The Top 10 Countries Where People Live the Longest—And Why
Ever wondered why some places churn out more 100th birthday parties than others? It’s not luck, countries with the highest life expectancies have cracked the code on living long and living well.
Let’s take a whirlwind tour through the top 10 longevity champs, unpack their secrets, and snag some tips we can actually use. Buckle up, here’s why these places lead the pack and what they’re teaching us about thriving.
1. Hong Kong: 85.63 Years
A buzzing city where life expectancy hits a jaw-dropping 85.63 years? Hong Kong isn’t just a financial powerhouse anymore, it’s a longevity goldmine. The streets hum with energy, yet people here manage to dodge the grim reaper longer than most.
How? It starts with a healthcare system that’s the envy of the world—public and private options mean no one’s left out.
Then there’s the food: steaming bowls of fish, crisp veggies, and tofu dominate plates, keeping hearts ticking strong. Add in tough anti-smoking laws and a culture where family sticks tight through thick and thin, and you’ve got a recipe for extra candles on the cake.
- World-Class Healthcare: Everyone gets a shot at top-notch care, no exceptions.
- Fish-and-Veggie Diet: Low on junk, high on heart-saving goodness.
- Family First: Emotional and financial support that keeps stress at bay.
Takeaway: Blend a strong safety net with healthy eats and loved ones—boom, you’re set.
2. Japan: 84.85 Years
Japan’s got over 71,000 centenarians sipping tea and swapping stories—84.85 years is the average, and they’re not slowing down. This is the land of sushi, samurai, and secrets to a long life. The diet’s a star player, think seaweed, salmon, and green tea that’s practically a health elixir.
Universal healthcare means cutting-edge tech is in everyone’s reach, while daily walks or a bike ride keep bodies humming. Oh, and “ikigai”—finding your reason to get up each morning, keeps minds sharp. Obesity? Barely a blip here.
- Seafood and Tea: A diet that’s light, lean, and loaded with nutrients.
- Healthcare for All: High-tech medicine meets universal access.
- Purpose-Driven Life: Ikigai fuels mental grit and joy.
Takeaway: Eat light, move often, and find your “why”, it’s the Japanese way.
3. South Korea: 84.43 Years
South Korea’s life expectancy has shot up like a K-pop chart-topper, hitting 84.43 years. This place went from rags to riches fast, and health followed suit. Universal healthcare slashed infant deaths and boosted care for all, while campaigns tackled heart disease head-on.
The food? Spicy kimchi and fermented goodies that make guts sing. Plus, a population that’s clued in, education means people know how to stay healthy and do it.
- Healthcare Revolution: Universal coverage flipped the script on survival rates.
- Fermented Feast: Kimchi and friends keep digestion in check.
- Smart Citizens: Education turns health knowledge into action.
Takeaway: Build a system that works, spice up your plate, and stay sharp.
4. French Polynesia: 84.19 Years
Imagine turquoise waves, swaying palms, and an average lifespan of 84.19 years, welcome to French Polynesia. This island gem ties into France’s stellar healthcare, so quality doctors are never far off.
The diet’s a tropical dream, fresh fish loaded with omega-3s, and the air’s so clean you can taste it. Stress? What’s that? The laid-back vibe and tight-knit communities keep everyone chill and connected.
- French Healthcare: Top-tier medicine meets island life.
- Seafood Heaven: Fish that’s as good for you as it tastes.
- Stress-Free Zone: Clean air and calm vibes rule the day.
Takeaway: Pair paradise with solid support, and watch the years stack up.
5. Switzerland: 84.09 Years
Switzerland’s got snow-capped peaks, chocolate, and people living to 84.09 years. Money helps, wealth means access to fancy medical gadgets and preventive care that catches problems early.
But it’s not just cash; folks here hike, ski, and stroll like it’s their job, surrounded by jaw-dropping Alps. The wealth’s spread pretty evenly too, so fewer people are stressed about bills. Food’s a win, think creamy dairy, hearty grains, and fresh-from-the-farm veggies.
- Medical Marvels: High-tech care keeps everyone in the game.
- Mountain Movers: Active living’s baked into the culture.
- Fair Share: Less inequality, less worry, more years.
Takeaway: Stay active, eat real food, and spread the wealth—it works wonders.
6. Australia: 84.07 Years
Down Under, Aussies are hitting 84.07 years with sun, surf, and a knack for health. Medicare’s got everyone covered, while campaigns hammer smoking and sunburn into submission.
The lifestyle’s pure gold, think surfing at dawn, hiking through bushland, or just soaking up mild weather that begs you to get outside. It’s a nation built for moving, and it shows.
- Medicare Magic: Healthcare that doesn’t discriminate.
- Sun-Smart Living: Public health keeps bad habits in check.
- Outdoor Obsession: Surf, hike, repeat—nature’s their gym.
Takeaway: Cover the basics, protect yourself, and live like the outdoors is calling.
7. Italy: 83.87 Years
Italy’s got pasta, passion, and a life expectancy of 83.87 years. The Mediterranean diet’s the MVP, olive oil drizzles over fish and veggies like liquid gold. Healthcare’s universal, so no one’s skipping the doctor.
Families stick close, sharing meals and laughs, while daily walks through cobblestone streets keep legs strong. It’s la dolce vita with a side of longevity.
- Mediterranean Munchies: Olive oil and fish fuel healthy hearts.
- Family Forever: Tight bonds beat loneliness every time.
- Walk It Out: Strolling’s a lifestyle, not a chore.
Takeaway: Eat like an Italian, love like an Italian, move like an Italian—done.
8. Singapore: 83.86 Years
Singapore’s a tiny island with big longevity, 83.86 years, to be exact. Strict rules keep smoking and obesity in check, while a healthcare mash-up of public and private delivers the goods.
People here are educated and in the know, and the cash flow’s strong, high GDP means healthy living’s within reach. It’s a masterclass in discipline and dollars paying off.
- Rule the Rules: Tough laws squash health hazards.
- Healthcare Hybrid: Public and private team up for the win.
- Money Talks: Wealth funds a longer life.
Takeaway: Get strict, get smart, and let prosperity pave the way.
9. Spain: 83.80 Years
Spain’s got flamenco, fiestas, and folks living to 83.80 years. The Mediterranean diet’s back, olive oil, seafood, and sunshine-soaked produce.
Universal healthcare keeps everyone in the loop, and siestas? Those naps aren’t just lazy, they melt stress away. Mild weather means outdoor living’s a breeze, from tapas on terraces to seaside strolls.
- Mediterranean Mastery: Food that loves you back.
- Siesta Power: Rest reboots the body and soul.
- Sunny Days: Climate that screams “get outside.”
Takeaway: Nap, nibble well, and let the sun guide your rhythm.
10. Réunion: 83.67 Years
Réunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, clocks in at 83.67 years. France’s healthcare lifeline keeps things humming with top care, while the tropical diet, bursting with fruit and fish, packs a punch. Clean air and water are givens, and French funding keeps the economy steady. It’s a small speck proving big lessons.
- French Boost: Healthcare that crosses oceans.
- Tropical Treats: Fruits and fish straight from nature.
- Pure Living: Clean surroundings seal the deal.
Takeaway: Lean on support, eat fresh, and breathe easy.
The Big Picture
These longevity champs don’t mess around, it’s not one trick but a whole playbook. Killer healthcare, fresh food, moving your body, and leaning on your crew (or your country’s systems) are the threads tying them together. Whether it’s Japan’s purpose-driven days or Spain’s siesta-soaked afternoons, there’s something for us all to steal.
Methodology and Data
The list is derived from the latest United Nations Population Division estimates, focusing on life expectancy at birth for both sexes. We’ve chosen to include significant territories like Hong Kong and French Polynesia for their notable figures, acknowledging that small states like Monaco (often cited with 87.01 years) are excluded due to population size for broader relevance. The data, current as of March 2025, reflects a global average rising to 72 years, per Global health estimates Life expectancy.
Top Ten Countries: Life Expectancies and Insights
| Rank | Country | Life Expectancy (Years) | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hong Kong | 85.63 | Economic development, healthcare, diet, low smoking, cultural support |
| 2 | Japan | 84.85 | Diet (fish, vegetables), low obesity, universal healthcare, active lifestyle |
| 3 | South Korea | 84.43 | Reduced infant mortality, cardiovascular health, universal healthcare |
| 4 | French Polynesia | 84.19 | French healthcare, seafood diet, clean environment |
| 5 | Switzerland | 84.09 | Wealth, advanced healthcare, low inequality, active lifestyle |
| 6 | Australia | 84.07 | Universal healthcare, public health, outdoor lifestyle, favorable climate |
| 7 | Italy | 83.87 | Mediterranean diet, national health service, family ties |
| 8 | Singapore | 83.86 | World-class healthcare, strict policies, high GDP, education |
| 9 | Spain | 83.80 | Mediterranean diet, universal coverage, active lifestyle, mild climate |
| 10 | Réunion | 83.67 | French healthcare, tropical diet, supported economy |
Detailed Analysis by Country
- Hong Kong (85.63 years): This special administrative region of China tops the list, with a life expectancy driven by economic prosperity and world-class healthcare. The traditional Chinese diet, rich in fish and vegetables, supports longevity, while strict anti-smoking policies reduce related diseases. Migration from mainland China brings resilient populations, and cultural family support systems enhance mental health. However, recent social unrest and the pandemic have posed challenges, though it remains a leader.
- Japan (84.85 years): Japan’s longevity is legendary, with a diet low in saturated fats and high in fish, vegetables, and green tea (Green Tea). Low obesity rates and universal healthcare with advanced technology are key. Cultural practices like "ikigai" (a reason for being) promote mental well-being, and government initiatives like health screenings bolster outcomes. Interestingly, Japan has over 71,000 centenarians, per Japan holds the secret, highlighting its success.
- South Korea (84.43 years): South Korea’s rise is marked by reduced infant mortality and lower cardiovascular disease rates, contributing 30% to longevity gains for males and 28% for females (Understanding South Korea). Universal healthcare and economic growth improve living standards, while public health efforts focus on smoking reduction. Projections suggest women may hit 90 years by 2030, per Nature projection, though high suicide rates are a concern.
- French Polynesia (84.19 years): As a French territory, it benefits from France’s healthcare system, with a diet rich in seafood and fruits. The clean island environment, with fresh air and water, supports health, though specific data is sparse. It’s an unexpected inclusion, showing how colonial ties can enhance longevity.
- Switzerland (84.09 years): Wealth and low inequality drive Switzerland’s high life expectancy, with advanced healthcare and a balanced diet including dairy. Active lifestyles, supported by clean environments, and effective public health policies like disease prevention are crucial, per Swiss longevity.
- Australia (84.07 years): Universal healthcare through Medicare, strong public health initiatives, and an outdoor lifestyle contribute to Australia’s longevity. Its favorable climate and low inequality, compared to the US, enhance outcomes, per Australian life expectancy.
- Italy (83.87 years): The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil and fish, is a cornerstone, alongside a national health service. Strong family ties and social support systems, plus an active lifestyle with walking, boost longevity, per Italian health.
- Singapore (83.86 years): World-class healthcare, both public and private, and strict policies on smoking and obesity drive longevity. High GDP per capita and health education ensure awareness, making it a model, per Singapore health data.
- Spain (83.80 years): Similar to Italy, Spain thrives on a Mediterranean diet and universal healthcare. Siestas and mild climate encourage outdoor activity, supporting longevity, per Spanish demographics.
- Réunion (83.67 years): As a French department, it benefits from French healthcare, with a tropical diet and clean environment. Its economy, supported by France, ensures resources for health, per Réunion data.
Common Themes and Unexpected Details
Common themes include universal healthcare, healthy diets (Mediterranean and East Asian), active lifestyles, and low inequality. An unexpected detail is French Polynesia’s high ranking, driven by colonial healthcare access, showing how geopolitical ties matter. Another is Japan’s centenarian count, highlighting cultural longevity practices.
Expert Insights
"Hong Kong’s success lies in economic prosperity and healthcare, but we must address growing inequalities to sustain it." - Professor Roger Chung, CUHK (Hong Kong longevity).
"Japan’s diet, low in fats and high in fish, is a global model, but diabetes rates are rising, a concern for future longevity." - Nutrition Expert, Japanese diet study.
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