Which country has the highest life expectancy? Here’s a list of the 10 best countries to live in for a long time and see everything!

Life expectancy depends not only on where we are born or live but also on our metabolism and genetic heritage.

Yet, studies have shown that the gap between countries with the highest life expectancy is narrowing more and more due to improved lifestyles due to medical and technological advances.

Thus, infant mortality drops drastically, and we live longer. The gender gap is also narrowing. Indeed, women die a little earlier, and men gain a little longevity. 

What for? Because women have acquired rather masculine habits in the past. We take you on our world tour of the countries where life expectancy is the highest.

The 10 Countries With The Highest Life Expectancy

1. Japan

Life expectancy: 83.7 years

The Japanese are the champions of good health. So, it is not for nothing that it is the country with the highest life expectancy in the world! 

Followers of a healthy lifestyle for which they are famous, the Japanese also benefit from an environment that invites them to well-being.

Their traditional diet is already more balanced than much of the rest of the world’s cuisine. Secondly, Japan’s technological and medical wealth allows this clear lead in life expectancy.

And all this despite working conditions regularly pointed out. Indeed, work culture is essential in Japan, and professional success takes precedence over health. 

It often induces stress, sometimes leading to nervous breakdown or suicide.

2. Switzerland

Life expectancy: 83.4 years

The Swiss are known for their peace. This may be the secret to their longevity, by the way. Like the Japanese, many Swiss are centenarians, which is expected to increase in the coming decades. 

Indeed, it is good to live in Switzerland. And not only because it’s the land of chocolate! The country is rich, modern, and technologically advanced.

The locals are usually thrilled there. This psychosocial factor is important because physical and mental well-being plays a major role in life expectancy. But the environmental factor also comes into play.

Swiss people are less exposed to harmful components than people in other countries with the best air quality, even though risk 0 does not exist. 

Large cities such as Bern, Zurich, or Geneva are subject to higher pollution (traffic, companies, factories).

 

3. Singapore

Life expectancy: 83.1 years

Despite its small size – less than 800 square kilometers – the city-state of Singapore is very densely populated. It is second in the ranking of independent states. 

Extreme urbanization still gets the nickname “Garden City” because green spaces are still abundant. A balance that provides a high quality of life in the end, given the life expectancy of the inhabitants.

Singaporeans enjoy their country’s wealth in terms of medical and environmental levels. 

Undoubtedly, the city-state takes a more ecological approach, preserving green spaces that allow its residents to recharge.

Life is sweet, despite the effervescent rhythm of the city, but also very expensive (almost as much as in New York).

4. Australia

Life expectancy: 82.8 years

Australia is often mentioned as a dangerous country, where animal species that are lethal to humans prowl… And yet, it is still one of the countries with the highest life expectancy.

What for? Are Australians more cautious than normal? Do they counteract dangers better than Westerners? Maybe. 

On the other hand, it is certain that the inhabitants on the “other side of the globe” are smokeless. They are less than 15% smokers.

Then, there is a health system similar to the French Social Security: Medicare. It provides its subscribers with viable health insurance that gives them easy access to care. 

This is an unparalleled quality of life, with little insecurity and many freedoms. Australia’s atypical and wild environment also contributes to the daily happiness of its inhabitants, a sense of calm and relaxation.

5. Spain

Life expectancy: 82.8 years

In 2018, a study announced Spain as the future champion of life expectancy (2040). Now in fifth place in our ranking, she can still be proud. 

Thanks to an efficient and preventive health system and a joie de vivre that seems to be genetically Spanish, Spain can boast of taking care of its elders.

But one of its secrets to preserving the health of its inhabitants is olive oil. Indeed, this oil promotes good cardiovascular health, significantly reducing the number of diseases related to… and thus deaths.

The Mediterranean diet would therefore preserve health! You know what you have to do.

6. Iceland

Life expectancy: 82.7 years

To explain the longevity of Icelanders, several hypotheses are proposed—first, the exceptional air quality. As cities are not very numerous or overloaded, they generate less pollution. 

The air is then breathable, and the diseases caused by pollution are almost non-existent.

Secondly, smoking is low: only about 16% of the inhabitants are smokers. Finally, Iceland is a rich and modern country with an expensive quality of life, but it is a country nonetheless. Icelanders are only 32,0000!

Finally, the working conditions are exemplary. Moreover, a huge national test has just paid off: the working weeks reduced to 4 days are a success. Productivity and well-being are improved, resulting in a better quality of life.

7. Italy

Life expectancy: 82.7 years

An aging country, i.e., with a population older than young, Italy nevertheless rises to the seventh place of the countries with the highest life expectancy. 

It can be seen as a correlation link. Indeed, the inhabitants who live longer are more numerous.

So they change the ratio and then the average age. The Mediterranean diet may explain why Italians, like Spaniards, enjoy this food. Good food, good nutrients, and the dietary factor prolongs life.

Italians also enjoy a good quality of life – the famous Dolce Vita. The country may not be exemplary on the health side, but it is not left out. 

Its system has some flaws, but nothing prevents a patient from being adequately managed. Almost free care exists in Italy, which is not the case everywhere!

8. Israel

 Life expectancy: 82.5 years

A cultural country with an exacerbated spirituality, Israel is a holy land for many religions. 

This is also where we live long and well! Indeed, Israelis are mostly satisfied with their setting and quality of life.

However, the country does not shine in terms of its environmental initiatives due to poor air quality. Additionally, 30% of the population smokes.

Despite this, life expectancy is high, and the health system is robust and modern. 

To give an example of performance, Tel Aviv’s Sourasky Hospital, the largest, can receive up to 500 patients a day! 

As the statistics prove, this bubble of modernity in the Middle East remains a beautiful place to live old.

9. Sweden

Life expectancy: 82.4 years

Sweden is also a modern country that adapts and organizes itself around innovations, regardless of its vocation (environment, medicine, etc.). 

It is therefore not surprising to see it included in this ranking. Indeed, it is common knowledge that the country enjoys an exceptional setting and quality of life.

Followers of healthy lifestyles, Swedes generally know how to find, or even create, happiness. 

Since they live in a rich country with a highly developed medical system, the Swedes have no worries about treating themselves and thus extending their lives. The fight for nature’s protection in this country has become cultural, and even the ecological tax has been accepted!

In 2010, Stockholm was even elected Green Capital. A good living environment, potent medicine, and a healthy lifestyle can only increase the life expectancy of inhabitants!

10. France

Life expectancy: 82.4 years

Cock-a-doodle-doo! France occupies tenth place in our ranking of countries with the highest life expectancy! And for a good reason, French people live a long time! Social security coverage in the country makes healthcare very accessible.

We will not say affordable because it depends on the case. France is diversifying at the medical level, which is an excellent asset for the country’s good health!

French working conditions also play an essential role. Mostly good, current, and stringent labor laws govern them, and they are requested in cases of abuse.