If you’ve traveled to Greece, Costa Rica, or Sardinia, you’re familiar with the phenomenon of blue zones. There are seven identifiable areas in the world where residents generally live longer than 100.
Japan typically had the upper hand. And according to the latest data analyzed by experts at MagicalNepal.com, that’s still the case. Japan holds the title of the healthiest country in the world in 2024.
The study analyzed 11 different factors that contribute to a person's overall health, such as exposure to air pollution, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Japan has the longest life expectancy at 84.8 years (round up to 85). Diets are rich in fish, vegetables, and rice; in Okinawa, the Blue Zone residents are known to eat plenty of turmeric, tofu, brown seaweed (think hijiki, wakame, and kombu), bitter melon, sweet potatoes, garlic, green tea, pork, and brown rice. While Japanese cocktail culture is booming and Japanese whiskey is huge, the average population’s alcohol consumption is quite low (6.68 liters per year).
Thanks to its mountainous topography, there’s plenty of opportunity for hiking, which may explain the low obesity rate (5.63 percent). What’s more, there are only 77 cardiovascular deaths per 100,000 people. To give you a point of reference, the average across all nations is 295 per 100,000.
The Healthiest Countries in the World: 2024
- Japan
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- France
- Norway
- Finland
- Swedish
- Peru
- South Korea
- Iceland
It's clear that these countries have several things in common.
Physical Activity in the Forefront
Whether it’s due to lack of transportation in rural areas or location, exercise and movement are top priorities for populations living in these hotspots. Home to Mount Fuji, one of the world’s most sought-after hiking destinations, Japan is known for its active population. Similarly, Switzerland has the Swiss Alps, which bring millions of people to the country each year just for the chance to ski and hike.
Diet Rich in Lean Meats, Grains, and Vegetables
When we saw the diets of these extremely healthy countries, we weren't exactly shocked. One thing some of the top candidates, like Japan, Singapore, and Norway, have in common is a diet rich in fish, vegetables, and whole grains.
Low Tobacco and Alcohol Levels
Along with regular exercise and a clean diet, all of these countries have low alcohol consumption compared to other countries. It goes without saying that tobacco is strictly regulated in some countries, such as Singapore.
If you have ever dreamed of becoming an expat and prioritize your health and fitness, we recommend you buy a one-way ticket to one of the healthiest countries in the world in 2024.
