Top 10 Places in the World Where People Live the Longest

Guest Author: Adam Williams

It’s no surprise that there is a vast global divide in life expectancy, with those living in more developed countries far more likely to live into their 70’s and 80’s than those from less-developed countries. The divide is so considerable that the predicted life span of those at the top of the life expectancy table is almost double that of those at the bottom.

But which nations can expect their people to live the longest? Here’s a look at the ten that come closest to immortality.

10. Australia

You don’t have to look far to understand why Aussies can expect a lengthy existence of up to 81.91 years. Most residents live a laid-back, stress-free life, and consume a healthy, balanced diet. The healthcare system in Australia is also of a high standard, and the population is well educated about the importance of health.

Females born in Australia are predicted to live 84.35 years, while males can expect a life span of 79.4 years. But it isn’t all good news for the Aussies, as their life expectancy could plummet in the coming years, due to a steep rise in obesity rates among adults. Hey, nothing lasts forever, even long life.

9. Guernsey

Guernsey, a small island in the English Channel, inhabits just over 65,000 residents. The island is a British overseas territory, but boasts a far higher life expectancy than mainland Britain. The overall life expectancy for the people of Guernsey is 82.32, in comparison to the 80.1 years of mainland Brits.

Like most entries on this list, the island of Guernsey is very wealthy, which perhaps explains the high life expectancy. Most inhabitants can afford to live a high-quality lifestyle, with lots of residents originally from rich countries such as the UK and France. The island also has very few dangerous manual jobs, and has an excellent healthcare system.

8. Switzerland

Switzerland, with an overall life expectancy of 82.28 years, has a reputation for being one of the most peaceful nations on earth, with very little conflict and a stable economy and government. Switzerland also has one of the highest GDP per capita rates in the world.

The Swiss are known for having very high standards in all public sectors; including health and education, and the people of Switzerland generally live a high quality lifestyle, consuming a healthy and balanced diet. Swiss women are expected to live an average of 6 years longer than their male counterparts, by the way. Swiss dudes clearly aren’t consuming enough of their country’s delicious chocolate.

7. Andorra

After a huge boom in tourist numbers, Andorra has been transformed from one of the poorest countries in Europe into one of the richest in the world. It hosts vast mountains and stunning landscapes, but also a population who firmly believe in living a natural, peaceful, healthy life. It is common for people in their 70’s and 80’s to exercise daily, and the population is well educated about the importance of having a healthy diet. There is also virtually no violence, and Andorra has been labeled as one of the safest places on Earth.

As a result of their lifestyle, Andorrans can expect to live into their 80’s and beyond. At birth, females are expected to live to around 85, while males have a life expectancy of just over 80. The overall figure for Andorra’s life expectancy is 82.58 years, placing it 3rd in the whole of Europe, despite its puny size.

6. Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of China, makes it onto the list with an overall life expectancy of 82.2 years. This figure is considerably higher than that of China itself, which has an overall expectancy of just 75. Males from Hong Kong have a life expectancy of 79.3 years, while females can expect to live to 85.

Hong Kong is one of the wealthiest cities in Asia, and occupies some of the richest people in the world. It also has a booming economy and very low tax rates, meaning its residents have more money to spend on healthcare and a healthy diet, contributing to a longer life span.

5. San Marino

San Marino, the fifth smallest country in the world (even smaller than Andorra) is mostly made up of Italian immigrants, but its inhabitants can expect to live around two years longer than those in Italy, with an overall life expectancy of 83.12 years.

Like Guernsey, San Marino has very few manual jobs, and residents enjoy a relatively relaxed and stress free lifestyle. They share a similar diet to that of Italy, which is generally healthy and nutritious. Females born in San Marino today are expected to live 85.7 years, while males are once again predicted to live to just over 80.

4. Singapore

Singapore boasts an impressive overall life expectancy of just over 84 years. As one of the wealthiest places on Earth, it possesses one of the strongest economies around and can afford to spend freely on improving services for its residents. Thus, it has subsequently developed one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the world, ranking 6th globally in a 2000 study.

The people of Singapore and their lifestyle choice is also a considerable factor influencing life expectancy. As with most countries in East Asia, diet generally consists of naturally sources foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants. The common trend of females outliving males continues, with females expected to live to 85, in comparison to the expected life span of 80 for males.

3. Japan

The Japanese are renowned for their exceptionally healthy lifestyle. Fish, seaweed, and green tea are all prominent in their diet, and contain numerous health benefits that are proved to help prevent the deadliest of diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Their diet and lifestyle has also resulted in Japan having one of the lowest obesity rates in the world, with just 3.5% of the population considered overweight.

At birth, Japanese females have a life expectancy of around 86 years, while males can expect to live to around 82. Overall, Japan’s life expectancy is 84.19 years – a figure which puts most other developed countries to shame.

2. Macau

Like Hong Kong, Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China, with a population of just over half a million people. And their status isn’t the only thing they have in common, with Macau also having a very high life expectancy. Renowned for its casinos and gambling culture, Macau has attracted billions of dollars of foreign investment. It also has one of the highest GDP per capita rates in the world at $77,353, and is a place commonly favored by the rich.

Inhabitants can expect to live well into their 80’s, with the average life span being 84.46 years. Women are once again expected to live longer than their male counterparts, with an average life span of 87.5 years, compared to 81.5 years for males. But if you think that’s amazing …

1. Monaco

With an astonishing overall life expectancy of 89.6 years, Monaco outlives everybody else on Earth by a considerable margin. A popular tourist destination and home to super-rich immigrants, Monaco is one of the wealthiest places on earth. At birth, females in Monaco have a life expectancy of a staggering 93.7 years, while males can also expect a lengthy life span of 85.7 years.

Most residents live a lavish lifestyle, with workers usually occupying very well paid jobs. As a result, the people of Monaco can afford the very best in healthcare and diet. So in Monaco, not only can money buy you a luxury yacht in an exclusive marina, but it can also seemingly buy you more time on this Earth.

But no matter where you live, clearly the #1 method to cheating death is: be a lady.

All stats and figures courtesy of the CIA

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