China and India may represent Asia’s economic future, but the most desirable cities in which to live, for foreign executives and their families, are elsewhere. Cities in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan are far more comfortable places to reside, according to a new ranking by Mercer Human Resource Consulting, which provides advice to multinational companies on international assignments.
No. 1
Auckland, New Zealand
(Global Ranking: 5)
Situated on the North Island of New Zealand, it’s home to about 1.2 million people -- about 25% of the country’s population. It also has a sizable Polynesian population, low crime rate, and more yachts per capita than any other city in the world. There are plenty of opportunities for retail therapy in the various shopping districts around town.
No. 2
Sydney, Australia
(Global Ranking: 9)
Sydney’s sheer beauty and lively night life make this town a tourist magnet. The city of 4 million-plus is the country’s business and cultural nexus, home to iconic architecture such as the Sydney Opera House and some fabulous weather. It’s also the country’s financial center, where both the Australian Stock Exchange and the Reserve Bank of Australia are located. Most of the major banks and more than half of Australia’s biggest companies call Sydney home, as well.
No. 3
Wellington, New Zealand
(Global Ranking: 12)
It’s a city with a picturesque natural harbor and green hillsides, and it supports a thriving arts scene, café culture, and nightlife. In addition to being New Zealand’s political capital, Wellington is also home to the country’s film and theater industry.
No. 4
Melbourne, Australia
(Global Ranking: 17)
Melbourne prides itself on being a key cultural and sports hub of Australia. It’s an attractive locale full of Victorian architecture, parks, and gardens. Another selling point is one of the most extensive tram networks in the world. Melbourne’s extensive sporting grounds were well-suited to the city’s role as host for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
No. 5
Perth, Australia
(Global Ranking: 21)
Perth is the largest city in Western Australia and the fourth most populous urban center nationwide. It enjoys a thriving folk-music culture, and is home to other cultural venues, such as the West Australian Art Gallery and Perth Concert Hall. Perth is also the site for numerous international sporting events
No. 6
Adelaide, Australia
(Global Ranking: 30)
This southern coastal city with a 1 million-plus population is the capital of the state of South Australia and a major manufacturing and defense-technology sector. News Corp. was founded here, and Adelaide is also home to Coopers brewery. Adelaide boasts world-class orchestras and a thriving arts community.
No. 7
Brisbane, Australia
(Global Ranking: 32)
The capital city of Queensland and third largest city in Australia is a major business hub and biotechnology center. It’s home to the Institute for Molecular Bioscience at the University of Queensland. Global companies such as Samsung, LG, Matsushita, and DHL have offices there. The country is also a major tourism center.
No. 8
Singapore
(Global Ranking: 34)
This economically-vibrant city in Southeast Asia is known for its immaculate streets, excellent services, and melting-pot culture of Chinese, Indians, and Malaysians. It boasts excellent shopping outlets and restaurants, and is a major financial center in the region. To draw more tourists, the Singaporean government recently legalized gambling, and a major casino and resort-development projects are under way.
No. 9
Tokyo, Japan
(Global Ranking: 35)
This world-class city is the cultural, business and political capital of Japan. Just about every multinational that matters has a presence in Tokyo, which boasts excellent private, public, and international schools. Sony, Canon, Nissan, Honda, and scores of other Japanese global companies are based there. Public transportation is excellent, and Tokyo is among the safest cities in the world.
No. 10
Yokohama, Japan
(Global Ranking: 38)
This thriving port city boasts some spectacular architecture and cultural amenities and is a short commute from the center of Tokyo. Its harbor-view area contains plenty of shopping and restaurants, and Yokohama is also home to the largest Chinatown in Japan. The Yokohama Marine Tower is the tallest lighthouse in the world.
No. 11
Kobe, Japan
(Global Ranking: 40)
This port city of elegant buildings and fashionable restaurants and boutiques is one of Japan’s most cosmopolitan cities. It’s also a major business hub and home to the global headquarters of such Japanese companies as Kawasaki Heavy and Kobe Steel. Procter & Gamble has a major operation there. The city is known for its succulent Kobe beef and sake.
No. 12
Osaka, Japan
(Global Ranking: 42)
Japan’s second city is a major business center, home to such companies as Sanyo, Sharp, and the Sumitomo Group, with a distinctive culture of its own. The city is known for its fabulous local dishes, such as okonomiyaki (pan-fried batter cake) and octopus dumplings called takoyaki. Local school systems and public transportation are top-notch, and this is a fanatical sports town.
No. 13
Nagoya, Japan
(Global Ranking: 54)
Nagoya is the center of Japan’s automotive manufacturing industry. Toyota’s global headquarters are in a nearby city, and many of the nation’s major suppliers are in the region. The city boasts some famous historical sight-seeing spots, such as the Atsuta Shrine and Nagoya Castle.
No. 14
Tsukuba, Japan
(Global Ranking: 55)
If you’re a science buff, Tsukuba is the place for you. It’s a planned city, only 20 years old and home to more than 60 research institutes. There’s a major university, a high-energy research center, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has a major operation there.
No. 15
Yokkaichi, Japan
(Global Ranking: 63)
Situated on Ise Bay southwest of Nagoya, Yokkaichi is a major manufacturing center that produces porcelain, auto components, computer parts, and memory chips. Its public transportation and school systems are considered top notch.
No. 16
Omuta, Japan
(Global Ranking: 69)
This used to be a major coal-mining town, but this city, situated in the southern part of Fukuoka prefecture, is better known as a center for the development of alternative energy and its greenery. It’s bordered by the Ariake Sea to the west and the Yamagi and Miike mountains inside the city lend a natural beauty to Omuta.
No. 17
Hong Kong, China
(Global Ranking: 70)
This former British colony boasts one of the most distinctive skylines in the world, plenty of hiking trails, fabulous restaurants, and all the cultural amenities to keep a foreign executive and his or her family engaged. It’s a major Asian financial center, and the business gateway into Mainland China. Its deteriorating air quality though, has been a negative in recent years
No. 18
Katsuyama, Japan
(Global Ranking: 73)
This resort city is known for its temples, castles, and other cultural treasures, and nearby ski resorts. Katsuyama Castle has been converted into a museum, with Japanese and Chinese art dating back hundreds of years
No. 19
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
(Global Ranking: 75)
The business and political capital of Malaysia enjoys a year-round warm climate and excellent public transportation. Kuala Lumpur’s commercial hub, called the Golden Triangle, contains the sky-hugging Petronas Twin Towers and an interesting nightlife. The city is emerging as an important center for Islamic finance, and both inside the city and nearby, there are numerous cultural activities to enjoy.
No. 20
Taipei, Taiwan
(Global Ranking: 75)
The capital city of Taiwan is the island’s primary commercial and cultural center and also home to the world’s tallest skyscraper: Taipei 101. The National Palace Museum has one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese artworks. Taipei is also a major regional financial center.