The renowned British magazine Monocle has revealed its annual Small Cities Index and ranked Ljubljana among the top 25 small cities in the world.

Ljubljana earned its place on the Small Cities Index thanks to urban greenery, a pedestrianised centre that blends medieval and baroque architecture, plenty of cycling lanes and many initiatives to improve quality of life. Monocle describes the Slovenian capital as 'one of Europe's most interesting small capitals'.

The Monocle Small Cities Index

Due to the unpredictable situation in 2020, trends are leaning towards theincreasing popularity of smaller cities. According to Monocle, a good part of the inhabitants of large metropolises have considered downsizing from the metropolis to a quieter place, a more manageable municipality, which also provides plenty of room for movement in nature and breathing fresh air. Their annual Small Cities Index profiles the places that still offer that still offer a lot of urban life, despite their size. Thus, the list includes small well-connected cities that offer a rich culture, great business opportunities, a welcoming culture and access to nature.

In addition to the Small Cities Index, Monocle has been publishing a general City Index for many years. Both are similarly designed, and the assessments are based primarily on the mayor’s ideas and its connection with citizens, the city’s sustainable orientation, accessibility, business opportunities, and people’s attitudes toward immigrants.