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Top 10 Cities with the Most Public Toilets: Chiang Mai on Top, European Cities Dominate List

A study by QS Supplies analyzed public toilet access across global cities and tourist hotspots, finding that Chiang Mai, Thailand, has the most public toilets per 100,000 people, followed by three Swiss cities.

By Aanya Mehta·Aug 4·indianexpress.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

Top 10 Cities with the Most Public Toilets: Chiang Mai on Top, European Cities Dominate List
Image: indianexpress.com

Chiang Mai, Thailand, has the most public toilets per 100,000 people, followed by three Swiss cities, according to a study by QS Supplies. The study analyzed public toilet access across global cities and tourist hotspots.

Why it matters

This story matters to someone following India because it highlights the importance of public toilet access in major cities around the world, including those in the US and UK.

Imagine you're on a trip and you really need to go to the bathroom. You don't want to search for a long time, right? That's why cities with lots of public toilets are super helpful. Chiang Mai, Thailand, has the most public toilets per 100,000 people, making it a great place to visit if you need to use the bathroom.

Analysis

A Global Ranking of Public Toilets: What Does it Mean for Travelers and Cities Alike?

The study by QS Supplies analyzed public toilet access across global cities and tourist hotspots, paying special attention to availability within the United States and the United Kingdom. The team used OpenStreetMap data to calculate the number of public toilets per 100,000 people across major cities worldwide, including in the US and UK. By combining these city metrics, they determined the overall national average for each country. Locations lacking defined borders on OpenStreetMap were removed from the dataset. Additionally, the team made manual corrections for cities with inflated figures caused by university campus restrooms, which are typically off limits to the general public.

Among the main findings, Chiang Mai, Thailand, ranks first globally for large cities with 92.7 public toilets per 100,000 people. Zurich, Switzerland, offers the best access among global tourist hotspots at 76.5 restrooms per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, Exeter tops the UK with 38.7 per 100,000, and Salt Lake City claims the highest density in the U.S. (and fifth highest worldwide) at 66.6 restrooms per 100,000 people.

What Does this Mean for Travelers?

For travelers, this study provides valuable insights into the availability of public toilets in major cities around the world. It can help them plan their trips more effectively and avoid the stress of searching for a restroom on the go. The study's findings can also inform urban planning and policy decisions, ensuring that cities prioritize the provision of public toilets and improve the overall quality of life for their residents.

Implications for Cities and Governments

The study's findings have significant implications for cities and governments. By prioritizing the provision of public toilets, cities can improve the overall quality of life for their residents, reduce the stress of searching for a restroom on the go, and enhance the overall tourist experience. Governments can also use this data to inform urban planning and policy decisions, ensuring that cities are designed with the needs of their residents and visitors in mind.

Key points

  • Chiang Mai, Thailand, has the most public toilets per 100,000 people.
  • Three Swiss cities, Zurich, Bern, and Basel, offer the best access among global tourist hotspots.
  • Exeter tops the UK with 38.7 public toilets per 100,000 people.
  • Salt Lake City claims the highest density in the U.S. (and fifth highest worldwide) at 66.6 restrooms per 100,000 people.
The Upside

If cities prioritize the provision of public toilets, it could lead to improved quality of life for residents and a more enjoyable tourist experience. This, in turn, could boost local economies and attract more visitors.

The Downside

If cities fail to prioritize public toilet provision, it could lead to increased stress and discomfort for residents and visitors. This, in turn, could negatively impact local economies and reputation.

Originally reported at

indianexpress.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagstravelpublic-toiletsglobal-citiestourist-hotspotsurban-planningpolicy-decisions

Author

Aanya Mehta

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 4, 2026

Source

indianexpress.com

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Topics

travelpublic-toiletsglobal-citiestourist-hotspotsurban-planningpolicy-decisions

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