Caracas, the only Latin American city among the ten least livable in the world.

The recent publication of The Economist Intelligence Unit's annual livability index has shed harsh light on the reality of Caracas, which has become the only city in Latin America to appear among the ten least livable cities in the world. With a concerning rank of 164 out of a total of 173 cities evaluated, the Venezuelan capital has been rated a mere 44.9, with its most critical performance in the stability factor, where it scored only 35 points. This alarming situation highlights the difficult reality faced by its citizens in an increasingly hostile environment. The study evaluates five key factors to determine the quality of life in cities: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. In the case of Caracas, stability has been severely affected by violence, political repression, and the influence of criminal groups, which have distorted the daily lives of its inhabitants. The presence of Chavista collectives, in collaboration with Colombian guerrillas and criminal activities, has limited economic and social opportunities, pushing many to seek refuge in the capital despite the harsh conditions experienced there. Luis Alberto Villamarín, a political analyst, argues that migration to Caracas is one of the causes that has contributed to the city reaching this alarming rating. The pressure from the humanitarian crisis in the country has led to an exodus to large urban centers, where people try to survive amid scarcity and repression. Villamarín warns that the situation could worsen if significant changes are not implemented in state administration, suggesting the need for more rational and less ideologized approaches in security policy and the management of public affairs. To begin reversing this situation, Villamarín proposes international intervention, led by an organization such as the UN, to facilitate the reconstruction of Venezuela. This intervention would include negotiating an exit for Nicolás Maduro and establishing a comprehensive long-term development plan. Without decisive action, the cycle of chaos, overcrowding, and violence in Caracas and other parts of the country could intensify, generating a vicious circle of migration and destabilization. The report also reveals that cities preceding Caracas in the ranking of least livable, such as Kyiv and Port Moresby, face similar challenges, albeit each in its specific context. The war in Ukraine and political crises in other countries partly explain their low scores. However, what stands out in the case of Caracas is the persistent economic and political crisis that has been escalating for years, affecting all aspects of urban life. Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the table, cities like Vienna, Copenhagen, and Zurich have been recognized as the most livable in the world, with scores exceeding 96 points. These environments offer stability, quality healthcare, access to education, and solid infrastructure, contrasting drastically with the harsh reality faced by Caracas. The absence of Latin American cities on the lists of the most livable underscores a troubling trend in the region. The report also mentions other cities with very low livability conditions, such as Damascus and Tripoli, which have been devastated by years of armed conflict. The comparison with Caracas is revealing, as while these cities have suffered the direct impact of war, the Venezuelan capital faces a multifaceted crisis in which violence, repression, and corruption play a central role. The situation in Caracas is not merely a reflection of its political instability but also of a social and economic collapse. The lack of opportunities, insecurity, and hopelessness have led many to seek an escape from the country, which in turn perpetuates the cycle of deterioration in which the city is trapped. The urgent need for international intervention becomes more evident as the scenario complicates, and alternatives for citizens become increasingly limited. This report from The Economist is a wake-up call not only for the residents of Caracas but also for the international community. The current situation cannot be ignored, and seeking viable solutions must be a priority. Without significant changes in policy and governance, Caracas will continue to be a chilling example of what can happen when stability crumbles, and the well-being of citizens becomes a mere anecdote amid chaos.