thriving commercial sector. Stockholm remains an attractive destination for international investment. Earnings in the city exceed the national average by 6%, making it an appealing location for professionals seeking high living standards and career opportunities.
Education and innovation drive Stockholm’s competitive edge. The city’s universities rank within the 51-100 range globally, making it a center for research and academic excellence. A significant 19% of residents engage in lifelong learning, supported by a tuition-free education system. Stockholm’s global outlook is evident, with 89% of the population speaking at least one foreign language and 83% possessing digital skills. The city fosters technological progress, granting 2.06 patents per 10,000 residents, reinforcing its position as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Governance and transparency are hallmarks of Stockholm’s administration. The city boasts an impressive 81.6% voter turnout in local elections, reflecting strong civic engagement. Stockholm maintains an advanced open data platform, providing accessible government data to the public. Digital services such as fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling streamline interactions between residents and city officials. A clearly defined development strategy ensures Stockholm’s continued progress while preserving its unique character.
Health and well-being are central to Stockholm’s quality of life. With universal medical insurance and 4.3 doctors per 1,000 residents, the city ensures high-quality healthcare services. Life expectancy is among the highest in the world at 83.6 years, while the obesity rate remains relatively low at 15%. Mental health support is a priority, though Stockholm records 0.72 suicide attempts per 1,000 residents, highlighting an ongoing need for social support systems and mental health initiatives.
Stockholm’s mobility and transport infrastructure is among the most efficient in Europe. With a green mobility share of 61.7%, the city emphasizes sustainable transport solutions. The public transport network is extensive, with 1.02 km of transport lines per 100 residents. An intelligent traffic management system enhances efficiency, while digital payment options offer seamless transit experiences. All public transport vehicles are fully adapted for passengers with mobility disabilities, ensuring accessibility for all. Road safety remains a priority, with a traffic-related fatality rate of just 0.13 per 10,000 residents.
Stockholm’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its urban policies. The city promotes renewable energy and has adopted legal measures to support environmental responsibility. Air quality remains high, with an average PM10 level of 21. Waste management is efficient, with a recycling rate of 40%, and electricity usage per GDP is optimized at 0.24. Stockholm’s environmental strategies continue to position it as a leader in sustainable urban development.
Stockholm’s economy is diverse and resilient, driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit. The city hosts 253.01 businesses per 1,000 residents, underscoring its thriving commercial sector. Stockholm remains an attractive destination for international investment. Earnings in the city exceed the national average by 6%, making it an appealing location for professionals seeking high living standards and career opportunities.