11 countries where people live the longest

If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to age more slowly than everyone else, the answer might be hiding in the country they call home.

If you have ever daydreamed about finding the fountain of youth, you might just need to book a flight to one of these vibrant destinations. You likely want more time to enjoy life, and it turns out that where you live plays a massive role in how many candles end up on your birthday cake.

While genetics matter, your environment, diet, and stress levels are doing the heavy lifting when it comes to longevity in these top-tier nations. From fresh seafood diets to walkable cities, these eleven countries have figured out the formula for a long and healthy existence.

Monaco

This tiny principality on the French Riviera is famous for its casinos and yachts, but its most impressive stat is the lifespan of its residents. With a population that enjoys incredible wealth and top-tier healthcare, it is no surprise they top the global charts consistently year after year.

Residents in Monaco will live to an astounding average age of 87 years. Living here means access to a Mediterranean climate and a stress-free environment that seems to work wonders for the heart and soul.

Hong Kong

You might expect a bustling metropolis to be stressful, but Hong Kong defies the odds with one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the world. The city creates an environment where seniors remain active and engaged well into their later years, often practicing tai chi in the parks at dawn.

Visual Capitalist estimates for 2025 place Hong Kong at the very top of the leaderboard with a life expectancy of roughly 85.8 years. Their diet, rich in steamed fish and vegetables, combined with high social connectivity, keeps the older population thriving despite the concrete jungle.

San Marino

Nestled in the mountains of Italy, this microstate offers a slow-paced lifestyle that prioritizes community connection and fresh, locally sourced food. You won’t find the hustle of big cities here, but you will find neighbors who actually know each other and look out for one another daily.

The strong social fabric here is a huge reason why people live so long, proving that having good friends might be just as important as good medicine. It is a place where community support is standard, helping reduce the isolation that often plagues the elderly in other parts of the world.

Japan

Japan continues to be a heavyweight in the longevity game, thanks largely to a diet that is low in red meat and high in fish and fermented foods. The culture deeply respects the elderly, keeping them integrated in family life rather than pushing them to the fringes of society.

In a record-breaking statistic, the number of centenarians in Japan recently surged to 99,763 people. This incredible figure highlights just how effective their approach to health and daily movement is for maintaining vitality over a century.

Switzerland

Fresh Alpine air and a healthcare system that is the envy of the world make Switzerland a haven for those looking to live a long, healthy life. The Swiss prioritize outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, ensuring they stay physically active regardless of their age or the season.

People here also enjoy a high standard of living and financial stability, which significantly lowers chronic stress levels across the population. The Swiss approach to work-life balance ensures that relaxation is not just a luxury but a fundamental part of their daily routine.

Singapore

This island nation has transformed itself into a “Blue Zone 2.0” by engineering health directly into its urban planning and public policies. From subsidized healthy food to parks designed for seniors, the government actively nudges its citizens toward better choices every single day.

According to government statistics released in 2024, the life expectancy for Singapore residents rose to 83.5 years. This leap forward proves that smart policy and a focus on preventative care can rapidly improve public health outcomes.

Italy

The Italians have mastered the art of living well, known famously as “la dolce vita,” which focuses on pleasure, family, and slowing down. Meals are an event here, eaten slowly with family and friends, which aids digestion and reduces the stress that cuts lives short elsewhere.

In regions like Sardinia, you find high concentrations of centenarians who credit their long lives to daily walks and a glass of wine. Their diet is naturally rich in olive oil and vegetables, keeping their hearts healthy and their spirits high well into old age.

South Korea

South Korea has seen a meteoric rise in life expectancy due to rapid economic growth and a massive improvement in dietary quality over the last few decades. The healthcare system is accessible and advanced, catching potential issues early before they become life-threatening problems.

World Population Review projections for 2026 show South Korea reaching a life expectancy of 84.43 years, a testament to its modern medical infrastructure. The nation blends traditional fermented foods like kimchi with modern health practices to create a powerful shield against aging.

Spain

Spain offers a relaxed pace of life where the mid-day siesta is still a cherished tradition in many smaller towns and cities. This culture of rest, combined with strong family ties, creates a buffer against the anxiety and burnout that affects so many other Western nations.

The food culture here is a major protector of health, with fresh ingredients taking center stage in every single meal. For the eighth year in a row, the Mediterranean diet, a staple in Spain, was ranked the best diet overall for health in 2025.

Australia

Down Under, the outdoor lifestyle is a huge contributor to why Aussies live longer, with beaches and parks encouraging constant movement. The country also boasts a strong public healthcare system that ensures everyone gets treatment without the fear of financial ruin.

Australians have a cultural knack for not taking life too seriously, which keeps stress hormones lower than in many other developed nations. Staying active is simply a way of life here, whether it is surfing at dawn, hiking, or taking long coastal walks on the weekends.

Sweden

Sweden combines a high-tech society with a deep love for nature, known as “friluftsliv,” or open-air living. Even in the freezing winter, Swedes are out walking and biking, proving that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.

The social welfare system here is incredibly strong, removing many of the anxieties related to childcare, healthcare, and elder support. This safety net allows citizens to focus on their well-being rather than worrying about basic survival, extending their healthy years significantly.

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