Groningen is the healthiest city in the Netherlands. This is evident from the Healthy City Index 2022, an inventory by consultancy and engineering organization Arcadis. Groningen was also at the top two years ago.
Arcadis mapped 25 municipalities in terms of health, based on research by RIVM that looked at the characteristics of a healthy city. Groningen appears to be the healthiest, followed by Emmen and Apeldoorn. At the bottom of the list are Amsterdam, Zaanstad and Rotterdam.
The researchers looked at issues such as air quality, noise pollution, the built environment and accessibility for cyclists, pedestrians and travelers in public transport. The space for social interaction was also examined.
Arcadis calls the integrated approach of the municipality of Groningen one of the success points. They advise municipalities to appoint an employee who focuses specifically on a healthy city.
All cities have improved since the last edition of 2020, but the four largest cities have progressed less than other cities. Utrecht is now in 14th place, The Hague at 16th, Amsterdam at 18th and Rotterdam at 20th.
Tags: Groningen healthiest city Netherlands
