There are several parameters for ranking countries. These could be GDP, cost of living, the minimum wage by law, the best infrastructure, quality of education, you name it. However, one crucial parameter is healthcare. Although leading a healthy lifestyle is a personal goal, many countries continuously create environments which encourage overall healthy wellbeing. This article explores some of the healthiest countries in the world in 2024, as per Bloomberg Global Health Index.
Metrics for measuring healthiest countries
According to the Bloomberg Global Health Index, the following factors have been taken into consideration while analyzing the countries’ health.
- Health risks (tobacco use, high blood pressure, obesity)
- Availability of clean water
- Average life expectancy
- Malnutrition
- Causes of death
Healthiest countries in the world
Here is the list of countries that are regarded as the healthiest in the world in 2024:
Spain (Score: 92.75/100)
Spain is at the top of the list. The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes raw foods and olive oil, appears to be having a positive impact. Combine it with high-quality healthcare and low smoking rates, and you possess the ingredients of a healthy nation. Spain has low rates of preventable mortality and has implemented initiatives to minimise risk factors. Cancer screening and vaccination rates are generally above the EU averages. Spain’s low rates of hospital admissions for congestive heart failure and diabetes reflect some well-functioning primary care and integrated care systems in the country. The country has the highest life expectancy in the EU, at 83.2 years in 2022. It experienced a temporary, steep decrease in life expectancy between 2019 and 2020 due to COVID-19 deaths before levels rebounded in subsequent years.
Italy (Score: 91.59/100)
Italy is not far behind. Like Spain, the diet and focus on locally sourced, fresh foods in Italy lead to a population that is generally healthy. Add a robust healthcare system and emphasize preventive care. Mortality from preventable and treatable causes was lower in Italy than the EU average few years back, indicating lower prevalence of many risk factors to health compared to the rest of the EU and a healthcare system that is generally effective in treating patients with life-threatening conditions. Although access to healthcare is generally good in Italy, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly hampered access to care: 23 percent of the population reported some forgone care during the first 12 months of the pandemic – slightly more than the EU average of 21 percent.
Iceland (Score: 91.44/100)
You might be surprised to learn that Iceland is a fairly healthy country in the Nordic region. Icelanders enjoy a healthy lifestyle surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities and access to geothermal resources that promote sustainable energy. Preventable mortality in Iceland is low compared to most EU countries, with substantially lower rates of alcohol-related mortality, fatal accidents and mortality from lung cancer. Iceland also had the one of lowest rates of mortality from treatable causes, indicating that the health system is effective in saving the lives of people with potentially fatal conditions.
Japan (Score: 91.38/100)
Japan has a well-earned reputation for being long-lived. A population with a high life expectancy has been achieved by a culture that places a high value on preventative care, frequent exercise, and a good diet. In Japan, life expectancy at birth (years) has improved by 3.34 years from 81.1 years in 2000 to 84.5 years in 2021. It has one of the lowest infant mortalities, as well as maternal mortalities.
Switzerland (Score: 90.93/100)
Switzerland is noted not just for its watches and mountains but also for being a pioneer in the medical field. The country has excellent standards for national health because of its universal healthcare system, emphasis on preventative medicine, and outdoor-loving culture. Switzerland’s universal healthcare system is highly decentralized, with the cantons, or states, playing a key role in its operation. The system is funded through enrollee premiums, taxes (mostly cantonal), social insurance contributions, and out-of-pocket payments. Residents are required to purchase insurance from private nonprofit insurers.
Sweden (Score: 90.24/100)
Sixth place goes to Sweden. Sweden’s population is generally healthy due to a robust social safety net, good access to healthcare, and a culture that promotes physical exercise. Sweden’s low rates of preventable deaths from causes such as lung cancer, alcohol-related deaths and road traffic accidents is linked to strong public health policies. Low rates of mortality from treatable causes also point to an effective healthcare system in avoiding deaths from potentially fatal conditions. Access to healthcare is generally good. Sweden’s health spending slightly surpasses the EU average: per capita spending was EUR4,200 in 2021 compared to EUR4,028 across the EU (adjusted for differences in purchasing power). Public funding covered 86 percent of health expenses, exceeding the EU average of 81 percent.
Read more: Top 10 happiest countries in the world in 2024
Australia (Score: 89.75/100)
Australia is next in the list. Australians live a healthy lifestyle in beautiful surroundings, with an excellent healthcare system, a love for fresh, local produce, and an emphasis on outdoor sports. Australia has a regionally administered, universal public health insurance program that is financed through general tax revenue and a government levy. Enrolment is automatic for citizens, who receive free public hospital care and substantial coverage for physician services, pharmaceuticals, and certain other services. In Australia, life expectancy at birth (years) has improved by 3.41 years from 79.7 years in 2000 to 83.1 years in 2021.
Singapore (Score: 89.29/100)
According to the WHO, Singapore’s healthcare system is ranked among the best 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.
Norway (Score: 89.09/100)
Norway is among the healthiest countries due to its universal healthcare system, excellent outdoor lifestyle, nutritious food, and easy access to wellness and health services. The country has a tax-based public health system that provides access to basic medical care for all citizens. Furthermore, you may be certain that the quality of healthcare you receive in Norway will be excellent due to the country’s remarkable ratio of health professionals per population, which stands at 4.9 physicians and 18.3 nurses and midwives per 1,000 people.
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