Discover the 10 Healthiest Countries in the World

To deem a country as one of the healthiest on planet Earth, there are several major criteria it has to meet. While the definition of “healthy” can vary from one source to the next, we are using the Bloomberg Global Health Index for the sake of this article. This health index examines many factors, including health risks, average life expectancy, cleanliness, malnutrition, and causes of death. Check out this list of the ten healthiest countries in the World and learn why their residents live long and fulfilling lives.

1. Spain

Spain is the healthiest country in the world, featuring a health index of 92.75. This European country boasts year-round favorable weather, perfect for staying active, which many Spaniards do throughout the day. They also eat a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes olive oil, fish, nuts, and legumes, and discourages processed food, red meat, and baked goods. The Mediterranean diet is known to prevent chronic diseases and other common ailments, lending to a higher lifespan. Spain also has some of the most highly-ranked public and private hospitals in the world.

2. Italy

Like Spaniards, Italians have an excellent diet deeply embedded into their culture. What you put into your body greatly affects your overall health, and Italians eat a diet rich in vegetables, lean meat, and fresh fish. Their diet lends to their low blood pressure and cholesterol, which ranks much better compared to other developed countries. Italians are also very active and walk everywhere. An active lifestyle combined with a healthy diet can prevent early death and chronic illness.

3. Iceland

With a health index score of 91.44, Iceland is the third healthiest country in the world. Many people in this region of the world live well into their golden years, with many of its residents citing their healthful diet as the main reason for their long lifespans. Icelanders eat a wholesome diet with a focus on fresh and dried fish, either from the sea or rivers. In fact, they have one of the purest diets on the planet.

4. Japan

Diet and activity level are some of the most telling health measures for a country. Japan’s residents have a high life expectancy due to their highly active lifestyles, healthy diets, and small portions. Not only do they eat from smaller plate ware, but they eat healthy and nutritious food for every meal. Japanese households incorporate lots of seafood, soy, vegetables, fruit, and rice into their diet. They also drink natural teas as their main beverage.

5. Switzerland

The European country of Switzerland owes its spot as the fifth healthiest country in the world due to its universal healthcare, clean environment, and overall high quality of life. For the Swiss, excellent health care, healthy diets, and high income are enough to keep them happy and healthy.

6. Sweden

Like Switzerland, Sweden has access to universal healthcare, and its residents generally experience less stress than other countries. Residents of Sweden spend a lot of time enjoying the great outdoors and getting plenty of exercise. They also have easy access to fresh produce and fish and have much lower rates of obesity than countries like America.

7. Australia

With its year-round sunshine and warm weather, many Australians lead an active outdoor lifestyle. They also have access to fresh produce all year due to the climate, enabling them to make healthier food choices. When compared to Americans, Australians see their doctors more, pay less for healthcare, and die less from preventable diseases.

8. Singapore

With a health index score of 89.29, Singapore is the eighth healthiest country in the world. Its residents benefit from one of the highest life expectancies due to its universal healthcare system that emphasizes health screenings, interventions, and healthy lifestyle programs. Because its residents embrace public health and disease prevention, they live longer than many other developed nations.

9. Norway

Like other Scandinavian countries, Norway focuses on work-life balance, which greatly benefits the health of its citizens. Norwegians also eat a diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and minerals by taking advantage of its abundant coastline. They have clean air, and most Norwegians spend a lot of time outdoors.

10. Israel

One of the main factors in Israel’s health and high life expectancy is its Mediterranean diet. This diet has been hailed as the healthiest way you could eat to maximize your longevity. Israel’s residents dine on fish, dairy, and healthy fats and avoid processed food and sugar. The country also provides universal healthcare to its residents and is considered a high-income country.

A Recap of the 10 Healthiest Countries in the World