The latest Bloomberg Global Health Index reminds us that not all countries are equal when it comes to health. While living a healthy life is a personal quest, certain countries are striving to create environments that are conducive to the overall well-being of their residents, and it shows.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to a country being healthy or unhealthy. Generally, the healthiest countries around the globe are developed, having lower rates of pollution, as well as access to quality healthcare and clean drinking water.
However, developed countries also have more bad habits, like tobacco use, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, overdoses, obesity, high blood pressure, and sedentary lifestyles that can decrease life expectancy.
Unhealthy countries generally don’t have access to clean water or good healthcare, in these places disease can run rampant, malnutrition can be a factor, pollution may be high, and the quality of life is typically lower with life expectancy being shorter and the infant mortality rate being high.
The Bloomberg Global Health Index takes all of these factors and more into account to rank 169 of some of the healthiest and unhealthiest economies in the world to give each country a rating out of a possible top score of 100.
Top 7 healthiest countries
According to Bloomberg’s Global Health Index, the top seven healthiest countries in 2024 are:
Spain
With an average life expectancy of 86 years old and a global health index score of 92.75, Spain is considered to be the healthiest country in the world due to its strong public healthcare system, access to preventive care, low smoking rate, active lifestyles, and the Mediterranean diet.
Italy
A score of 91.59 placed Italy following closely behind Spain to be the second healthiest country with its average life expectancy reaching 82 years old thanks to the strong healthcare system which focuses on preventive care. The Italian diet here also places an emphasis on fresh local ingredients which contributes to the healthy population.
Iceland
With a score of 91.44, Iceland comes in third with an average life expectancy of 83 years old. This Nordic Island has a remarkably healthy population that has access to geothermal resources which promotes clean energy and places a rather strong emphasis on outdoor activities. Residents here enjoy a healthy lifestyle that is nestled in breathtaking natural beauty.
Japan
Japan had a score of 91.38 and is ranked fourth globally with an average lifespan of 83 years old. This aging population has a reputation for longevity which is well earned. This family-focused traditional culture prioritizes healthy eating, regular exercise, and preventive care which has resulted in a population with a high life expectancy.
Switzerland
Switzerland placed fifth with a global score of 90.93 and an average life expectancy of 83 years old thanks to the nation being a leader in universal healthcare. This country set the bar high for national health, focusing on preventive medicine and as a whole, the culture here promotes and embraces outdoor activities.
Sweden
Sweden took the sixth-ranked spot with an average life expectancy of 82 years and a score of 90.24. This nation has a strong safety net for its citizens, excellent access to healthcare, and a culture that encourages and embraces physical activity which contributes to their healthy population.
Australia
Australia rounds off the list in seventh place and is one of the few English-speaking countries to even make the top 10. With a global score of 89.75, the population here enjoys a healthy lifestyle in an incredibly stunning environment. The culture promotes and embraces outdoor activities, fresh local produce, and benefits from a strong healthcare system.
For conversation’s sake
For conversation’s sake, the United Kingdom scored 84.28 ranking 18th. Germany scored 83.06 ranking 22nd. Cuba scored 74.66 ranking 29th. The United States of America scored 73.02 with a global ranking of 34th. Turkey scored 62.81 ranking 49th, and Mexico scored 62.09 ranking 51st.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
T.J.W. at WHN
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/terminal/PNCLM5T0G1KX
https://worldhealth.net/news/mediterranean-diet-good-kids-and-teens-too/
https://worldhealth.net/news/australia-offers-lessons-for-increasing-american-life-expectancy/
