When we look at the world through numbers and statistics, there’s a special kind of joy in discovering the countries where people live the longest. Life expectancy is a key indicator of quality of life and healthy living, and in 2024 we have a new set of nations topping the list. These countries have created environments and conditions that promote long lives—from innovative healthcare systems to outstanding dietary habits and social structures.
In this article, we dive into the 10 countries with the highest life expectancy today and explore what makes their lifestyles and societies so exceptional. Join us on a journey through these long-lived nations and discover what we can learn to improve our own health and well-being.
10 Australia – Life Expectancy: 83.73 years…
In Australia, the average life expectancy is 83.73 years. For women, it reaches 85.56 years, while men have a life expectancy of 81.89 years. This high average reflects Australia’s excellent healthcare system, healthy lifestyle, and high standard of living, all of which contribute to the nation’s overall long life expectancy.
10 Malta – Life Expectancy: 83,85 years…
In Malta, the average life expectancy is 83.85 years, reflecting the country’s high-quality healthcare and healthy lifestyle. Women in Malta live to an average age of 85.83 years, while men have a life expectancy of 81.81 years. Malta’s favorable living conditions and efficient medical system contribute to these high figures, making it one of the European countries with the longest life expectancy.
8 Spain – Life Expectancy: 84,05 years…
In Spain, the average life expectancy is an impressive 84.05 years, reflecting the country’s strong healthcare and lifestyle factors. Spanish women can expect to live to 86.68 years, while men live to an average age of 81.35 years. Spain’s healthy dietary habits and overall quality of life contribute to these high numbers, placing the country among the world leaders in long-term health and well-being.
7 South Korea – Life Expectancy: 84,14 years…
South Korea shows an impressive life expectancy of 84.14 years, placing it seventh among the countries with the highest longevity worldwide. Women in South Korea have an average life expectancy of 87.23 years, while men live to an average age of 80.83 years. This outstanding result reflects South Korea’s efficient healthcare system, modern medical care, and a lifestyle that supports long-term health and well-being.
6 Italy – Life Expectancy: 84,20 years…
In sixth place on the list of countries with the highest life expectancy in the world — and the second-highest in Europe — we find Italy. Here, people are expected to live an average of 84.20 years. As usual, women are expected to live longer than men, with life expectancies of 86.13 years and 82.15 years.
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5 Singapore – Life Expectancy: 84,27 years…
In Singapore, the average life expectancy is an impressive 84.27 years. Women live slightly longer, with an average of 86.42 years, while men are expected to live to 82.13 years. As usual, Singapore’s high life expectancy can be attributed to its advanced healthcare system, high standard of living, and effective health-promoting measures.
4 Switzerland – Life Expectancy: 84,38 years…
Switzerland is the European country with the highest life expectancy, reaching 84.38 years. For women, the average life expectancy is an impressive 86.05 years, while men reach 82.63 years. It isn’t directly proven that the mountain regions’ air quality specifically extends life expectancy — though many people certainly believe it does.
3 Japan – Life Expectancy: 84,95 years…
Japan has long been known for its exceptionally high life expectancy, which reaches an impressive 84.95 years. This number reflects a population with outstanding health and overall quality of life. For women, life expectancy is even higher at 87.97 years, making Japanese women among those with the longest life expectancy in the world. Men, on the other hand, are expected to live to an average age of 81.91 years.
This longevity can be attributed to several factors, including Japan’s highly developed healthcare system, healthy dietary habits that emphasize fish and fresh ingredients, and an active lifestyle that supports both physical and mental well-being. Japanese communities place great importance on preventive care and lifelong learning, further contributing to the long and healthy lives of the country’s residents.
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2 Macau – Life Expectancy: 85,51 years…
Macau, a special administrative region on the southern coast of China, shows an outstanding life expectancy of 85.51 years, placing it second in the world. Women in Macau enjoy particularly long lives, with an average of 88.11 years, while men are expected to live to 82.88 years.
This high life expectancy is the result of several positive factors, including efficient healthcare, a strong standard of living, and well-developed infrastructure. Macau also benefits from a thriving social system that supports both physical and mental health. The region has successfully combined modern medical technology with a high quality of life, contributing to its impressive longevity statistics.
1 Hong Kong – Life Expectancy: 85,83 years…
Hong Kong tops global rankings with the highest life expectancy in the world at 85.83 years. Women in Hong Kong live especially long lives, with an average life expectancy of 88.66 years, while men are expected to live to 83.00 years.
Source: Life Expectancy of the World Population
5 Common Questions About Life Expectancy
Life expectancy refers to the average number of years a person is expected to live based on current mortality rates. It is often used as a key indicator of a country’s health, living conditions, and quality of life.
Countries with higher life expectancy typically have strong healthcare systems, healthy diets, low crime rates, and high living standards. Social support, education, and public health policies also play a major role.
Women generally live longer due to biological factors, healthier lifestyle patterns, and lower rates of risky behavior. Men are statistically more likely to engage in dangerous occupations and habits, contributing to their shorter average lifespan.
Yes. Factors such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking, managing stress, and maintaining social relationships can significantly extend lifespan and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
As of 2024, Hong Kong has the highest life expectancy in the world, with an average of 85.83 years — and women in Hong Kong live even longer, reaching 88.66 years on average.
