South Africa, located on the southern tip of Africa, boasts coastlines on both the Atlantic and Indian oceans. As Africa’s third-largest economy, it attracts numerous visitors annually, drawn to its diverse terrain, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.
While South Africa has made significant strides since the end of apartheid in 1994, it still grapples with inequality and high crime rates. Despite the presence of world-class dining, trendy shops, sprawling vineyards, and upscale safari lodges, townships lacking basic infrastructure are often nearby.
About 80 percent of South Africa’s population is black African, whose ancestors predated the arrival of English and Dutch settlers in the 17th century. Throughout the 19th century, South African history was dominated by power struggles among the Dutch and British, the discovery of diamonds and gold and clashes caused by European expansion.
Many Afrikaner nationalists, descendants of the Dutch, pushed for race-based segregation throughout the 20th century, their efforts eventually culminating in the introduction of apartheid in the late 1940s. The policy cemented white rule by creating a race-based caste system and limited freedoms for the country’s non-white citizens.
South Africa is a multiparty republic with two legislative houses and three capitals: Cape Town, Pretoria and Bloemfontein. The country’s main industries include manufacturing as well as finance, real estate and business services. South Africa produces almost half the entire continent’s electricity output.
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Some of the world’s most famous human-rights activists emerged from the anti-apartheid movement, including the late former President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, both Nobel Peace Prize winners. The country has 11 official languages and one of the world’s most progressive constitutions.
While South Africa is celebrated for its largely nonviolent transition to democracy, it still faces a host of economic, political and health challenges. The country grapples with immigration tensions, the AIDS epidemic, rising unemployment and persistent poverty. While the ruling party, the African National Congress, has increased services for the country’s poor, it has faced serious allegations of corruption throughout its ranks.
South Africa is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, the World Bank and several other international organizations.
Ranking Criteria for the Best Cities
Determining the best city to live in involves evaluating various factors. Time Out’s seventh annual survey of the world’s best cities reveals the places that people around the globe are most excited about, based on everything from food and culture to affordability and happiness.
“Every year, Time Out surveys thousands of locals to take the pulse of city living,” Grace Beard, travel editor at Time Out, told me in an interview. Another compelling point: “When you travel to any of the cities on this list, you’re spending time in a place that locals love and take pride in. Time Out created its report by polling 18,500 locals across the globe, who shared their on-the-ground insights and opinions.
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To create the ranking, a number of factors were considered and rated, including food, nightlife, culture, affordability, happiness, safety, access to nature, the overall city vibe and more.
Time Out’s 2025 ranking also tracks some key trends shaping global cities. For the seventh year of Time Out’s global survey of city-dwellers, more than 18,500 locals shared their thoughts on their city, including Time Out’s regular readers. Questions covered everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and overall city vibe. A panel of more than 100 city experts, drawn from Time Out’s global network, was also asked to name the most exciting cities in the world right now.
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Cape Town: A City of Beauty and Opportunity
Time Out’s recent ranking of Cape Town as second among the 50 best cities in the world in 2024 has sparked interest and excitement. In December 2023, over 317,000 international passengers passed through Cape Town International Airport, surpassing the previous record of 290,000 set in January 2020, as highlighted by James Vos, Mayco Member for Economic Growth.
“Locals in Cape Town ranked their city highly across multiple categories, including happiness, affordability, beauty and restaurants and eating out,” says Beard. The data supports Cape Town’s win.
Cape Town is a city that offers a unique variety of attractions from its natural beauty to trendy nightlife hubs.
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- Bo-Kaap: Known for its brightly coloured houses and cobblestone streets, Bo-Kaap is a historic and culturally rich area that reflects the diverse heritage of Cape Town.
- Cape Winelands: A world renowned region near Cape Town, famed for its world-class vineyards and historic estates.
- Seafood: Fresh catches from the Atlantic, ranging from casual fish and chips to fine dining establishments offering exquisite seafood platters.
- Wine: A trip to Cape Town is not complete without exploring the world-class vineyards of the nearby Cape Winelands.
Like any major city, it’s essential to exercise caution and common sense. Cape Town is not just a destination; it’s an experience that touches the soul and leaves an indelible mark on your heart. The delights of the city await your arrival, promising an adventure that will rank among your best travel experiences and create unforgettable memories.
Global City Rankings and What They Tell Us
Scoring highly across the board for its beauty, overall happiness and top-notch food scene, Cape Town has climbed one place since last year where it ranked second.
Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out said: “Our annual list of Time Out’s Best Cities in the World right now proves that if you want to know what makes a city truly great, ask a local. Thousands of city-dwellers worldwide responded to our survey this year, sharing their opinion on everything from nightlife and food to public transport, green spaces and friendliness.
“From affordability to access to nature, liveability was a key factor in our survey this year. Cape Town scored highly across the board, and it’s no surprise: 82% of Capetonians would describe their city as beautiful, and 97% of locals say it makes them happy. Where else can you visit a colony of African penguins, taste world-class wines, stroll Blue Flag beaches, enjoy views from one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and experience vibrant nightlife - all in a day?
In 2024, the landscape of global cities continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic interplay of economic, social and environmental factors that shape our urban experiences. The latest Quality of Living City Ranking highlights the cities that stand out for their exceptional living standards, robust infrastructure and vibrant cultural scenes.
This year, Zurich, Switzerland, takes the top position, fueled by its outstanding public services, low crime rates and a lively cultural scene, all backed by efficient infrastructure and a dedication to sustainability. Additionally, for 2024, Zurich has enhanced its airport connections, increasing the number of flights to and from other continents. Following closely behind is Vienna, Austria.
In Asia, Singapore leads the way at number 30, standing out as the only Asian city in the top 50. The highest-ranking city in the Middle East is Dubai, which occupies the 83rd position, followed closely by Abu Dhabi at 85. Port Louis takes the lead for Africa, remaining in 88th position, similar to the previous year.
For HR professionals and global mobility managers, this ranking is about more than just numbers; it is a critical tool for understanding the best urban environments for talent deployment and retention. As organizations rely increasingly on international assignees to drive global business strategies, the quality of living in potential host cities has become a key consideration that directly impacts allowances and compensation packages.
As cities face multifaceted challenges such as climate change, economic fluctuations and social inequality, the 2024 ranking provides valuable insights for HR leaders and organizations seeking to support their international assignees effectively. The key findings of the ranking explore the factors that contribute to the quality of living in locations and the impact of these on both the international workforce and the organizations that employ them. By understanding these dynamics, companies can better navigate the complexities of global mobility management and enhance the overall experience for their international workforce.
It is important to note that the Quality of Living City Ranking considers various factors such as political stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure and socio-cultural environment.
In an era of digital nomads and flexible working, countries and cities are consistently working to attract international businesses, talent and remote workers. The 2024 Quality of Living City Ranking provides a comprehensive overview of urban living conditions, showcasing both the strengths and challenges faced by cities worldwide.
In a world where quality of life is increasingly paramount, the ability of cities to adapt and thrive will determine their future standing in the global arena.
When you relocate international assignees from one country to another, you need clear and objective information that establishes the quality of living differences between cities. The Mercer Quality of Living Reports aim to provide tangible values for such qualitative perceptions, to establish an effective and objective assessment of the quality of living throughout the world.
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