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Two Swiss cities ranked among 'smartest' in the world

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Two Swiss cities ranked among 'smartest' in the world
Zurich is among world's 'smartest' cities. Photo by AFP

Zurich and Geneva ranked in the top 10 in a new international survey rating the technological progress of world’s major urban centres.

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The Smart City Index was released by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne and Singapore University for Technology and Design (STUD). 

Researchers asked hundreds of citizens from 109 cities about the technological provisions of their city across five key areas: health and safety, mobility, activities, opportunities and governance.

According to IMD, the survey’s results “offer key insights into how technology is playing a role in the COVID-19 era in a way that is likely to continue”. 

Switzerland is the only country that has two cities in the top 10: Zurich in the third place and Geneva in the seventh.

Zurich scores high in the area of health facilities, political participation, as well as work and education. Its residents are also happy with the speed of the Internet and the opportunities to find jobs online.

However, survey respondents criticised the lack of e-voting and apps for finding a parking space or car sharing.

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Geneva did well in categories including basic amenities, citizen participation, education, health, and social mobility.

READ MORE: Renting in Geneva: Five things you should know about finding an apartment 

But residents complain about traffic congestion and air pollution.

The biggest problem that inhabitants of both cities reported is the lack of affordable housing.

Both cities often score high in international surveys rating both the quality of life and most expensive places to live.

Singapore and Helsinki ranked in first and second places, respectively, followed by Auckland, Oslo, Copenhagen, Taipei City, Amsterdam and New York in top 10.
 

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