What are the world's healthiest countries?

Around the word, the healthiest nations are setting the standard for active, balanced lifestyles and inspiring people to adopt habits that support long-term vitality.

But what exactly makes these places stand out? Using Money UK’s latest index of healthiest places to live, let’s explore why these countries consistently rank at the top.

1. Spain

Topping the charts of the world’s healthiest countries, Spain is celebrated globally for its commitment to public wellbeing.

Spain’s national healthcare system places a strong emphasis on personalised care. For example, each region is responsible for its healthcare administration, independently developing initiatives and policies tailored to the needs of their local population. This is further supported by the increased use of AI-powered solutions to streamline patient monitoring and deliver highly personalised treatment plans.

The Mediterranean diet is widely adopted in Spain, comprising of foods rich in omega-3 and antioxidants. This diet has many health benefits, including lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and some kinds of cancer.

Cultural practices in Spain, such as the mid-day siesta, promote wellbeing by helping to lower stress and giving individuals a chance to recharge. Local festivals (siestas) are also popular across the country, encouraging excellent community ties that can reduce feelings of loneliness.

2. Portugal

Coming in second on the list is Portugal, which has gained recognition for its impressive longevity and quality of life.

Portugal is leading the way in preventative medical care by prioritising early detection and intervention, with its robust vaccination programme achieving a large uptake and the highest level of public trust in vaccines in Europe.¹ Country-wide initiatives, such as the National Health Plan 2021-2030, are also key in promoting healthy behaviours and lifestyle choices in the population.

Portugal’s Mediterranean climate plays an important role in keeping the population active. Boasting over 800km of coastline, Portugal is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the hilly design of cities like Porto and Lisbon promote walking and cycling and reduce reliance on public transport.

The nation’s cuisine supports its excellent reputation for health, featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and an abundance of fish. These nutrient rich foods are full of fibre, vitamins and healthy fats, ensuring a balanced and sustainable diet.

A healthy work-life balance is important in Portugal, where measures such as the four-day workweek have been piloted to enhance both productivity and employee wellbeing. Additionally, the promotion of flexible working hours and generous annual leave policies support employees in balancing their professional responsibilities and personal life.

3. Switzerland

Next up is Switzerland, where a high standard of living and active lifestyles drive the population’s excellent public health.

Switzerland is renowned globally for its excellent healthcare system, with the government heavily investing in its infrastructure to deliver quality care to patients. It’s distinguished by short waiting times and highly trained professionals, where there’s 4.4 practising doctors per 1,000 people – well above the EU average of 3.7.²

Mental health support is widely accessible across Switzerland, with public health insurance covering services like counselling and therapy. Early detection is prioritised, with screenings for mental health conditions commonly organised in public settings like schools and workplaces, and programs specifically targeted at vulnerable groups.

Outdoor activities like hiking and swimming are also popular in Switzerland and promote physical wellbeing, where individuals can enjoy sports in the country’s stunning natural landscapes.

4. Japan

Frequently topping global health and wellness rankings, Japan is another country that stands out as one of the world’s healthiest nations.

Like other countries on this Index, Japan’s reputation for healthiness is in part because of its traditional diet, “Washoku”. Features of this include fresh and seasonal ingredients, smaller portions, and a prevalence of fish, rice, and vegetables.

Japan’s impressive health standards are underpinned by the government’s focus on keeping medical care accessible. For example, the government reviews healthcare costs every two years to ensure services to reduce patient’s financial burden. As well as this, they introduced a public long-term care program in 2000 that provides subsidised support for a range of care for anyone over 65, or those over 40 with age-related health issues. 

Early detection and disease prevention is considered very important in Japan, evidenced by measures such as mandatory annual health checks for employees and students, and common practices like mask-wearing and strict hand hygiene to limit the spread of illness.

5. Iceland

In Iceland, a blend of lifestyle and environmental factors has secured its spot among the leading countries in global health rankings.

Environmental factors contribute to this, including Iceland’s exceptionally clean air, which can significantly lower the risk of respiratory issues and chronic conditions like asthma. Iceland also has some of the world’s cleanest drinking water, rich in minerals that can support digestion and boost the immune system.

Its healthcare system prioritises preventative care, highlighted with high vaccination rates across the Swiss population and robust national health registries that track disease patterns. The country is also at the forefront of medical research, particularly into areas such as genetics and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.

The country’s striking landscapes, ranging from icy glaciers to steaming hot springs, encourage outdoor activity year-round. Popular pastimes amongst Icelanders include snowboarding, swimming and hiking, providing plenty of opportunities for individuals to stay active across the country’s diverse terrain.