For Long Life
Want to live forever—or at least past 85? The latest data from the United Nations, visualized by Visual Capitalist, reveals where on Earth people are defying the clock. From microstates with elite healthcare to island nations with anti-stress cultures, these 25 countries offer the best shot at adding candles to your cake (and maybe even to the neighbors' cakes too).
1. Monaco
Monaco ranks number one on the list with its population averaging lives up to 86.5 years. What tips the scale in their favor? No income tax, a culture that emphasizes health, and yachts almost as far as the eye can see.
2. San Marino
San Marino sits nestled into northern Italy, and ranks second with its life expectancy of 85.8 years. Its residents have access to a strong public health system and its culture emphasizes active lifestyles. The opportunity to take walks among its picturesque hills probably helps too.
3. Hong Kong
With a life expectancy of 85.6 years, Hong Kong is Asia’s longevity champ. The government’s proactive healthcare policies, rigorous hygiene standards, and wide access to medical services keep residents in tip-top shape.
4. Japan
Japan famously has one of the world’s oldest populations. The average life expectancy is 84.8 years. Many factors contribute to their long lives, including their clean diets, mindful eating, and portion control. Even more than that, the healthcare system overall prioritizes prevention over care.
5. South Korea
South Korea has become well known as a public health powerhouse, with its life expectancy sitting at 84.4 years. Recently, the country has become one of the healthiest places to live with modernization of infrastructure, education, and general focus on well-being.
6. Andorra
Tucked between France and Spain, Andorra enjoys an average life expectancy of 84.2 years. It may be tiny, but its clean mountain air, outdoor lifestyle, and low stress levels contribute significantly to residents' well-being. Combine that with access to healthcare in both neighboring countries and a focus on preventative medicine, and you’ve got a recipe for a long, peaceful life.
Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga), CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
7. Switzerland
Switzerland offers more than chocolate and banks—it also offers 84.1 years of life on average. Citizens enjoy one of the best healthcare systems in the world, and it shows in their long, active lives. Add in low arrests, clean environments, and an outdoorsy culture, and it’s no wonder the Swiss tend to age like a fine Emmental.
8. Australia
At 84.1 years, Australia leads the Western world in life expectancy. That’s right—kangaroos and koalas aren’t the only things thriving down under. Aussies benefit from excellent healthcare, high physical activity levels, and a culture that values work-life balance and sunshine. Plus, who wouldn’t feel healthier living near a beach?
9. Italy
Italy isn’t just a tourist paradise—it’s a life-extending paradise with an average expectancy of 83.9 years. The Mediterranean diet is more than a trend here; it’s a way of life rich in olive oil, legumes, fish, and red wine (in moderation, of course). Factor in strong social ties, multigenerational households, and frequent walking, and you’ve got yourself a nation built for longevity.
10. Singapore
Singapore also clocks in at 83.9 years, thanks to its world-class healthcare infrastructure and immaculate urban planning. This city-state runs like a well-oiled machine, and that efficiency extends to keeping its citizens alive and well. Preventive care, early screenings, and clean living contribute to a thriving, long-lived population.
11. Spain
Spain continues the Mediterranean health trend, boasting 83.8 years of average life. From tapas to daily strolls through scenic towns, Spanish culture naturally incorporates healthy habits. Social connectivity and strong family bonds also help explain their longevity—plus, siestas probably don’t hurt either.
12. Liechtenstein
This Alpine micro-monarchy is tiny but mighty, with a life expectancy of 83.8 years. Its residents enjoy excellent medical services and high living standards. The strong economy and clean air make Liechtenstein an ideal setting for a long, comfortable life.
13. Malta
Malta’s 83.5-year average is supported by its balanced mix of Mediterranean cuisine, active lifestyles, and strong community health programs. The warm climate promotes outdoor living, and the island nation’s tight-knit culture fosters mental well-being. It’s a place where slowing down is part of the rhythm—perfect for living longer.
14. France
Vive la vie longue! France clocks in at 83.5 years, thanks in part to its healthcare system and famously balanced lifestyle. The French don’t rush meals or work themselves into a frenzy—they embrace leisure and moderation. That 5.6-year gender gap, though, is something French men might want to look into.
15. Norway
Norwegians live an average of 83.5 years, and it’s not hard to see why. Their generous welfare state ensures access to healthcare for all, while a love for the outdoors keeps them moving year-round. And let’s be honest: those fjords aren’t just beautiful—they’re invigorating.
16. Sweden
At 83.4 years, Sweden proves that social stability and access to healthcare go hand in hand with longevity. Swedes benefit from generous parental leave, high quality of life, and strong trust in government institutions. Plus, their cultural embrace of “lagom” (moderation) promotes healthy habits across the board.
17. Vatican City
This one’s a bit of a statistical anomaly, but Vatican City makes the list at 83.1 years. With a tiny population (mostly clergy) and strong access to healthcare via Italy, the numbers skew high. It’s also a stress-free place in many ways—unless you're the Pope.
18. United Arab Emirates
The UAE’s population clocks in at a 83.1 year life expectancy. This can be attributed to the rapid monetization and high investment in healthcare. The hospitals are cutting-edge, and the Gulf country places extra focus on wellness.
19. Iceland
Icelanders enjoy 83.0 years of life on average, thanks to their fresh diets, geothermal baths, and tight community bonds. Clean air and active lifestyles help too—people here don’t just survive winters, they thrive through them. With more sheep than people, stress is probably rare.
robingileo, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
20. Israel
In Israel, residents can expect to live up to 82.7 years. This results from the culture, which places special emphasis on health and family. Furthermore, the country invests heavily in medical research, and is known for a diet rooted in healthy Mediterranean tradition.
21. Canada
One of the few Eastern countries to make the list, Canada boasts a life expectancy of 82.7 years. Canadians can credit their long lives to free healthcare, clean cities, and society known worldwide for being extremely polite. And, of course, homegrown maple syrup makes everything better.
22. Ireland
Ireland boasts an average of 82.6 years, helped along by improved public health systems and a dramatic decline in smoking rates over the past few decades. Its socialized medicine model provides wide access to care. And yes, the countryside views probably help lower blood pressure.
23. Portugal
Portugal's 82.5-year life expectancy is fueled by its low cost of living, temperate climate, and seafood-rich diet. Retirees from all over the world are flocking here for a reason—it's not just picturesque, it's peaceful. The Portuguese also benefit from strong family ties and relaxed social rhythms.
24. Qatar
Qatar’s blend of wealth and medical innovation drives its 82.5-year average. The country has invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure and preventive programs. It also boasts low crime and a relatively young population, skewing its national stats toward the high end.
25. Luxembourg
Rounding out the list is Luxembourg, with a life expectancy of 82.4 years. This financial hub is rich not just in capital, but also in quality of life and public services. A high standard of education, healthcare, and nutrition all add up to longer lives for its citizens.
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