Discover the World’s Best and Worst Countries for Longevity
Thinking of moving abroad? Life expectancy is more than just a number – it offers a window into the quality of life you can expect in a new country. From healthcare and safety to environment and social support, longevity reflects how well a nation cares for its people.
So if you’re seeking a longer, healthier life, this article reveals where to find it – and explains the key ingredients to thriving abroad.
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What is Life Expectancy?
Life expectancy is the estimated number of years a person of a given age can expect to live. For example, life expectancy at birth reflects the average lifespan of a newborn, assuming current mortality rates remain consistent throughout their life.
While this measure is based on mortality rates and population statistics, it’s also shaped by factors such as genetics, gender, access to healthcare, and environmental conditions. Since these vary widely by country, life expectancy can differ significantly around the world.
As a result, a country’s average life expectancy is a strong indicator of its population’s overall health and well-being, making it an important consideration for anyone deciding where to live.
How Does Life Expectancy Differ from Maximum Lifespan?
It’s important to understand the difference between life expectancy and the maximum human lifespan.
Life expectancy is the average number of years a person is expected to live in a given population, based on current mortality rates and demographic factors. For context, the global average life expectancy today is around 72 years.
By contrast, maximum lifespan refers to the longest a human can possibly live, based on biological limits. The oldest verified person, Jeanne Calment, lived to 122 years, which far exceeds the global average.
Top 10 Countries with the Highest Life Expectancy
So, which country has the highest life expectancy? According to UN data, residents of Monaco top the list, with an average life expectancy of 86.5 years.
But it’s not the only place where people are living exceptionally long lives – here are the 10 countries with the highest life expectancy, and why.
1. Monaco – 86.5 years
It may be surprising, but Monaco has the highest life expectancy in the world. This immensely wealthy European principality has all the key ingredients for long and healthy lives.
It offers a world-class, technologically advanced healthcare system focused on preventive care, early diagnosis, and quick treatment. Its strong education system also ensures children learn good habits in school, from healthy eating to the importance of regular exercise.
Additionally, residents benefit from easy access to high-quality Mediterranean ingredients, clean drinking water, and very low air pollution.
Meanwhile, the environment encourages an active lifestyle, with opportunities for walking, water sports, and hiking just across the border in France. All of these factors combine to create Monaco’s exceptionally high standard of living – and the highest life expectancy in the world.
2. San Marino – 85.8 years
The independent republic of San Marino is home to one of the world’s longest-living populations. This longevity is supported by a universal healthcare system, strong education rates, and a government that places a strong emphasis on disease prevention.
The country also enjoys a high per capita income, access to quality food and clean water, and a culture that values staying active.
3. Hong Kong – 85.6 years
Hong Kong ranks surprisingly high in global life expectancy. Its high level of economic development plays a major role, allowing residents to enjoy high-quality healthcare and education systems, along with widespread access to quality food and clean water.
Hongkongers also benefit from a mild climate, allowing for year-round outdoor activities, while the city’s extensive public transport network encourages regular physical movement.
4. Japan – 84.8 years
No list of countries with the highest life expectancy would be complete without Japan. Thanks to significant wealth and government investment, Japan boasts one of the best healthcare systems in the world and an education system that instills health awareness from an early age.
The local diet is also nutritious, contributing to low obesity rates, while many Japanese people stay active by walking regularly and relying on excellent public transport networks.
Read More: The Best Healthcare in the World: Country Rankings
5. South Korea – 84.4 years
South Korea has seen a notable increase in life expectancy in recent decades, largely due to its rapid economic growth since the 1980s. This progress has raised living standards and supported a strong universal healthcare system that embraces technological innovation and prioritizes disease prevention.
The population generally has low blood pressure, doesn’t smoke, and relies on public transport. The traditional diet, which is rich in fermented food and vegetables, also plays a key role.
In many cities, it’s not uncommon to see people of all ages exercising in public parks or using outdoor gym equipment, which reflects the strong cultural emphasis on staying active.
6. Saint Barthelemy – 84.4 years
St Barthelemy’s tropical climate encourages easy living, an active outdoor lifestyle, and a fresh, healthy diet. Parts of the island also benefit from well-developed infrastructure, providing access to quality healthcare.
A low-stress environment and a strong focus on social activities promote positive mental health, which in turn supports residents’ long life expectancy.
7. French Polynesia – 84.2 years
This South Pacific archipelago also ranks among the countries with the highest life expectancy, but why? The secret may lie in easy access to fresh seafood and tropical fruits, which form the backbone of a nutritious, balanced diet. The laid-back, low-stress lifestyle also encourages regular physical activity.
Beyond diet and lifestyle, a strong sense of community and close family ties play a vital role in supporting residents’ mental and emotional well-being, which contributes significantly to their long, healthy lives.
8. Andorra – 84.2 years
Advanced healthcare (with high immunization rates) and a healthy Mediterranean diet are just two reasons why Andorra has one of the highest life expectancies in the world.
The country also benefits from low pollution, access to safe water and sanitation, strong economic development, and a focus on social and active living. Additionally, it has low crime rates, which adds to its peaceful environment.
9. Switzerland – 84.1 years
Like many countries with the highest life expectancy, Switzerland benefits from numerous life-extending factors. It boasts one of the best healthcare systems in the world, which is well-funded, universal, and focused on prevention and early diagnosis.
The country also offers a high standard of living, with excellent infrastructure, sanitation, and high-quality air and water. Many residents enjoy an active lifestyle, taking advantage of the abundant outdoor activities on offer.
10. Australia – 84.1 years
Sun, sea, and sand play a key role in keeping residents active and healthy in the land down under. But beyond a mild climate that encourages an active lifestyle, Australia’s strong economy supports a high standard of living, including a universal healthcare system focused on vaccination and disease prevention.
The government also runs extensive public health campaigns targeting smoking, guns, drugs, and alcohol. Meanwhile, a thriving agricultural industry ensures widespread access to high-quality food, further contributing to the population’s overall health.
Read More: Countries With Free Healthcare
Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Life Expectancy
So, what country has the lowest life expectancy? According to UN data, Somalia ranks at the bottom, with an average life expectancy of just 59 years.
Most of the countries with the shortest lifespans are in sub-Saharan Africa, where a combination of interrelated challenges significantly impacts public health. For instance, widespread poverty, political instability, and weak infrastructure often limit access to education and healthcare.
Environmental factors also play a major role, with many communities facing unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and unreliable food supplies – all of which contribute to poor health outcomes.
On top of that, ongoing conflict, violence, and high crime rates in some regions further erode quality of life and shorten life expectancy.
Here are the 10 countries with the lowest life expectancy in 2025:
- Somalia – 59 years
- Mali – 60.7 years
- Guinea – 60.9 years
- Benin – 61 years
- Burkina Faso – 61.3 years
- Niger – 61.4 years
- Sierra Leone – 62 years
- Democratic Republic of Congo – 62.1 years
- Ivory Coast – 62.1 years
- Nauru – 62.3 years
What is the Average Life Expectancy in the U.S.?
According to 2024 UN data, the average life expectancy in the United States is 79.5 years. This rises to 82 years for females and falls to 77 years for males.
This places the U.S. behind many European countries, including Monaco, Italy, Spain, France, Norway, and Portugal, as well as nations like Panama, Oman, the Maldives, Japan, and Chile. However, it still ranks ahead of many Eastern European, African, and South American countries.
Several factors contribute to the U.S.’s lower life expectancy compared to other developed nations. One is the typical American diet, which often emphasizes processed foods, sugar, and large portion sizes.
Lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, physical inactivity, and the high prevalence of chronic conditions – including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease – also play a role. These challenges are made worse by a lack of coordinated public health initiatives that address them on a broad scale.
Wider social issues, such as food insecurity, housing instability, and exposure to violence, further contribute to reduced life expectancy. Additionally, the structure of the U.S. healthcare system means many residents lack access to affordable, preventive care.
Despite these challenges, a report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows encouraging signs. After an initial drop during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S life expectancy rose from 76.4 years in 2021 to 77.5 years in 2022, and continues to improve.
Read More: How Much Does Healthcare Cost in the U.S.?
Global Life Expectancy Trends
Overall, the latest global life expectancy figures paint a hopeful picture of how far the world has come in extending human life.
Life expectancy has generally increased worldwide over the last century. According to the United Nations Population Division, the global average for both genders rose from 46.5 years in 1950 to 71.7 years in 2022, and is expected to climb further to 77.3 years by 2050.
This improvement is mainly due to better access to healthcare, sanitation, education, and nutrition. Rapid development in Asia, in particular, has helped many countries in the region close the gap with Europe and North America.
When it comes to countries with the highest life expectancy, the Nordic states continue to stand out. This is because nations like Sweden and Denmark benefit from high-quality healthcare systems alongside healthy diets and lifestyles.
Despite these significant global gains, Africa remains the only region expected to see a decline in life expectancy by 2025.
Having seen where life expectancy is highest and lowest, let’s explore the factors that influence these differences.
Factors Affecting Life Expectancy
Many factors influence which countries have the highest life expectancy. Some relate specifically to individuals, such as gender and race, while others depend on the country itself.
Here are some of the most important ones:
- Race: Certain racial groups tend to be healthier and less prone to specific diseases.
- Genetics: Some individuals and populations have genetic predispositions to certain illnesses.
- Socioeconomics: More developed countries typically have better infrastructure, higher living standards, and stronger healthcare systems. Wealthier individuals also have better access to healthcare, nutritious diets, and opportunities for exercise.
- Gender: Women generally live longer than men worldwide.
- Environment: Good air quality, safe water, sanitation, and reliable transportation networks contribute to longer life expectancy.
- Access to healthcare: Countries with affordable, preventative, and technologically advanced healthcare systems often see the highest life expectancy.
- Local situation: Factors such as infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or ongoing conflict tend to reduce life expectancy.
- Education: Higher education levels correlate with longer life expectancy.
- Lifestyle: Healthier diets, lower alcohol consumption, and more outdoor physical activity support longer lifespans.
What Race Lives the Longest?
As mentioned, genetics play a major role in life expectancy, leading to significant variation among racial groups.
For example, a government study in Singapore, a country known for its multiracial population, found that Chinese residents had the highest life expectancy at 84.3 years, compared to Malays at 79.4 years and Indians at 81.3 years.
Similar racial differences appear in the U.S. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that between 2000 and 2019, life expectancy increased the most for Black Americans, rising by 3.9 years.
In comparison, life expectancy increased by 2.9 years for Asian Americans, 2.7 years for Latino Americans, and 1.7 years for white Americans.
The Oldest Living Person by Country
Now we know which countries have the highest and lowest life expectancies – but what about individuals?
Here is the official list of the 10 oldest living people in the world, as of May 2025:
- Ethel Caterham, England – 115
- Marie-Rose Tessier, France – 114
- Mine Kondo, Japan – 114
- Naomi Whitehead, United States – 114
- Izabel Rosa Pereria, Brazil – 114
- Lucia Laura Sangenito, Italy – 114
- Klavdiya Gadyuchkina, Russia – 114
- Masu Usui, Japan – 114
- Andree Bertoletto, France – 114
- Yolanda Beltrao de Azevedo, Brazil – 114
Notably, many of these individuals live in countries that promote healthy lifestyles, which contributes to longer life expectancy. For example, Japan and France both encourage healthy eating, regular exercise, and social connection.
The oldest person ever recorded was Jeanne Louise Calment from France. She was born in 1875 and lived until the age of 122. In her later years, she shared some pearls of wisdom about living a long, healthy life.
First, she married a wealthy (distant) cousin and didn’t have to work, allowing her to stay active and live a stress-free life. Being French, Jeanne enjoyed a high-quality Mediterranean diet, indulging in healthy fats, fresh proteins and vegetables, and a modest amount of chocolate and wine.
Want to live like Jeanne? A relaxed lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and a culture that values good food and social connection make France a rewarding choice for those seeking longevity and quality of life. Read more about moving to France and embracing the “joie de vivre.”
Why Life Expectancy Matters to Expats
If you’re thinking about moving abroad, knowing a country’s life expectancy can offer valuable insights into quality of life, healthcare access, and overall well-being.
Countries with higher life expectancy tend to offer better healthcare systems, cleaner environments, and stronger social support, which are all essential factors for a long, healthy life. This often means more reliable medical care, preventive services, and safer communities.
These benefits also support a better work-life balance, giving expats more time and energy to enjoy hobbies, travel, and build meaningful relationships. After all, strong social connections and a sense of community are closely linked to better health and happiness.
Access to Quality Healthcare and Health Insurance
One key trait all high-life-expectancy countries share is excellent healthcare. For expats, access to quality medical care is essential for maintaining good health.
Depending on your needs, you may want to ensure your new home has easy access to hospitals, good specialists, or preventive care programs.
No matter where you live, having comprehensive international health insurance is vital. It ensures you receive timely, high-quality care, face shorter wait times, and have access to specialists when needed.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes and coverage options
- Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
- Find the best plan for your needs and budget
Many plans also cover preventive services such as vaccinations, screenings, and wellness check-ups, helping to catch health issues early before they become serious.
Most importantly, insurance protects against unexpected medical expenses, offering peace of mind and helping you avoid costly bills. This allows you to focus on your health, live confidently, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Read More: Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
Ready to Live a Long and Healthy Life Abroad?
Ultimately, life expectancy depends on many factors — from national healthcare systems and education to individual genetics and lifestyle choices.
Countries with the highest life expectancy are often wealthier, with strong public services and cultures that support healthy living. In contrast, nations with lower life expectancy often face poverty, limited healthcare, poor diets, and environmental challenges.
If you’re considering moving abroad, choosing a country with a high life expectancy can mean better access to care, cleaner air and water, and a higher overall quality of life. That can help you stay healthier, happier, and enjoy more years to the fullest.
Ready to explore your options? Check out our destination guides and discover what each country offers in terms of healthcare, lifestyle, cost of living, and overall well-being.
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About the Author:Gayatri is a seasoned travel and lifestyle journalist who has lived in Bangkok, London, Melbourne, and now Hong Kong, where she runs her content agency, The Wordsmith’s Ink, and writes for global publications. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her traveling, working out, watching Formula 1 or the NBA, or getting lost in a good book.