Global Health index 2024 : top 10 heathiest countries in the world

Rank	Country	GlobalHealth  Index	Average Life Expectancy
1.	Spain	92.75	82 years
2.	Italy	91.59	82 years
3.	Iceland	91.44	83 years
4.	Japan	91.38	84 years
5.	Switzerland	90.93	82 years
6.	Sweden	90.24	83 years
7.	Australia	89.75	83 years
8.	Singapore	89.29	84 years
9.	Norway	89.09	83 years
10.	Israel	88.15	82 years

1. Spain 

Spain didn’t take the number 1 spot on Bloomberg’s Health Index for nothing. The winning combination of a strong healthcare system, healthy lifestyle habits, and favourable environmental factors all contribute to Spain’s high ranking on our list of healthiest countries. Spain also has a strong cultural emphasis on family and community, which can promote mental and emotional well-being. Spain’s healthcare system is known for providing universal access to healthcare, which means that all citizens are entitled to receive medical attention. The system is funded through taxes and offers a broad range of services that are both affordable and accessible to all citizens. Spain also has a high number of doctors per capita – 4.0 per capita as of 2018 – and a good distribution of healthcare resources across the country.

2. Italy

Italy’s 2nd place ranking in the 2021 Bloomberg Health Index can be attributed to a number of factors including a strong universal healthcare system, healthy lifestyle habits, healthy environmental factors and a positive social and cultural environment, all of which contribute to Italy’s status as one of the world’s healthiest countries. Italian cuisine is known for being healthy, with a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and good fats. It has even been directly linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. But it’s not just what the Italians eat, it’s also the way they eat it.

3. Iceland

The Icelandic lifestyle and wholehearted commitment to public health are just a couple of the reasons Iceland appears so high on our list of healthiest countries. Indeed, Iceland’s healthcare spending is among the highest in the world, reflecting its strong commitment to providing quality healthcare for all. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Iceland spent 8.6% of its GDP on healthcare in 2019 – higher than the OECD average. As a result, Iceland boasts a well-functioning healthcare system that provides universal healthcare for all citizens.

4. Japan

With a culture that places great value on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Japan is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest countries in the world, coming 4th out of 169 countries in the 2019 Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index. Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with an average life expectancy of over 84 years. This can be attributed to factors such as a low obesity rate, a healthy diet, and access to high-quality healthcare. As such, Japan also has a relatively low prevalence of health risks such as tobacco use and obesity, which are major contributors to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

5. Switzerland

Back to Europe for number seven – Switzerland is sure to be found on any list of healthiest countries. Known for its outdoorsy lifestyle, Switzerland offers many opportunities for hiking, skiing and cycling, promoting a culture of good physical and mental wellbeing. When it comes to healthcare, Swiss citizens are well looked after. The Swiss public healthcare system is based on mandatory health insurance, which means that everyone has access to basic healthcare services, regardless of their income or employment status. What’s more, Switzerland has one of the highest ratios of healthcare providers per capita in the world, with 4.3 doctors and 17.9 nurses and midwives per 1,000 people, according to the WHO.

6. Sweden

Another Nordic nation, Sweden, takes the spot as our fifth healthiest country. Sweden has a well-funded and comprehensive healthcare system, with universal access to healthcare for all citizens. According to OECD data, Sweden spent 9.9% of its GDP on healthcare in 2019, which is higher than the average healthcare spending for OECD countries. Swedes have a healthy lifestyle, with a diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, all of which are associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, Swedes have a strong culture of physical activity, with high participation in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and skiing, which can promote good physical and mental health.

7. Australia

There are a number of reasons Australia appears on our list of top 10 healthiest countries, from their high-quality of life, to the clean environment and easy access to healthy food. And that’s before we get to their high standards of healthcare. The Australian government has a strong focus on public health, and has implemented a number of public health initiatives to encourage healthy behaviour and prevent disease. These include anti-smoking campaigns, vaccination programs, and campaigns to promote healthy eating and physical activity. The National Immunisation Program, for example, provides free vaccines to all children and many adults to prevent infectious diseases.

8.Singapore

According to the WHO, Singapore’s healthcare system is ranked 6th in the world in terms of quality and accessibility. This is due to the high standard of medical training, advanced medical technology, and efficient healthcare delivery. Singapore is known for its clean air and water, which can help prevent respiratory diseases and other health problems. The country also has low rates of infectious diseases, including communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. This is due in part to the strong public health initiatives and healthcare programs, such as vaccination campaigns and disease surveillance programs.

9. Norway

The Nordic nations keep on coming. Norway’s universal healthcare system, enviable outdoors lifestyle, nutritious diet and easy access to health and wellness services see them steal a spot as one of our healthiest countries in 2023. As we’ve already mentioned, Norway has a public health system based on taxation, giving all residents access to basic healthcare needs. And, with an impressive ratio of health professionals per capita, with 4.9 doctors and 18.3 nurses and midwives per 1,000 people, you can rest assured your standard of healthcare in Norway will be very much on point.

10. Israel

Israel is recognized as a healthy country due to its robust healthcare system, advanced medical research, and a health-conscious population. The nation prioritizes preventive care and has implemented comprehensive public health initiatives. With a high life expectancy, low infant mortality rate, and widespread access to quality healthcare services, Israel stands out as a leader in health outcomes. Additionally, the country's emphasis on technological innovation has contributed to the development of cutting-edge medical technologies and treatments, further enhancing its healthcare landscape. The integration of traditional Mediterranean diets rich in fresh produce and olive oil also plays a role in promoting overall health and well-being among its citizens. Israel's commitment to health, both in terms of infrastructure and lifestyle, underscores its position as one of the healthiest nations globally.