How the world’s greatest urban centers compare—as international gateways and as homes to millions
Cities are a nation’s magnets. Their power to draw business and visitors from across borders is a good measure of the region’s economic, social, and cultural health. This infographic, based on research from PricewaterhouseCoopers, takes an outside-in look at measures of international appeal—including air traffic, tourists, and association meetings—for 27 cities. Note that Paris is second only to London and beats New York, Beijing, and Shanghai as an international gateway.
Balancing that is the inside-out perspective: the quality of life for city residents. Here Paris ranks number one. The report notes that several cities with low scores—including Beijing, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Mexico City, Moscow, and São Paolo—could easily climb in the coming years.
