The Libyan capital, Tripoli, has been ranked as Africa’s least liveable city and the second least liveable city worldwide, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index. The index evaluates 173 cities across five key categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Tripoli’s low ranking reflects severe instability and the prolonged impact of political and economic crises that have hampered its recovery.
The assessment combines 30 qualitative and quantitative factors, drawing from external data, in-house analysts, and local contributors. Stability, which assesses crime levels, civil unrest, and the risk of armed conflict, showed the largest decline globally. Tripoli’s low stability score, driven by protests, political fragmentation, and years of conflict, was a significant factor in its ranking. Only Damascus, Syria, performed worse, retaining its position as the least liveable city globally.
Libya’s challenges extend beyond its capital, with the nation struggling to rebuild after years of war and political division. Essential services, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, remain underfunded and underdeveloped. Tripoli exemplifies these broader issues, where the lack of investment and governance has left residents grappling with deteriorating living conditions.
Globally, liveability scores have shown only minimal improvement, with the average increasing by just 0.06 points over the past year, compared to a 2.84-point rise the year before. The report notes that civil unrest, including protests in Europe and the U.S., and ongoing cost-of-living crises—especially housing—have slowed progress. While some regions have seen improvements in urban living standards, disparities remain pronounced due to regional economic and social pressures.
For Tripoli, the ranking serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. Addressing instability, rebuilding infrastructure, and investing in essential services are critical steps to improve quality of life. International support and collaboration with local authorities will be vital to fostering recovery and creating opportunities for Tripoli’s residents.
Despite the challenges, the experience of cities that have risen in the rankings highlights that recovery is possible. Learning from global examples, Tripoli can take strides toward a brighter future, but this requires sustained commitment and effort from both domestic and international stakeholders.
