When looking at the countries with the highest life expectancy, a number of notable factors become apparent across each of the regions and cultures that make up the list; factors which are likely contributors to the lengthy lifespans of their citizenry. The number one factor is almost certainly diet, with those countries that eat well and healthily tending to rank very highly on the list. Other prominent factors include a clean water supply and the general prosperity of the country.
These are just a few of the factors among the many of course. Countries with a good health care system, low rates of violence and less poverty are also more likely to have a higher life expectancy. Cleaner countries also tend to rank higher, providing a major advantage for their citizens compared to countries with high levels of pollution.
Countries in Asia and Europe hold many of the top ranks in our list of The World’s 15 Healthiest Countries in the world, with an average lifespan of between anywhere from 80-84 years. Our newest list looks at the countries with the highest life expectancy in the world, giving us an intimate glimpse into the social and economic dynamics that lead to long life. Let’s begin the countdown and see what we can draw from it in an effort to improve our own lives and cultures.
10. Italy
Life expectancy at birth (Years) – 81.86
Factors such as low infant mortality, healthy diet, sufficient water, and nutritious food supply are some of the reasons Italy lands in the top ten of our list. Good sanitation and the third best health care system in the world are also major contributing factors.
9. Australia
Life expectancy at birth (Years) – 81.90
Australia’s prosperous lifestyle with a healthy diet and good environment bumps up the average lifespan of their people. Although recent research predicts a fall in their life span because of factors like smoking, obesity, and poverty, they are currently the ninth longest-lived people in the world.
8. Hong Kong
Life expectancy at birth (Years) – 82.12
Due to the well balanced and healthy diet maintained by the people of Hong Kong, rates of cancer, heart disease and obesity are quite low, granting them long life as a result.
7. Guernsey
Life expectancy at birth (Years) – 82.24
At number seven is Guernsey. The fact that this country is extremely wealthy is what makes this country a part of our list of the ten countries with the highest life expectancy. The country’s low tax rate allows it to provide its people with the best nutrition and medical care to maintain a healthy and long life.
6. Andorra
Life expectancy at birth (Years) – 82.50
An average Andorran follows a Mediterranean diet with less meat and lots of plants and fish. Good exercise, which comes naturally from walking up and down the Andorran hills, is another reason for the long life and good health of even its oldest citizens.
The five countries with the highest life expectancy can be found on the following pages. Can you guess which country tops the list?
5. San Marino
Life expectancy at birth (Years) – 83.07
San Marino is the world’s oldest republic and the third smallest country in Europe. The country employs a majority of its population indoors, with office work as opposed to intensive and dirty industrial and labor work being a potential factor in their increased lifespans.
4. Singapore
Life expectancy at birth (Years) – 83.75
Singapore makes our list of top countries with the highest life expectancy because of its prosperity. Earlier in the 1980’s, Singapore’s government noticed they had an aging population and took care of it bthrough careful planning and providing appropriate health facilities for the elderly.
3. Japan
Life expectancy at birth (Years) – 83.91
With an obesity rate of just 3%, Japan holds quite the record on our rank of top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy. Their key staple diet consists of vegetables, fish, rice, and noodles, which is considered one of the healthiest in the world. Another important factor that gives Japan’s people an advantage in maintaining their good health is their reluctance to use transportation services, instead showing a preference for walking and bike riding.
2. Macau
Life expectancy at birth (Years) – 84.43
Macau’s booming economy gives it a major advantage. Money flows in like a river from mainland visitors, and the profits of businesses and its gaming industry are vast, all of which is invested back into public services like their public health care system.
1. Monaco
Life expectancy at birth (Years) – 89.68
The second smallest country in the world also happens to be the one with the highest life expectancy on the planet, with citizens living an average of nearly 90 years, more than five years greater than Macau in second place. The country is well known for its high living standards, which includes access to good water, sanitation, and health care, while serious public threats like HIV have yet to infiltrate the country.
