The health of a nation is a key indicator of a country’s success and the well-being of its citizens. It depends on many factors, including the quality of the health care system, social support, access to clean water, food and sanitation. Longevity of the population, low infant mortality rate and healthy lifestyle are not only evidence of medical achievements, but also an indicator of the general level of development of the state.
In accordance with Index of Ray Dalio’s Great Powers in 2024, we can track global health trends and compare the healthiest countries in the world.
The rating included 24 states. Among them are Singapore, Japan and Switzerland, which have taken leading positions thanks to their efforts in the field of health care, economic stability and programs to promote healthy lifestyles.
The leader of the rating – Singapore, known for its longevity and low morbidity – recently entered the so-called “blue zones” – regions of the world with a particularly high proportion of long-lived people. The government’s policies aimed at the development of ecological transport and the support of family values help to maintain the health of the nation at a high level.
Japan, which ranks second, has an exceptionally high life expectancy, especially among women. The culture of a healthy lifestyle, the presence of social support and the idea of ”ikigai” (life purpose) contribute to a harmonious combination of spiritual and physical health. In addition, Japan is home to another blue zone – Okinawa, which also stands out for its large number of long-lived people.
Switzerland, which ranked third, combines economic stability, the highest life expectancy in Europe and access to high-quality medicine. According to data for 2023, the average life expectancy for Swiss women was 85.8 years, and for men – 82.2 years. supporting the health of the nation.
The ranking of the healthiest countries makes it possible to see how a combination of state policy, cultural traditions and economic prosperity can contribute to the longevity and quality of life of citizens. This analysis also demonstrates how a nation’s health affects overall labor productivity, economic development, and individual well-being.
Spain is also one of the countries with the highest population health indicators. The average life expectancy here is one of the highest in the world – this indicates a high-quality health care system and a healthy lifestyle culture. A Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, vegetables and seafood, as well as an active lifestyle, are among the key factors influencing the longevity of Spaniards. In addition, Spain has a well-established health care system with high availability of medical services. Social support, strong family ties and a mild climate also contribute to the nation’s overall health, making Spain one of the healthiest countries in the world.
South Korea is also among the countries with high population health indicators. One of the key reasons is the rapid development of the health care system and the introduction of innovative technologies in the medical field. The average life expectancy in the country is constantly increasing, which indicates access to quality medicine and effective prevention programs.
In addition, in Korea, a lot of attention is paid to healthy eating. The traditional Korean diet is rich in vegetables, fermented foods, fish and minimally processed meats. This has a positive effect on the level of diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as on the general well-being of the population. South Korea’s social culture, which includes caring for older family members and the importance of maintaining family ties, also promotes longevity.
Great Britain has a well-developed health care system, which is one of the main factors of the high level of health of the population. The National Health Service (NHS) provides access to health services for all citizens, which facilitates early diagnosis of diseases and effective treatment. This system plays an important role in ensuring overall health and longevity.
A healthy British lifestyle is also supported through cultural traditions such as active recreation, outdoor activities and sporting activities. In recent years, the British government has been actively promoting healthy eating, in particular limiting the consumption of sugar and harmful products, which has a positive effect on the general health of the population.
However, despite the positive trends, a number of problems are observed in the country, such as a high level of obesity, which can affect the general state of health. Therefore, the fight against diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes remain important challenges for British public health.
Australia is one of the healthiest countries in the world, and this is explained by a combination of high quality medical services, favorable environmental conditions and a healthy lifestyle. The health care system in Australia provides broad access to health services through Medicare, a government health insurance program that guarantees citizens and permanent residents free access to basic health services.
Australians are very physically active, and it’s part of their culture. Sports activities, walks in the fresh air, bicycle trips and beach holidays are an integral part of their lifestyle. Healthy eating is also an important aspect of Australian culture, with many people following a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, fish and seafood.
A favorable climate and developed infrastructure for active recreation also contribute to general health. In addition, the country has one of the highest life expectancy rates, a result of both medical advances and high levels of social support and economic well-being. The average life expectancy in Australia in 2024 is about 82.5 years. For women, this indicator is slightly higher and is about 84 years, while for men it is about 81 years.
Italy ranks 8th in the list of the healthiest countries, and this is not surprising, since the country has high indicators of life expectancy and population health. Life expectancy in Italy in 2024 is approximately 83 years, with little difference between women (approximately 85 years) and men (approximately 81 years).
One of the main factors influencing the health of Italians is the traditional Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, olive oil, fish and minimally processed foods. This diet, which is rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial substances, helps reduce the rate of cardiovascular disease and prolong life. In addition, “long walks” are often practiced in Italy, which are not only a way to maintain physical activity, but also an important part of the culture.
Italy is also famous for its high-quality medical system, which provides wide access to medical services and actively works on disease prevention.
One of Canada’s unique features is its universal health care system, which provides access to health services for all citizens and permanent residents. Canada provides basic health services free of charge to all residents through the Medicare program, which lowers financial barriers to access to treatment and medical examinations. This is especially important for preventing diseases and improving the general health of the population.
It is also important to note the high standard of living and access to clean water and safe air, which contribute to the health of the nation. Canada is famous for its natural resources and nature reserves that provide opportunities for physical activity in the fresh air. Outdoor recreation, sports activities, walking and active sports such as skiing and canoeing are popular among Canadians.
France is also in the top ten healthiest countries in the world. After all, the French usually follow healthy habits, such as portion control and regular consumption of food in company, which contributes not only to physical but also to mental health. An active lifestyle that includes walking and cycling, as well as a high-quality health care system with regular medical examinations make France one of the healthiest countries in the world.
Ukraine should take into account the experience of the healthiest countries in the world, in particular: investing in preventive programs that promote healthy eating, physical activity and regular check-ups, as is done in Japan and Spain. The development of medical infrastructure and innovation, similar to South Korea, can help increase longevity and improve the overall health of the population. It is also worth paying attention to environmental initiatives and social support, such as in Switzerland and Singapore, which emphasize the importance of a clean environment, access to safe water and the preservation of family values to improve overall well-being. These practices can become important components for improving the health of Ukrainians and improving the quality of life in the country.
