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20. Birmingham, England

Birmingham is the second-largest city in the United Kingdom and has undergone an urban regeneration after having been bombed extensively during World War II. Top sights to see in Birmingham include the Library of Birmingham, Europe’s largest public library, Cadbury World, and the Black Country Living Museum, along with many other museums.

Happiness: 22nd

Historical Landmarks: 22nd

Sports: 6th

Schools and Education: 22nd

Governmental Stability: 11th

Crime: 53rd

Healthcare: 19th

Affordability: 34th

Food: 26th

Innovation: 25th

Pollution: 26th

Climate: 34th

Overall Average: 25

Happiness: According to the World Happiness Report, the United Kingdom scores in the highest level of happiness.

Historical Landmarks: The Birmingham area has one UNESCO World Heritage site—the Ironbridge Gorge, named after the first iron bridge of its kind.

Sports: Birmingham is currently home to two clubs in the premier league—Aston Villa and the Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Schools and Education: Birmingham has two universities in the top 1000 worldwide—University of Birmingham at 89 and Aston University at 717 .

Crime: In Birmingham, crime is high in many categories, including risk of violent crimes and property crimes, drug dealing and use. It is not considered safe to walk alone at night.

Affordability: Birmingham has a cost of living index at 58.2, meaning it’s not as expensive as many other European cities.

Food: 6 restaurants in Birmingham have exactly 1 Michelin star and no restaurants with more than 1 star.

Pollution: A pollution index score of 48.84 means that Birmingham has moderate air, noise and light pollution and is moderately dirty.

Climate: Birmingham reaches the high 60s and low 70s (F) in summer months, while in the winter, it can be found in the mid 40s in Fahrenheit.


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