Hannover’s industrious nature is enduring and contagious. That much was clear during Hannover Messe 2025, its blockbuster industry fair, where a contingent of 200,000 from 150+ countries gathered in the #1-ranked convention centre in Europe, ready to dive into the future of work. And where better to do it? This is the economic engine of the Leine River, home to corporate giants like Volkswagen, DHL, and Swiss Life. This roster of heavy hitters, paired with a healthy student population, helps Hannover keep unemployment low (#24) and prosperity high (#34 in our overall Prosperity index).
But Hannover is keenly aware that life’s not all clock in, clock out. With the 27th-best weather in Europe, people naturally want to venture into the city to enjoy its ample green spaces (#46) and charming, pedestrian-friendly streets, ranked #39 in our Walkability subcategory. Plans for a nearly car-free city centre by 2030 could push it higher. Tourism is back to pre-COVID levels, stoked not just by trade fairs but also a healthy calendar of cultural events that includes Schützenfest, the world’s largest marksmen festival, running since 1529. The arts also matter here, as its UNESCO City of Music honour – and nigh-daily theatre, opera and arts programming – would indicate.