Most people think the “healthiest country” is the one where people simply live the longest, but the Healthiest Countries in the World prove it goes deeper than lifespan.
But longevity alone can lie.
A person can live to 83 and still spend their last 15 years managing pain, medication, and hospital visits. That is why the World Health Organization tracks something more meaningful: Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE), which measures how many years a person lives in full health, not just survival.
And the global health gap is real, which is why measures like the Global Health Security Index matter when comparing resilience.
Before the pandemic, global life expectancy increased from 66.8 years (2000) to 73.1 years (2019). But healthy life expectancy only rose from 58.1 to 63.5 years, meaning we gained years, but many of them were not truly healthy ones.
So when we talk about the Top 5 healthiest countries in the world, we are not talking about trends or vibes, we are looking at data-backed comparisons like HALE and the Global Health Index.
We are looking at countries that consistently deliver stronger outcomes through lifestyle habits, smarter systems, and better work-life balance.
- Longer healthy lives
- Strong healthcare systems
- Everyday movement
- Diet patterns that reduce chronic disease
These are the countries doing it right.
Now, let us break down the top 5 healthiest countries in the world and what makes them stand out.
1) Spain: The Mediterranean lifestyle that protects your heart
Spain did not become one of the Healthiest Countries in the World by chasing fitness trends.
It did it by building a lifestyle where health happens naturally, supported by strong health care access and daily movement.
For starters, Spain stays high in global longevity rankings, especially across Europe. According to an OECD health profile, life expectancy at birth in Spain was 84 years in 2024, which is 2.3 years above the EU average and among the highest in the EU.
And when you look at healthy years instead of just total years, Spain still holds its position. WHO data shows Spain’s Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) at birth improved to 71.1 years in 2021, up from 68.9 years in 2000.
Even more impressive: Spain ranks high not only because people live longer, but because older adults continue to stay healthier. OECD data notes that among OECD countries, women in Spain had the highest life expectancy at age 65 in 2021 at 23.5 years.
So yes, Spain’s health story is backed by numbers and often reflected in rankings like the Bloomberg Global Health Index.
But the real reason Spain wins is simpler: it is one of the few places where people still eat real food, walk daily without forcing it, and treat meals like a part of life, not a guilty pleasure.
That is the Spanish advantage, and it is exactly why Spain stays on every list of the Healthiest Countries in the World.
Why Spain ranks so high
- A food culture built around longevity
Spain’s health advantage is strongly tied to the Mediterranean diet, with staples like:
- Olive oil
- Vegetables and legumes
- Fruits
- Seafood
- Nuts
- Lower intake of heavily processed foods
This style of eating is rich in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, helping lower long-term risks linked to cardiovascular disease.
- Movement is part of the day
A lot of wellness in Spain comes from normal life movement. Walking to markets, meeting people outside, and staying active through routines and outdoor activities rather than workout guilt.
- Preventive care is normal
Countries that rank high in health often rely on strong primary care, prevention, and timely medical treatment when needed, supported by access models like universal healthcare. Spain’s public healthcare model and screening culture show how strong healthcare systems create long-term stability.
A Spanish health habit worth stealing
Replace one heavy processed meal each day with a Mediterranean plate:
- A bowl of lentils or chickpeas
- A salad with olive oil
- A small serving of fish or eggs
- Fruit after food, not sugar desserts
Small shift. Big payoff.
2) Japan: Longevity is not an accident here
Japan is not just healthy on paper, it is one of the Healthiest Countries in the World because it adds healthy years, not just extra years. It is one of the rare countries where long life and better aging go hand in hand.
According to WHO data, Japan’s Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) at birth reached 73.4 years in 2021, rising from 71.1 years in 2000. That means Japan is adding healthy years, not just extra years on medication.
And across OECD nations, Japan consistently sits at the top for overall life expectancy.
Many countries have rising life expectancy, but the real question is: How much of that life is actually lived in good health?
That is what HALE measures.
- Japan HALE (2021): 73.4 years
- Japan HALE improvement (2000 to 2021): +2.29 years
This is a big deal because globally, healthy life expectancy often grows slower than total life expectancy. The WHO has highlighted that worldwide, HALE gained 5.3 years vs. 6.4 years for total life expectancy, meaning many people live longer, but spend more years managing illness.
Japan is one of the countries that resists that pattern better than most.
Why Japan stays healthier for longer
- Portions are naturally controlled
In Japan, meals are often lighter, balanced, and spread across multiple small dishes, which helps keep Obesity Rates lower over time. This helps people stay satisfied without overeating.
- Diet is nutrient-dense, not calorie-dense
Common foods include:
- Fish
- Rice
- Seaweed
- Fermented foods (miso, natto)
- Vegetables and soups
That means fewer ultra-processed foods and more gut-friendly options.
- Walking is the default
Japan is built for walking and public transport. People move every day without needing motivation or fitness trends.
- Strong public health systems and discipline
Preventive screenings and organized access matter, and Japan’s healthcare systems support that discipline well.
A Japanese health habit worth stealing
Adopt the habit of stopping at “comfortable full” instead of full-full.
Even doing this 3–4 days a week changes digestion, energy, and weight trends.
3) Switzerland: Clean environments + world-class healthcare
Switzerland is one of those rare places where good health is not a personal struggle, because its healthcare systems stay consistent and high-quality, which is why it ranks among the Healthiest Countries in the World. It is a national standard.
And the numbers prove it.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Switzerland’s Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) reached 71.1 years in 2021, improving from 68.4 years in 2000. That means the average person is living more years in full health, not just living longer on paper.
Switzerland also ranks among the top countries for overall life expectancy. The OECD highlights that Japan, Korea, and Switzerland are at the top of life expectancy rankings across OECD nations.
And in Europe specifically, OECD reports Switzerland had the highest life expectancy in Europe outside the EU at 84.2 years (2023).
So what is Switzerland doing right?
A lot, actually. And the best part is that their “health formula” is not extreme. It is practical and consistent.
Why Switzerland is so healthy
- Strong healthcare quality
Switzerland is known for efficient medical care, strong health insurance coverage, and high standards in treatment and early diagnosis.
- Clean air and outdoor culture
When air pollution stays low, cardiovascular and respiratory health improve across the population. Also, nature access encourages movement through hiking, walking, and other outdoor activities.
- High standard of living and stability
Financial and social stability reduce long-term stress, which impacts inflammation, heart health, and immunity more than most people realize.
A Swiss health habit worth stealing
Make your “mental health walk” a daily non-negotiable:
- 20 minutes
- No calls
- No scrolling
- Just walking and breathing
That one habit is a quiet stress detox.
4) Singapore: A country designed around prevention
Singapore is one of the Healthiest Countries in the World, because health feels less like a personal battle and more like a system built around prevention.
And the stats behind it are serious.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Singapore’s Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) at birth reached 73.6 years in 2021, improving by 4.24 years since 2000.
That is not just people living longer. That is people living longer in good health, supported by prevention-led health care.
WHO also reported Singapore’s life expectancy decreased to 83.9 years since 2019, reflecting the pandemic period, yet Singapore still remains among the world leaders for longevity and health outcomes.
So what makes Singapore such a standout?
Why Singapore is considered one of the healthiest
- Strong healthcare infrastructure
Singapore has built a system that emphasizes structured care, disease control, and health insurance structures that support early intervention.
- Clean and organized urban living
Many people underestimate how much clean cities affect health.
- Lower exposure to pollution
- Better sanitation
- Better sanitation, stronger water quality, and safer food systems.
All of it adds up over time.
- High health awareness
Public messaging around health risks and prevention is strong, and people take it seriously.
A Singapore-style habit worth stealing
Make preventive health checks normal, not scary:
- Blood sugar and HbA1c
- Lipid profile
- Vitamin D and B12
- Blood pressure
Do it once a year, even if you “feel fine”. That is how prevention works.
5) Italy: Food, family, and a slower pace that supports health
Italy is one of the Healthiest Countries in the World, consistently appearing in conversations about healthy living, longevity, and lifestyle-based wellness.
And while people often reduce Italy to “pasta and pizza”, Italy’s health story is deeper.
Italy is one of those countries that embarrasses the rest of the world. Not because Italians are obsessed with fitness.
But because they have mastered something most people are chasing: a lifestyle that protects health without feeling like a punishment.
And the numbers back it up.
According to WHO data, Italy’s Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) at birth rose from 68.4 years (2000) to 70.6 years (2021).
That means the average person is living more years in full health, not just stretching life with medication.
Italy is also recovering strongly from the pandemic dip. The EU Country Health Profile 2025 reports that life expectancy in Italy reached 84.1 years in 2024, the highest in the EU alongside Sweden, and about two and a half years above the EU average.
Even global rankings have highlighted Italy’s population health advantage, including the Bloomberg Global Health Index. It has repeatedly placed Italy among the top countries, including being overtaken only slightly by Spain in 2019.
So why is Italy always near the top?
Why Italy stays healthier
- Mediterranean eating pattern again
Italy’s traditional food culture is centered around:
- Vegetables
- Olive oil
- Beans
- Fresh ingredients
- Smaller portions of meat
- Fewer ultra-processed foods (in traditional homes)
- Social connection is part of life
One overlooked health factor is loneliness. In many Italian communities, meals are social. Elderly people stay connected. Families check in. That reduces chronic stress and depression-related decline.
- People eat slower
Slow eating improves digestion, insulin response, and satisfaction. A rushed meal hits your body differently.
An Italian health habit worth stealing
Slow down one meal a day.
No multitasking. No screens.
Eat like your body deserves attention.
It sounds small, but your hormones and digestion will thank you.
What the Top 5 Healthiest Countries Have in Common
Even though these countries are different, they share some powerful common patterns, and they tend to score well across broader benchmarks like the Global Health Index.
1) They prioritize prevention over panic
In many places, people only visit doctors when something breaks. Healthier countries build prevention into systems and routines.
That includes screenings, primary care, health education, and structures like public health insurance that reduce delay in care. WHO’s Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) is a strong indicator for this because it measures healthy years lived, not just lifespan.
2) They make movement easy
You do not have to “find motivation” when your city encourages walking.
Healthiest nations do not necessarily have the best gyms.
They have the best daily movement patterns.
3) Their diets are mostly real food
The biggest difference is not a trendy superfood.
It is simple:
- More vegetables
- More fiber
- More home cooking
- Less ultra-processed food
4) Social health is treated like real health
Strong social support improves outcomes, and better mental health support makes healthy aging easier.
This is even reflected in global well-being research, where healthy life expectancy is used as a factor in broader quality-of-life rankings.
A quick reminder: No country gives you perfect health
Even the healthiest nations still face challenges, especially the rising cost and demand for long-term care.
- Aging populations
- Heart disease and diabetes risks
- Mental health pressures
- Lifestyle shifts from modern habits
Global research like the Global Burden of Disease studies shows how disease patterns evolve over time, including major disruptions like COVID-19.
So instead of obsessing over where people live, focus on what those places do right, and borrow it.
How you can live like the healthiest countries (from anywhere)
You do not need to move to Spain or Japan to feel healthier.
Start with these 5 changes, inspired by the healthiest nations:
- Eat one Mediterranean-style meal daily
Olive oil, vegetables, lentils, fruits, nuts. - Walk 20 minutes daily
No phone. No pressure. Just movement. - Make sleep your real health insurance
7–8 hours consistently beats weekend catch-up. - Get basic preventive tests once a year
Catch issues early. Save years. - Protect your social circle
Good people reduce stress. Stress reduction protects your body.
Final Thoughts
People often think health comes from extreme discipline, but the Healthiest Countries in the World show that consistency beats intensity every time.
But the countries that keep their populations healthier do something simpler: They make the healthy choice the normal choice.
If you want to build a healthier life, do not chase perfection.
Chase consistency. Small habits. Repeated daily. That is what these countries have mastered.
