Zimbabwe’s capital ‘world’s 4th worst to live in’

Category: International Published on Wednesday, 05 September 2012 10:15 Written by Associated Press Hits: 847

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP)—An independent research group says Zimbabwe’s capital is the world’s fourth-worst city to live in, based on daily hardships and political risk. Cities in war zones are excluded from the “livability” index.

The British-based Economist Intelligence Unit put Harare 137th out of 140 cities surveyed and gave it a 39.4 rating on a scale to 100 for ideal urban conditions. In its report available Thursday, Harare ranked marginally better than Lagos in Nigeria, Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea and Dhaka, Bangladesh.

HEROES DAY—Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, left, with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, during the country’s Heroes Day Commemorations, in Harare, Aug. 13. Zimbabwe’s president says his party’s symbol of a raised fist was used to fight colonial-era white rule and is not a gesture of violence toward fellow Zimbabweans. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

In cities with a score of 50 or less “most aspects of living are severely restricted,” it said. The study aims to help businesses calculate hardship allowances for executives and employees.

The group said Harare rates poorly in health care, general infrastructure and prospects for political instability.