Latin american Cities in Global Index: Santiago and Buenos Aires Lead the Way
Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, are leading the charge for Latin America in the Global Cities Index 2025,according to Oxford Economics. The index, which assesses over a thousand cities worldwide, places Santiago at position 160 and Buenos Aires at 192.
Key Performance Indicators
The Global Cities Index uses a multifaceted methodology to evaluate urban centers. This approach aims to provide a holistic understanding of each city’s role on the international stage.
- Economy: Assesses the economic output and stability of the city.
- Human Capital: Measures the skills, education, and talent pool available.
- quality of Life: Evaluates factors such as safety, healthcare, and cultural amenities.
- Environment: Considers environmental sustainability and resilience.
- Governance: Examines the effectiveness and openness of city administration.
Santiago’s Strengths: Human Capital
Santiago’s high ranking is substantially influenced by its strong performance in human capital. Santiago’s strong performance is due, in large part, to its 33rd place in the category of human capital, which reflects the quality of its educational infrastructure and the concentration of corporate universities and headquarters that attract talent,
explained Anthony Bernard-Sasges, senior economist at Oxford Economics.
Buenos Aires: Quality of Life and Environment
While Buenos Aires holds the 127th position in human capital, it excels in othre critical areas. The city distinguishes itself particularly in quality of life and environmental factors. The huge scale of Buenos Aires, with a GDP of more than 250 billion dollars and more than 15 million inhabitants, it makes it an attraction pole for companies that seek to expand in Latin America,
Bernard-Sasges noted.
Latin America’s Top Performers
Beyond Santiago and Buenos Aires, other Latin American cities are making their mark.Here’s a look at the top eight:
- Santiago (160)
- Buenos Aires (192)
- Mexico City (253)
- Lima (296)
- Bogotá (300)
- Sao Paulo (303)
- Monterrey (319)
- Brasilia (359)
Mexico City and Monterrey: Economic Powerhouses
Mexico City and Monterrey rank third and seventh in Latin America, respectively. Mexico City stands out for its economic strength, boasting the 28th largest metropolitan GDP globally. Oxford Economics, the global consultant founded in 1981 as a joint initiative with the University of Oxford Business School, stated, Its economy is one of the most diverse in Latin America.
Lima and Bogotá: Population Growth Drivers
Lima and Bogotá are also noteworthy for their progress. Lima secures the fourth regional spot,while Bogotá follows closely in fifth place. their growth is attributed to notable population projections, among the fastest on the continent.
Sao Paulo and Brasilia: Brazil’s Contribution
sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, ranks sixth in Latin America.Brasilia, the Brazilian capital, holds the eighth regional position, recognized for its low emissions and minimal natural disaster incidence. In fact, eight of the 20 best qualified cities in the world in the environment are in Brazil,
Bernard-sasges said.
