29 Countries Where People Live the Longest

In these remarkable destinations, locals live well into old age.

Where Locals Have the Highest Life Expectancy

Israel — one of the countries with the highest life expectancy

In communities all around the world, people are living (and thriving) well into their golden years. These prospering societies aren’t safeguarding secret fountains of youth — but they do share some common elixirs.

In places where longevity reigns, locals tend to eat balanced, mostly plant-based diets; partake in daily low-impact activities; focus on family and spirituality; and carve out plenty of time to enjoy the simple things in life, like napping. Believe it or not, a healthy love of wine is also prevalent, as is sunny weather.

Using findings from the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report, the CIA World Factbook and the Blue Zones project, we’ve rounded up some of the countries where people have the highest life expectancy. In all of these destinations, citizens surpass 75 years of age on average (compared to the global average of 71). Most also have high concentrations of centenarians, those who live to be 100 and older.

If you want to travel somewhere where the people are happy, the culinary scene is health-focused, the weather is temperate and outdoor recreation rules, these are all excellent places to consider. You may walk away feeling like you've sipped from the fountain of youth yourself.

29. Barbados

Average national life expectancy: 75.5 years

Capital: Bridgetown

Official language: English

Inside Barbados

The Caribbean island of Barbados, a favorite beach getaway for travelers, treats its elderly right. Bajans who reach 100 years of age are honored with portraits printed on postal stamps as part of the "Centenarians of Barbados" stamp collection.

The island even has a healthy contingent of locals who live to be past 110 years old, appropriately called supercentenarians.

Bottom Line: Barbados

In Barbados, people spend their days with purpose by putting faith and family first, which has played a significant role in longevity. According to the Blue Zones project, knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy.

The same easy-going lifestyle that draws travelers allows citizens to remain relaxed, and the island life encourages them to partake in physical motion daily, from strolling the village to visiting neighbors to going for a swim in the sea.

28. Costa Rica

Average national life expectancy: 78.7 years

Capital: San Jose

Official language: Spanish

Inside Costa Rica

La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

The longest-living residents in Costa Rica credit their plan de vida, meaning reason to live, which gives them a strong sense of purpose. Plus, the Caribbean nation boasts sunny, tropical weather and has excellent healthcare.

Costa Rica’s beautiful jungle-ridden Nicoya Peninsula is a designated Blue Zone, singled out by experts for being home to the planet's healthiest and longest-living citizens.

Bottom Line: Costa Rica

Nicoyan centenarians rise and set with the sun, and spend their days working, eating and playing in equal measure. They maintain a positive outlook, credited to their Catholic beliefs. Most spend a significant amount of the day active, either working the farmland or walking around the neighborhood to visit loved ones.

Spanish colonizers thought they’d discovered the fountain of youth when they reached Costa Rica’s natural hot springs in nearby La Fortuna, and they weren’t too far off the mark. The springs indeed provide a health boost to citizens, as they do to those passing through.

27. Greece

Average national life expectancy: 80.7 years

Capital: Athens

Official language: Greek

Inside Greece

People trade natural sponges in Chania Crete

It’s no secret that the Mediterranean diet is extraordinarily healthy and decreases the chance of cardiovascular disease. Those with doubts needn't look any further than Greece, where the diet has contributed to extraordinary longevity, as it has in many other places around the world.

Grecians are also active, often partaking in farming and fishing, and make time in their daily lives to socialize with loved ones, walk in the sun and nap.

Bottom Line: Greece

Ikaria, a Grecian island off the coast of Turkey in the Eastern Aegean Sea, is a Blue Zone with numerous nonagenarians — people between the ages of 90 and 99. In fact, a remarkable third of Ikaria’s population lives to be 90.

Blue Zone researchers have found that locals in Ikaria are super healthy, and dementia, cancer and cardiovascular diseases are very rare. Like Costa Rica, the destination is home to mineral hot springs, which have been found to relieve pain, increase circulation and help with digestion.

Locals are additionally known to drink a local herbal tea that’s a health elixir jam-packed with nutrients and antioxidants.

25. Bermuda (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 81.4 years

Capital: Hamilton

Official language: English

Inside Bermuda

This British island territory in the North Atlantic Ocean may best be known for pink-sand beaches, but it also has one of the highest life expectancies on Earth.

There is a serious gender gap though: Where women live to be 84.9 years of age on average, men only make it to 77.3 years. This is largely due to various health issues that disproportionately affect men, like the fact that 70 percent of Bermudian women are overweight, compared to 79 percent of Bermudian men.

Bottom Line: Bermuda

Obesity, in general, is a problem in Bermuda, which suffers the highest obesity rates of all Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. About 13 percent of the population suffers from diabetes, and the diabetes-related lower-extremity amputation rate is nearly double the average of OECD countries.

So why can Bermuda still tout such a high overall life expectancy? A healthy love for the outdoors and strong sense of community surely play a role. Plus only 10 percent of Bermudians smoke — one of the lowest rates in the OECD.

25. Netherlands (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 81.4 years

Capital: Amsterdam

Official language: Dutch

Inside Netherlands

Street musician playing accordion in the Netherlands

One of the oldest people in the world, Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper, was from the Netherlands.

When she died at age 115, she donated her body to science so that the secret to a long life could be studied.

Bottom Line: Netherlands

Van Andel-Schipper and others in the country have thrived thanks to a national focus on supporting healthy aging.

One community, Groningen, has gone so far as to create its own Blue Zone by implementing standards to foster community and encourage healthy eating habits.

23. Anguilla (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 81.5 years

Capital: The Valley

Official language: English

Inside Anguilla

Anguilla is a self-governing British Overseas Territory in the Eastern Caribbean where just 13,572 people live.

And those people are, on the whole, living long and healthy lives.

Bottom Line: Anguilla

Maybe they live long lives because of easy access to the sea and long stretches of white-sand beaches. Or maybe it’s because of the island’s laid-back vibe and abundance of fresh, healthy seafood.

One thing’s for certain: It’s not due to healthcare, which individuals must pay for out of pocket.

23. Monaco (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 81.5 years

Capital: Monaco

Official language: French

Inside Monaco

The tiny country of Monaco is the second smallest in the world but has the overall highest life expectancy.

Like long-life communities in Italy, Greece and Spain, many people here eat the Mediterranean diet.

Bottom Line: Monaco

Most people are also religious, family-centric and spend plenty of time relaxing outdoors.

We can't help but think they're enjoying their lives on yachts in Monte Carlo that were purchased tax-free.

22. Austria

Average national life expectancy: 81.6 years

Capital: Vienna

Official language: German

Inside Austria

Considering Austria is the second-richest country in the European Union, it’s no surprise to learn that its citizens enjoy long lifespans. The socioeconomics of the country positively affects the population's access to reliable healthcare and nutritious foods.

Austria is also the third safest country in the world, which helps to decrease stress among locals.

Bottom Line: Austria

Austrian culture focuses on a healthy work-life balance, with a more laid-back approach to working hours and a priority on spending leisure time outdoors. Many shops close up on Sundays to give business owners a day off work, and in August, most businesses close for the entire month so employees can enjoy a summer holiday.

Austrians love to spend time enjoying freshwater lakes in warmer months and skiing the slopes in the winter time. Clearly, this way of life is a sound one.

The capital, Vienna, also wears the crown of being the city with the highest quality of life in the world.

21. Spain

Average national life expectancy: 81.8 years

Capital: Madrid

Official language: Spanish

Inside Spain

Spaniards, too, are keen on the Mediterranean diet.

Moreover, they benefit from daily siestas, or afternoon naps, which help keep them relaxed and rested.

Bottom Line: Spain

In Spain, family values come first, as do deep-rooted religious beliefs, traditions and ceremonies, bringing communities together weekly.

These family and social interactions are the first priority in Spain, where a commonly heard phrase is “no pasa nada,” which roughly translates to “don’t worry.”

16. Jersey (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 81.9 years

Capital: Saint Helier

Official languages: English, and French

Inside Jersey

Life expectancy on the largest of the Channel Islands is higher than the global average. Nearly half of the population are between 25 and 54 years old, and about 17 percent of the population are 65 and over.

The British Crown dependency, which is home to some 100,000 citizens, has living standards similar to those of the United Kingdom, although the island isn’t a part of Great Britain.

Bottom Line: Jersey

A high quality of life can be attributed to mild weather and direct access to the sea. Jersey is just nine miles long and five miles wide, so the coastline can be reached within a 10-minute car ride from almost anywhere on the island. Naturally, fresh seafood is a common dietary staple, promising many health benefits — lobster and oyster are served in abundance!

There may be more mystic explanations for the longevity of people from Jersey, too. Locals think that their ancestors were fairies. Per custom, people also build stone seats on the exteriors of their homes, so witches can rest and won’t cast evil on their households.

16. Canada (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 81.9 years

Capital: Ottawa

Official language: English, French

Inside Canada

Couple hiking in mountain and relaxing looking at view

It’s no secret that good mental and physical health helps us reach old age, and on these fronts, Canada excels. The country ranks 16th on the World’s Healthiest Nations report by Bloomberg and 9th on the World Happiness Report.

Access to healthcare has also helped Canada land a spot on the list. In Canada, preventative care is routine, which helps prolong life by catching illnesses in early stages.

It doesn't hurt that Canadian national parks offer a cheap way to be active and surround yourself with indescribable beauty.

Bottom Line: Canada

Canadians also take care to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating balanced diets and exercising regularly.

Within Canada, the province of British Columbia can claim the longest life span for both men and women. On the other hand, communities of indigenous people in the northern territories suffer a much lower life expectancy, usually five years less than those in major cities, due to their isolation and limited access to healthcare.

16. Liechtenstein (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 81.9 years

Capital: Vaduz

Official language: German

Inside Liechtenstein

Tiny Liechtenstein is big on healthy living.

After all, it’s quite mountainous, meaning there’s plenty of clean, fresh air to breathe and excellent terrain for enjoying outdoor sports.

Bottom Line: Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is also one of the most prosperous countries on Earth, with the third-highest per-capita income in the world. More than almost anything else, this matters significantly; citizens of high-income countries tend to live 23 years longer than those in low-income countries.

Having access to funds means that citizens can make healthier lifestyle choices about their diets, healthcare, stress management and self-care.

16. Norway (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 81.9 years

Capital: Oslo

Official language: Norwegian

Inside Norway

We can learn many lessons about how to live longer from Norwegians.

Many credit their longevity to their diet, which is made up of heart-healthy seafood such as cod and salmon, homemade bread full of fiber, and fresh, seasonable fruits and vegetables.

Bottom Line: Norway

To live a long life, it also helps to be joyous, and Norway is the third happiest country in the world.

Plus, Norwegians who become ill don’t have to stress about how they’ll care for themselves, as there’s a free public health service.

16. France (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 81.9 years

Capital: Paris

Official language: French

Inside France

French people attribute their long lives to active lifestyles and healthy diets. French foods that tourists can’t help but gorge on — chocolate, croissants, entire baguettes — are eaten occasionally by the French, not daily.

And while the French do regularly consume cheese, it’s usually in small portions. Otherwise, French people actually eat very healthily, contributing to very low rates of heart disease and obesity.

Bottom Line: France

Other dietary norms also impact the overall health of the population — wine, which is proven to contribute to well-being (when drunk in moderation!), is France’s drink of choice. On the other hand, nearly a quarter of the French population still smokes cigarettes, so the country is far from perfect on the wellness front.

One of the oldest women to have ever lived was Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, who lived to be an astonishing 122 years and 164 days. She believed her longevity was due to enjoying pleasurable things in life, acting with morals, and not having regrets. This mentality is shared by many other French people, to their great benefit.

15. Sweden

Average national life expectancy: 82.1 years

Capital: Stockholm

Official language: Swedish

Inside Sweden

Citizens in Sweden can look forward to many years of good health.

They tend to live an incredible two years longer than those in any other country measured by the OECD.

Bottom Line: Sweden

Swedes thrive in part because they have access to high-quality drinking water. But it also has something to do with the principle they live by, lagom, which means to live with moderation and balance.

This virtue extends to many areas of Swedish life, with locals believing in the value of supporting all people equally, taking time off from work to relax and play, and keeping sustainability top of mind.

12. Italy (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 82.3 years

Capital: Rome

Official language: Italian

Inside Italy

La bella vita is sweet in Italy — and long-lasting.

The gorgeous Italian isle of Sardinia, in the Mediterranean Sea, is of special note; it became the first identified Blue Zone after demographers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain found that it had the highest concentration of male centenarians in the world.

Bottom Line: Italy

Today, 24 out of every 100,000 Sardinians are above the age of 100. Ovodda, one rural town on the island, has a population of 1,700 people, five of whom have surpassed 100 years in age.

What’s to account for these impressive numbers? Access to farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and other produce is commonplace. Even the cheese and milk Sardinians love to consume come from a healthy source: grass-fed goats.

And yes, a love of wine also helps. The Blue Zone project lists "Wine at 5" as one of the key indicators of a long life. "Moderate drinkers outlive non-drinkers," experts note. "The trick is to drink 1-2 glasses per day (preferably Sardinian Cannonau wine), with friends and/or with food."

The majority of Sardinian centenarians are men who work as shepherds and farmers, and they tend to spend ample time walking and sharing camaraderie with their companions.

12. Australia (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 82.3 years

Capital: Canberra

Official language: English

Inside Australia

Spending time in nature is important throughout Australia, which has had a tremendous impact on vitality.

As the Blue Zones project notes, “The world’s longest-lived people don’t pump iron, run marathons or join gyms. Instead, they live in environments that constantly nudge them into moving without thinking about it.”

Bottom Line: Australia

Plus, the national public healthcare system here is second to none — Australian Medicare provides healthcare to all citizens and free health services to permanent residents, with a focus on prevention and management.

Unfortunately, these public services aren’t easily utilized by Australia's indigenous population, which has a much lower life expectancy of 69 years.

12. Luxembourg (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 82.3 years

Capital: Luxembourg City

Official languages: Luxembourgish, German, French

Inside Luxembourg

Not only is life expectancy in Luxembourg higher than average, but it’s been steadily increasing since 2015.

Why? The country has one of the world’s highest per-capita incomes, which comes with many socioeconomic advantages.

Bottom Line: Luxembourg

Luxembourg also reaps the benefits of a generous compulsory public-health system. Ninety-eight percent of the population receive universal coverage, providing individuals the flexibility to select which practitioner or hospital they’d like to go to for treatment.

Coverage includes everything from maternity care to prescriptions.

10. Republic of Korea (South Korea) (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 82.5 years

Capital: Seoul

Official language: Korean

Inside the Republic of Korea (South Korea)

Hinoki Cypress tree forest in Beopgi-ri, Yangsan, South Korea.

South Korean women are soon expected to be the first to surpass an average life expectancy of 90 years. In general, South Koreans have low obesity rates, which result in low blood pressure and fewer cardiovascular issues.

This is in large part due to a healthy lifestyle, including a low rate of smoking and a diet focused on fish, rice, soy and fermented vegetables (kimchi).

Bottom Line: Republic of Korea (South Korea)

Long lives in South Korea are also attributed to a strong economy that supports the middle class as well as to excellent healthcare.

Citizens here are known to go to the doctor whenever they have an ailment.

10. Israel (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 82.5 years

Capital: Jerusalem (not universally recognized)

Official language: Hebrew

Inside Israel

Old bedouin offering a necklace in Israel

Although Israel is one of the few countries on Earth that mandates military service and is involved in frequent conflict, it boasts impressive longevity amongst its citizens.

The Mediterranean diet, family-centric communities and warm weather all help Israelis live long and fruitful lives.

Bottom Line: Israel

Plus, like many places on this list, the destination has strong spiritual values.

When Blue Zone researchers interviewed 263 centenarians around the world, it found that all but five belonged to some faith-based community. “Denomination doesn’t seem to matter,” it pointed out. “Research shows that attending faith-based services four times per month will add 4-14 years of life expectancy.”

8. Switzerland (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 82.6 years

Capital: Bern

Official language: German, French, Italian, Romansh

Inside Switzerland

In addition to Switzerland’s exceptional average lifespan, men in the country have a 95 percent probability of living to be 80, and 27 percent make it to at least 85.

Perhaps it’s the nation’s commitment to being neutral in conflict or its love for soul-nourishing chocolate, that's contributed to such remarkable stats. More likely, it’s a result of the country’s balanced diet — the Swiss food plate usually consists of 40 percent vegetables, 40 percent whole-grain carbs and 20 percent lean protein.

Bottom Line: Switzerland

The Swiss also benefit from economic prosperity; because the population is generally very wealthy, it's easier for citizens to access healthy foods and medical care.

Switzerland is additionally one of the top five countries on the 2018 World Happiness Report.

8. Guernsey (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 82.6 years

Capital: Saint Peter Port

Official language: English

Inside Guernsey

The wealthy Channel Island of Guernsey is home to 65,000 residents, many of whom are enjoying or can look forward to old age.

Most of the population can afford to spend money on healthy food, gym memberships, healthcare and other forms of self-care.

Bottom Line: Guernsey

Harbour and Skyline of Saint Peter Port Guernsey

Taxes are very low in Guernsey and salaries are usually quite high. Healthcare, though, is expensive, as only emergency treatments are free.

It also helps that Guernsey has very little air pollution. Island life tends to be good for the soul, as well, promising access to fresh air, seafood and the ability to relax in nature.

7. Andorra

Average national life expectancy: 82.9 years

Capital: Andorra la Vella

Official language: Catalan

Inside Andorra

Life expectancy in Andorra is unusually high, which shouldn’t come as a shock considering it’s a very affluent country. As a result, residents enjoy easy access to healthy food and high-quality medical care.

The mountains naturally keep the air clean, and the people are dedicated to preserving the environment. Andorrans love to get out and enjoy the surrounding nature — whether it’s by hiking and skiing or simply walking or biking to work.

Bottom Line: Andorra

It only takes 45 minutes to drive across Andorra so it’s very easy for the aging population to keep up with visits from friends and family, with most families meeting at least once a week.

It’s an unofficial national pastime for the elderly to play cards outside as they enjoy the day.

6. Hong Kong

Average national life expectancy: 83 years

Capital: Hong Kong

Official languages: Chinese, English

Inside Hong Kong

Hong Kongers’ life expectancy comes as a surprise, considering the Special Administrative Region of China is the densest major urban area in the world, which contributes to extreme pollution levels and a hectic city lifestyle.

But the nation makes up for these deficits by placing a high premium on daily exercise; many elders participate daily in the martial art exercise of tai chi, which is believed to improve the cardiovascular system.

Bottom Line: Hong Kong

Cantonese tradition also calls for a balanced diet of steamed vegetables, rice-based carbs and an abundance of hydration with plenty of medicinal herbal teas.

And no surprise here: There’s also excellent public healthcare in Hong Kong.

4. Iceland (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 83.1 years

Capital: Reykjavic

Official language: Icelandic

Inside Iceland

Icelanders are clearly doing something right. Perhaps people from Iceland live so long because they’re some of the happiest people on the planet (4th on the World Happiness Report). Violent crime is also very rare in Iceland, which contributes to low levels of stress.

It also surely matters that Iceland is the third healthiest country in the world. Good health comes from the simple Icelandic diet, centered on fresh seafood, meat and milk from grass-fed cows, and seasonal organic produce.

Bottom Line: Iceland

Iceland is a land of longevity with many hot springs that are believed to contain beneficial medicinal properties. One of the biggest threats to Icelanders’ health is seasonal affective disorder, as there’s very little sunlight during the winter months.

A common way to combat the dark days is to exercise, which boosts mental and physical well-being.

4. San Marino (Tie)

Average national life expectancy: 83.1 years

Capital: San Marino

Official language: Italian

Inside San Marino

San Marino is one of the world's oldest surviving republics — and today, its citizens are surviving a long time, too.

In this landlocked Mediterranean country, the landscape is mostly made up of Mt. Titano, which provides fresh air and beautiful countryside for outdoor activities.

Bottom Line: San Marino

As in Italy, which surrounds San Marino, the Mediterranean diet is the norm here, with a focus on handmade pasta, local produce, fresh fish and occasionally meat. Agriculture is a major economic sector in the country — many farms produce corn, wheat, grapes and olives.

San Marino is one of the top 30 wealthiest countries in the world when it comes to per-capita income, so financial insecurity is uncommon and unemployment rates are low.

3. Macau

Average national life expectancy: 84.6 years

Capital: N/A

Official languages: Chinese, Portuguese

Inside Macau

Many people in Macau work in the region’s thriving casino industry, which has made it very wealthy. Macau is one of the richest territories in the world, with high per-capita GDP.

Access to financial security from cradle to grave allows people to avoid stress and afford a healthy lifestyle.

Bottom Line: Macau

The society in Macau is also deeply rooted in family relations, which stems from its Chinese cultural influences (Macau is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China). Elders are respected and cared for, which helps keep people healthier and happier throughout their golden years.

The mission of the elderly in Macau is to spend time with their offspring, with many helping to raise their grandchildren.

2. Singapore

Average national life expectancy: 85.2 years

Capital: Singapore

Official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil

Inside Singapore

Life expectancy has gone up in tandem with growing economic prosperity over the past three decades in this tiny but populous Southeast Asian country.

Seniors are valued as the figureheads of their families and communities, which helps them feel needed and valuable. It’s common for elders in Singapore to continue to work on various projects into old age, and to exercise in the country’s many green parks.

Bottom Line: Singapore

Like many other nations with long life expectancy, Singapore has excellent healthcare.

The system in Singapore focuses on therapeutic and preventive care, which contributes to longer, healthier lives.

1. Japan

Average national life expectancy: 85.3 years

Capital: Tokyo

Official language: Japanese

Inside Japan

The Japanese sense of ikigai, or reason for living, no doubt plays a significant role in fostering health and happiness. Locals also practice many healthy daily habits, like gardening, cultivating medicinal herbs and spending time in social settings.

And, perhaps most importantly, the country's diet is admirable: locals consume hearty yet healthy foods such as sweet potatoes and soy tofu, while limiting meat consumption.

Bottom Line: Japan

The tiny, remote Japanese island of Okinawa has been singled out as a Blue Zone and touts two special distinctions: the highest concentration of centenarians in the world, and women who live longer than anywhere else on earth. An impressive 740 out of 1.3 million people are over 100 years old here, and 90% of them are women.

Okinawa women credit their long lives to having moai, the Japanese word for a group of life-long supportive friends.