The World's Healthiest Nations

It’s often said that health is the real wealth, and these 20 countries are thriving. With policies like universal healthcare and cultural habits that emphasize balance, their populations enjoy some of the best health outcomes in the world. Data Panda analyzed the 2024 Bloomberg Global Health Index and updated the ranking in September 2024.

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1. Spain (92.75)

Spain’s longevity culture begins at the table, with healthy food and precise portions. That also extends to better living choices, like reliance on fresh produce. Their health system prioritizes prevention, not panic. As of 2023, the life expectancy is approximately 84 years, reflecting Spain’s effective health strategies.

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2. Italy (91.59)

Italians maintain an approximately 84-year life expectancy, driven by their diet and daily habits. A blend of ancestral diets contributes to a lifestyle often described as low-stress, though this varies by individual. Pasta might be on the menu, but so is discipline. Their healthcare ranks high, their lifestyle even higher.

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3. Iceland (91.44)

This cold country ranks high for its clean environment, low pollution levels, and strong public health infrastructure. The country leverages geothermal energy for heating and bathing, and its residents benefit from nutrient-rich seafood and widespread mental wellness practices. Community cohesion and a naturally active lifestyle further support population health.

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4. Japan (91.38)

The Japanese maintain one of the world’s highest life expectancies at 83 years. This is due to a diet rich in vegetables and fermented foods, as well as cultural values promoting purposeful living and social support. From a young age, preventive healthcare and an emphasis on regular physical activity are ingrained.

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5. Switzerland (90.93)

Top-tier health outcomes in Switzerland arise from universal healthcare, strict environmental regulations, and a lifestyle rooted in outdoor activity. With clean cities and efficient medical services, residents enjoy balanced, wellness-oriented lives. As a result, the nation has a life expectancy of 83 years.

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6. Sweden (90.24)

Sweden’s strong social safety net provides a stable foundation for public health. Low obesity rates reflect the population’s health-conscious lifestyle. Universal healthcare ensures that medical services are accessible to all. Additionally, the national philosophy of lagom—a commitment to balance—shapes everything from meals to work routines.

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7. Australia (89.75)

Effective public healthcare and widespread government fitness campaigns shape Australia’s health success. The measures start with food safety standards and include minor details, such as urging residents to get natural vitamin D from ample sunlight. This lifestyle contributes to a life expectancy of 83.2 years.

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8. Singapore (89.29)

Singapore’s urban environment may be dense, but its health metrics are anything but stifled. With public hygiene laws and green space planning in place, the city-state reaches a life expectancy of 83.6 years. Clean streets, tightly regulated food systems, and near-universal healthcare form a safety net that supports longevity. 

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9. Norway (89.09)

Public health in Norway is deeply rooted in equity. Here, universal healthcare is fully funded through taxation, while a culture of outdoor activity—from skiing to hiking—supports both physical and mental well-being. The country’s life expectancy of 83.5 years reflects the strength of its welfare model.

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10. Israel (88.15)

Israel also has an impressive 82.6-year life expectancy, bolstered by military service-driven fitness and strong community bonds. This longevity thrives at the intersection of pioneering medical technology and traditional practices. Here, digital innovations complement the Mediterranean diet’s proven health benefits.

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11. Luxembourg (87.39)

Despite its small size, Luxembourg invests heavily in its citizens’ well-being. Public health funding is among the highest per capita in Europe, with easy access to specialists and clean public environments. These investments help sustain a population that enjoys a life expectancy of 82.3 years.

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12. France (86.94)

France’s remarkable 82.4-year life expectancy stems from its balanced approach to health. The culture embraces portion-controlled indulgence alongside one of the world’s most accessible healthcare systems. This harmonious blend of moderation in lifestyle and sophisticated universal care delivery creates consistently strong wellness outcomes nationwide.

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13. Austria (86.30)

Resting between urban centers and alpine wilderness, Austria cultivates an 81.9-year life expectancy through exceptional recreational accessibility. Government wellness initiatives actively promote regular exercise and preventive healthcare screenings. This creates a national culture where living healthy comes naturally.

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14. Finland (85.89)

Finland’s wellness model is built on consistent pillars like education and holistic care. The country’s national mindset also values balance and advocates for both physical and mental well-being, contributing to a life expectancy of 81.7 years. Low sugar consumption across age groups further reinforces the country’s preventive approach.

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15. Netherlands (85.86)

Cycling isn’t just a mode of transport in the Netherlands; it is a national health asset. Combined with plant-forward diets and efficient healthcare access, these habits help prevent chronic illness. As a result, Dutch residents live an average of 81.4 years.

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16. South Korea (85.41)

Proactive care defines health in South Korea. Its system encompasses fermented foods-rich diets, daily hygiene routines, and cultural norms around regular health screenings. This creates a population that takes prevention seriously. With these practices ingrained, South Korea achieves a life expectancy of 82.8 years.

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17. United Kingdom (84.28)

Public health messaging in the UK—from anti-smoking campaigns to sugar taxes—has had a long-term impact. The National Health Service, though stretched, provides broad access to care. Life expectancy here currently stands at 81.2 years, supported by green spaces and reliable food regulations.

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18. Ireland (84.06)

Ireland’s life expectancy reaches 82.1 years, thanks to policy reforms and a growing culture of mindfulness. Landmark smoking bans and community wellness events have modernized the nation’s approach to health. These initiatives support steady progress in mental and physical well-being across all age groups.

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19. Cyprus (83.58)

Mediterranean living pays off in Cyprus. Communal meals, fresh seafood, and a low-stress lifestyle define daily life. As the country continues expanding healthcare access, these traditions help Cypriots enjoy a life expectancy of 82.5 years, among the highest in the region.

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20. Portugal (83.1)

Portugal blends strong disease prevention efforts with a robust healthcare infrastructure, contributing to a projected life expectancy of 82.95 years in 2025. The healthcare system is high-quality and affordable, especially in the private sector. The country offers a well-rounded, accessible lifestyle that supports long-term health and well-being.

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