As someone who cares about their health and wellbeing, you’re probably interested in learning about the factors that contribute to a longer, healthier life. Well, look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy: Japan, Australia, Switzerland, South Korea, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Singapore and Iceland.
Ranking criteria for the top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy
Life expectancy at birth is one of the most important measures of a country’s overall health and wellbeing. It is defined as the number of years a newborn infant could expect to live if prevailing patterns of age-specific mortality rates at the time of birth stay the same throughout the infant’s life. It is an indicator of the average lifespan of a person born in a particular country, and it is closely linked to a country’s overall health status, including factors such as access to healthcare, sanitation, and education. The United Nations’ Human Development Index (HDI) is a widely used tool for measuring the overall development of a country, which takes into account several factors, including life expectancy at birth. In this article, we have followed Human Development Index’s latest life expectancy at birth index ( data updates as of September 8th, 2022).
List of the top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy
Monaco boasts the highest life expectancy at birth according to the HDI’s latest index, with an average lifespan of 85.9 years. However, due to the country’s small area of only 202 hectares and a population of just 36,686 people in 2021, we have not included it in our list of the top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy.
Similarly, Malta has the fourth-highest life expectancy at birth at 83.8 years. However, with an area of 316 square kilometers and a population size of 518,536 in 2021, we have not included it in our list of the top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy.
Liechtenstein has the sixth-highest life expectancy at birth, with an average lifespan of 83.3 years. Nevertheless, we have excluded it from our list due to its small area of only 158 square kilometers and a population size of 39,039 people in 2021.
Table 1: Top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy. The world average is 71.4 years. Source: Human Development Index’s latest life expectancy at birth index ( data updates as of September 8th, 2022)
| Country name | Life expectancy at birth (years) | HDI ranking |
| Japan | 84.8 | 19 |
| Australia | 84.5 | 5 |
| Switzerland | 84.0 | 1 |
| South Korea | 83.7 | 19 |
| Norway | 83.2 | 2 |
| Sweden | 83.0 | 7 |
| Spain | 83.0 | 27 |
| Italy | 82.9 | 30 |
| Singapore | 82.8 | 12 |
| Iceland | 82.7 | 3 |
1. Japan, Top Country with the Highest Life Expectancy
Japan is the country with the highest life expectancy at birth, with an average lifespan of 84.8 years.
The country has one of the most efficient healthcare systems globally, providing universal health coverage and access to quality medical care. It has very high universal health coverage (UHC score ≥80). This means that Japanese citizens have access to early detection and treatment of illnesses, which can contribute to a longer lifespan.
The Japanese diet is known to be one of the healthiest in the world. The traditional Japanese diet is based on fresh vegetables, fish, and soy products, which are low in saturated fat and high in nutrients. This diet has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which are major causes of death globally.
Japan has a culture that places great emphasis on healthy lifestyles and wellness. This includes daily physical activity, such as walking and other forms of exercise, and a strong social support system that promotes positive mental health.
2. Australia
Australia has the second-highest life expectancy in the world, with an average lifespan of 84.5 years.
The country has a well-developed healthcare system with universal access to medical care. It has very high universal health coverage (UHC score ≥80). The country invests heavily in healthcare and medical research, which has contributed to improved health outcomes and a higher life expectancy.
Australia has a strong emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion. The country has a comprehensive national immunization program, which has led to a significant reduction in the incidence of infectious diseases. Additionally, there are extensive public health campaigns aimed at promoting healthy behaviors such as physical activity, healthy eating, and smoking cessation.
It has a high standard of living and a relatively low poverty rate. This means that Australians have access to good-quality food, housing, and education, which are important factors in promoting good health and longevity.
Australia is home to a diverse population, with people from various cultural backgrounds. This diversity has led to a wide variety of cuisines and cultural practices that emphasize healthy living, such as Mediterranean diets, yoga, and traditional Aboriginal practices.
Australia has strict regulations around food and product safety, which has led to a lower incidence of foodborne illnesses and other preventable health issues. The country also has a well-established emergency response system, which ensures timely access to medical care in case of emergencies.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland has the third-highest life expectancy at birth, with an average lifespan of 84 years. Considering its HDI score, Switzerland is the best country to live in.
The country has a comprehensive healthcare system with universal health coverage, which ensures that all residents have access to quality medical care. It has very high universal health coverage (UHC score ≥80).
Switzerland has a high standard of living and a well-established social welfare system, which ensures that citizens have access to good-quality housing, education, and food. This contributes to making the country one of the healthiest countries in the world, as access to quality living standards is linked to improved health outcomes and longevity.
Switzerland has a high rate of physical activity among its citizens. This is partly due to its mountainous terrain and the abundance of outdoor recreational activities. The country also has a well-developed public transportation system, which encourages active modes of transportation such as walking and cycling.
4. South Korea
South Korea has an average lifespan of 83.7 years, making it the fourth-highest country in terms of life expectancy. The country has a universal healthcare system, with access to quality medical care for all citizens. South Korea also has a strong focus on preventative healthcare, with a high level of public awareness and education about healthy living. In addition, the country has made significant strides in improving public health, including reducing smoking rates and improving air quality.
South Korea has a traditional diet that is considered to be healthy. The country’s cuisine features a variety of fresh vegetables, seafood, and fermented foods, which are linked to improved health outcomes. Additionally, South Korea has a strong emphasis on community and family support, which is important for overall health and well-being. The country has a strong tradition of social support networks, which provide assistance to those in need and contribute to a sense of social cohesion.
Table: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) service coverage index by country, 2000-2019. >80 denotes very high coverage. Source: Tracking Universal Health Coverage: 2021 Global Monitoring Report. The report was published on June 27, 2022.
| Country | 2019 | 2017 | 2015 | 2010 | 2005 | 2000 |
| Japan | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | 80 | 77 | 70 |
| Australia | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | 80 |
| Switzerland | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | 79 | 80 | 77 |
| South Korea | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | 75 |
| Norway | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | 80 | 74 |
| Sweden | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | 78 | 75 |
| Spain | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | 78 | 74 |
| Italy | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | 79 | 76 | 70 |
| Singapore | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | 78 | 68 | 62 |
| Iceland | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | 77 |
5. Norway
Norway has an average lifespan of 83.2 years, making it the fifth-highest country in terms of life expectancy. The country has a universal healthcare system, with access to quality medical care for all citizens. Norway also has a strong focus on preventative healthcare, with a high level of public awareness and education about healthy living.
6. Sweden
Sweden has an average lifespan of 83 years, making it the sixth-highest country in terms of life expectancy. The country has a universal healthcare system, with access to quality medical care for all citizens. The country has a strong focus on public health, including campaigns to reduce smoking rates and promote physical activity.
7. Spain
Spain has an average lifespan of 83 years, making it the seventh-highest country in terms of life expectancy. The country has a universal healthcare system, with access to quality medical care for all citizens. Spain is also known for its healthy Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and olive oil.
8. Italy
Italy has an average lifespan of 82.9 years, making it the eighth-highest country in terms of life expectancy. The country has a universal healthcare system, with access to quality medical care for all citizens.
Italy is also known for its healthy Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and olive oil.
9. Singapore
Singapore is a small island nation with a population of just over 5 million people, but it has the ninth-highest life expectancy in the world, with an average lifespan of 82.8 years.
The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a strong focus on preventative healthcare and early intervention. Singapore also has a high level of public education about healthy living, with campaigns and programs aimed at promoting healthy eating and exercise.
10. Iceland, the 10th healthiest country
Iceland has an average lifespan of 82.7 years, making it the 10th-highest country in terms of life expectancy.
The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a strong focus on preventative healthcare and early intervention. Iceland is also known for its clean air, water, and natural environment, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
Summary of the Top 10 Countries with the Highest Life Expectancy
The top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy are
- Japan (84.8 years)
- Australia (84.5 years)
- Switzerland (84.0 years)
- South Korea (83.7 years)
- Norway (83.2 years)
- Sweden (83 years)
- Spain (83 years)
- Italy (82.9 years)
- Singapore (82.8 years)
- Iceland (82.7 years)
Overall, the top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy at birth are characterized by high levels of healthcare access and quality, a focus on preventative healthcare, and a healthy diet and lifestyle. These countries have made significant investments in public health, and they have reaped the benefits in the form of longer, healthier lives for their citizens.
However, it’s important to note that life expectancy is not solely determined by healthcare access and quality, but is also influenced by social and economic factors, such as income inequality, education, and social support. As such, improving life expectancy requires a multifaceted approach that addresses these broader social determinants of health.
In conclusion, the top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy at birth provide valuable lessons for improving public health around the world. By investing in healthcare access and quality, promoting healthy lifestyles, and addressing social determinants of health, countries can help their citizens live longer, healthier lives.
