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.
Sweden consistently ranks as one of the world's healthiest countries thanks to its exemplary healthcare system, effective governance, and cultural values. The Swedish healthcare system offers universal coverage, ensuring access to high-quality medical services for all citizens.
According to the index, Singapore was rated as having the top service and state of health globally in 2023. Asia is well represented generally, with the five top places rounded off by Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China. Meanwhile, the United States trails just behind the UK in rank 38.
San Francisco is officially the healthiest city in America. After 3 years at the top of the list, Miami has moved to #2—making room for The City by the Bay to clinch the top spot. This Northern California metro jumped up 5 spots from last year and ranks highly across many dimensions of wellness.
The map shows the highest and lowest cities in the world ranking for quality of living in 2024. The top 10 include Zurich, Vienna, Geneva, Copenhagen, Auckland, Amsterdam, Vancouver, Frankfurt, Bern and Basel.
Sweden. Sweden is one of the healthiest cultures in the world with some of the best-tasting food. Likewise, it also maintains an unrivaled healthcare system. Similar to the Mediterranean diet, the Nordic Diet emphasizes seasonal, local foods such as herring, bilberries (cousin of blueberries), and rapeseed oil (canola) ...
The Legatum Prosperity Index 2023
According to the index, Singapore ranks first for healthcare, followed by Japan in second place and South Korea in third. In contrast, the United States ranks much lower, coming in at 69th place in this assessment. The full rankings are listed below.
Hawaii secures its spot at number one with the highest score of 79.40 out of 100. Hawaii ranks as the healthiest state with a final score of 79.4. It has the lowest PM2. 5 Annual Average Concentration and a relatively low obesity rate.
Black and AIAN people fare worse than White people across the majority of examined measures of health status and outcomes (Figure 12). In contrast, Asian and Hispanic people fare better than White people for a majority of examined health measures.
Iceland tops the Global Peace Index for 2023 (and has since the list's inception in 2009!), followed by Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Singapore, Portugal, Slovenia, Japan and Switzerland. Just outside the top ten sit Canada at 11, the Czech Republic at 12, and Finland at 13.
People aged 60 and older in the U.S. reported high levels of well-being compared to younger Americans. In fact, the U.S. ranks in the top 10 countries for happiness in this age group. By 60, life can feel more secure, especially for people with good health, financial stability and strong social connections.
Happiness really isn't hard to find. It's right there on the map: White Rock, New Mexico. Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists.
Finland is again ranked the happiest country in the world. The US falls to its lowest-ever position. HELSINKI (AP) — Finland is the happiest country in the world for the eighth year in a row, according to the World Happiness Report 2025 published Thursday.
As for the unhealthiest state in America, West Virginia claims the No. 1 spot. The Mountain State, considered ground-zero for America's opioid crisis, stands out with the highest drug overdose death rate in the U.S., according to the Forbes Advisor analysis.
According to the index, Spain takes the top spot as the healthiest country in 2024. This impressive feat is attributed to a robust public healthcare system, readily available preventive care, and the widely celebrated Mediterranean diet.
Topping the list as the healthiest city in America is San Francisco, California, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, access to quality healthcare, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
Heart diseases were the most common cause, responsible for a third of all deaths globally. Cancers were in second, causing almost one-in-five deaths. Taken together, heart diseases and cancers are the cause of every second death.
According to the results, Hong Kong holds the best life expectancy with 84.0 years, followed by Japan with 83.6 years, and Spain ranked 3rd with 83.1 years.
Fitness expert Harley Pasternak believes Japanese people are the world's healthiest thanks to a diet rich in fish, whole soy, seaweed and green tea. Different foods, cooking techniques and lifestyles can explain why some people of some cultures are leaner, healthier and living longer than others.