We all have bucket list travel goals- some of us dream of seeing all the wonders of the world, while others fantasize about dipping their toes in every sea. But here at Health Fitness Revolution, we are aiming to change the way you all look at health and fitness and urge you to incorporate this theme in your travels- and visit each of these healthy countries! The HFR team did the grunt work of pouring over the data for you and found the “Top 10 Healthiest Countries in the World.” With this article, we want to alert other countries globally to be more physically fit and active.
“The wealth and prosperity of a nation is dependent on the health and physicality of it’s people.” Samir Becic
We first researched all the available data on all the countries and narrowed it down to the top 50,25 and the final 10. We used a combination of internet, library, industry literature, and Samir Becic’s knowledge of over 25 years in athletics coupled with his experience as 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the World.
No. 10 France
Life Expectancy: 81.56 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: France’s diet has long been tauted as a model for health. Although it is indulgent, the French are notorious for small portions and well-balanced meals. In addition, they drink a moderate amount of red wine, which is heart healthy. Like other countries in Europe, the French walk a lot, so as a whole, they lead less sedentary lives.
No. 9 Italy
Life Expectancy: 81.95 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: Italian eat a Mediterranean diet that is rich in Olive Oil (Omega 3s) and fish. The Italians are active like most European countries and also drink moderate amounts of red wine, which research has shown is good for the heart (one glass a day).
No. 8 Australia
Life Expectancy: 81.98 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: Because Australia is in the middle of the ocean, importing foods can get expensive. This is why Australians use a lot of natural foods found within their country. In addition, Australians put a lot of emphasis on sports as part of their culture. Most Australians surf, swim, play rugby, hike, or bike.
No.7 Switzerland
Life Expectancy: 82.28 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: The Swiss are in such great shape because they climb mountains just to get in their front door! Not only do they enjoy winter sports in the winter, but the mountains serve equally as a playground for the Swiss in the summer, for hiking and mountaineering. Unlike American ski areas that turn into ghost towns when the spring snow retreats, the Swiss take full advantage of their mountains every month of the year.
No.6 Andorra
Life Expectancy: 82.58 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: Nestled in the mountain in between France and Spain, Andorra has the best of both countries, from the mediterranean diet, to the physical activities associated with being the mountains- skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
No.5 Greece
Life Expectancy: 82.98 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: The Greek live on a balanced Mediterranean diet of olive oil and fish. In addition, they are active on the water and on the varied terrain of the country. Remember that the Olympics started in Greece, so being active is part of their ancient culture.
No. 4 Spain
Life Expectancy: 83.12 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: The Spanish food stable is small portions of a varieties of foods called Tapas- which means that portion control is a way of life. In addition to this, they partake in a daily ritual of “siesta”, a two hour nap mid-day which not only lowers stress levels but also ensure that they are getting enough rest.
No. 3 Singapore
Life Expectancy: 84.07 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: Singapore has a fine system of keeping the environment healthy and clean. By imposting rules and regulations, the hygiene of Singaporeans is the best in the world. Secondly, most Singaporeans know that good health means wealth. They comply to rules, keep the place as clean as possible. The government is known to promoting clean and healthy environment by education, volunteering, and rules.
No.2 Japan
Life Expectancy: 84.19 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: Put simply, the Japanese eat very well- they eat fish versus red meat, eat less dairy, butter, and milk, eat seaweed that is high in iodine, drink a lot of green tea, eat plenty of vegetables, and consume small portions.
No. 1 Monaco
Life Expectancy: 89.63 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: Because most of the population of Monaco is very wealthy, they typically have their own chef to plan healthy meals for them. On top of this, because most are retired they have reduced levels of stress. We know that anxiety is a cause of hypertension and contributes to all sorts of disease, from gastritis of the stomach due to too much acid production and to cardio-vascular disease from the hypertension.
