Dhaka most stressful city in Asia

Bangladesh's capital Dhaka tops the list of the most stressed cities in Asia whereas Sydney followed by Singapore, Taipei and Osaka are the least stressed cities in Asia, according to the data compiled by the UK-based firm, Zipjet.

A recent study conducted by UK-based firm, Zipjet has revealed the world's most and least stressful cities of 2017, based on factors including air pollution, traffic levels, gender equality, unemployment, mental health, financial status of citizens including debt levels and even the amount of sun that a city gets.

Of the 150 cities ranked, the study projects most Asian cities as stressful places to live in. With global ranking of 144, Dhaka is the seventh most stressed city in the world and one of the most stressed cities in Asia. Dhaka is considered a stressful city for being densely populated and having worst traffic congestion. City's mental and physical health is also ranked poorly.

Scoring poorly on various factors like light pollution, debt per capita and social security Karachi is ranked at 143.  With poor score across the spectrum, the India's national capital, New Delhi has also landed a sweet spot in the most stressed cities in the World.  The other Indian cities are Mumbai and Bangalore with global ranking of 138 and 130 respectively.

The rapid urbanisation in Manila has led to fewer green spaces in the city which has reduced the air quality as well.  The city ranks badly in mental health also since suicide rate in Manila is high.  The study also takes into consideration the public transport woes of the city which contribute to the stress of the commuters.

While many call Seoul a happy city, the study states otherwise.

With the income gap being worst in Asia-pacific the physical health of the city is a determining factor in making it one of the stressful cities in Asia. Kuala Lumpur is ranked at 110 with Ho Chi Minh at 106.

Sydney, Australia (No. 8) is the least stressed city in Asia. It is followed by Singapore with a global ranking of 42. With a thriving economy and one of the world's finest public transport systems, the habitants of the city are happy to live in it. Residents of Taipei, Osaka, Bandar Seri Begawan are most satisfied with their cities.

Tokyo ranked at 72 has scored well on public transport, traffic situation in the city and perception of social security. Hong Kong has scored well on perception of security among the people living there and the physical health of the city.  Shanghai has very low debt per capita which makes the city financially secure and the citizenry less stressed.

Phnom Penh has the lowest official unemployment rates and therefore performs well on the index. Beijing, globally ranked at 100, has a low unemployment rate as well as debt per capita. Perception of security amongst the citizens contributes to the city being less stressful compared to other Asian cities. However fewer green spaces, public transport woes and population density dragged the ranking of the city down. 

Kathmandu with longer sunshine hours and stable perception of security has earned the city a place amongst the least stressful cities in Asia. However rising unemployment, poverty and air pollution contributes to its low ranking.  Bangkok remains a happy place despite traffic jams and air pollution.

Copyright: DataLEADS/ Asia News Networ