COUNTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST LIFE EXPECTANCIES IN THE WORLD
Added on: 12th May 2016
FINLAND & BELGIUM – 80.52
Starting off our list of countries with the highest life expectancies
are Finland and Belgium, both sharing the 25th spot. The two
highly-affluent European countries hint at a common trend
throughout the data: citizens of wealthier countries tend to
live longer. Though money doesn’t buy happiness (well, that’s
not entirely true but we’ll leave that for another list), money
can buy higher quality food, cleaner environments
and better healthcare.
PORTUGAL & GUADELOUPE – 80.54
Coming in at 80.54 years, citizens of Portugal and Guadeloupe
(a French overseas territory in the Caribbean Sea) are the only
other areas to share a spot on our list. Guadeloupe’s relaxed,
island lifestyle contributes to a laid-back style of living, helpful
in keeping stress levels low and life expectancy high.
Portugal, despite not being as wealthy as other European Union
members, has the 12th best public health system in the world
and its people enjoy living with a strong gusto for life and family.
IRELAND – 80.57
Ireland’s high life expectancy may be a bit more than the luck
of the Irish. Though alcoholism and cirrhosis of the liver affects
thousands of Irish people every year, it’s possible that the
positive attitudes most residents of the Emerald Isle
have produces a beneficial effect on long life.
GREECE – 80.6
Just as confusing as the Irish, the Greeks live hearty lives, up to
80.6 years old, despite having the largest percentage of
adult daily smokers of any OECD country. Maybe it’s all the
olive oil, feta cheese, and beach life.
GERMANY – 80.65
The “land of poets and thinkers”, Germany is increasingly known
as having the widest belts in Europe. Though Germany has the
highest number of overweight people in the European Union,
it also has the world’s oldest universal health care system,
dating back to Otto von Bismarck in the 1880’s. Even as early
as the thirteenth century, Germany had high-quality healthcare
centres called spitals which predate modern-day hospitals.
AUSTRIA – 81.09
Austrians live magnificently long lives, coming in at number twenty
with an average life expectancy of 81.09 years. The Alpine air,
nominal per capita GDP of $52,216, and many opportunities
for social and cultural activities play a strong role in
Austrians’ longevity.
CHILE – 81.19
The only South American country on our list and one of only three
in the Western Hemisphere. Chile has an average life
expectancy of 81.19 years. And it is no surprise why. Among
Latin America, Chile is the leader in human development,
income per capita, and state of peace. It goes to show that
peace and economic stability, two things most of our
ancestors a century or two ago didn’t have as they
constantly struggled to survive, play critical roles in
health and longevity.
MARTINIQUE – 81.2
Another overseas region of France in the Caribbean, Martinique
has a higher standard of living than most Caribbean countries.
Largely financed by French aid, the country has increasingly
become a hotspot for tourists. It’s rumoured taking a vacation
to the island will boost your own life expectancy, if nothing
else than for having your feet in crystal blue waters.
NETHERLANDS – 81.31
The Netherlands’ healthcare system has consistently been rated
the best in Europe, but that’s not all keeping its citizens living
into their 80’s. The Dutch are also the most charitable country
in the world (per capita). Charitable giving boosts happiness and
life satisfaction which in turn increase life expectancy.
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