Monaco and other top-ranking countries
Recent data confirms that the principality of Monaco consistently reports one of the highest life expectancies in the world. Its top ranking is attributed to its high national wealth, excellent state-funded healthcare system, and the lifestyle of its residents. However, other nations regularly feature in the top tier of life expectancy rankings, often due to their advanced public health infrastructure and cultural practices.
According to a World Population Review of 2025 data, Hong Kong currently holds the highest life expectancy, estimated at 85.77 years, with Japan close behind at 85 years. These figures fluctuate slightly depending on the source and year of data collection, but the general pattern of high-income, stable nations dominating the top ranks remains consistent.
Key factors behind high life expectancy
Several interconnected factors contribute to a nation's high life expectancy. These elements work together to create an environment where individuals can live longer, healthier lives.
- Access to Quality Healthcare: High-income countries typically have well-funded healthcare systems that provide access to advanced medical treatments, preventative care, and routine check-ups. This includes universal healthcare access in countries like Japan and Switzerland, which significantly impacts public health outcomes.
- Superior Sanitation and Public Health: Improved sanitation, clean drinking water, and effective public health measures dramatically reduce the spread of infectious diseases, a leading cause of premature death, especially in childhood.
- Healthy Diet and Nutrition: Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and low in saturated fats, such as the traditional Japanese and Mediterranean diets, are consistently linked to lower rates of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.
- Lifestyle and Environmental Factors: Lower rates of smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, and higher levels of physical activity contribute to better overall health. In Japan, for example, the prevalence of using public transportation instead of cars results in more daily exercise. Low air pollution levels and safe living conditions also play a role.
- Socioeconomic Stability: Economic stability, low poverty rates, and high educational attainment are associated with better health outcomes. This is reflected in the longer life expectancies seen in affluent neighborhoods and highly educated populations.
Comparison of top-ranking countries
| Feature | Monaco | Japan | Switzerland | Hong Kong | Singapore |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life Expectancy (CIA 2024 Est.) | 89.8 years | 85.2 years | 83.9 years | 84 years | 86.7 years |
| Key Dietary Factor | Mediterranean diet | Rich in fish, vegetables, and rice | High-quality diet | Hearty soups, steamed food | Balanced and diverse diet |
| Healthcare System | Excellent, state-funded | Universal healthcare access | Well-funded, universal coverage | High-quality, accessible public medical facilities | Advanced, high-quality system |
| Lifestyle Contribution | High quality of life, low crime rates | Physically active (public transport), low smoking rates | High quality of life | Low smoking rates, Tai Chi practice | Good living standards |
| Notable Characteristic | Tiny, wealthy city-state | Historically long-lived population | Consistently ranked high for decades | Low smoking rates and healthy traditional cuisine | High standards of living and healthcare |
The gender gap in life expectancy
In nearly all countries, women tend to have a higher life expectancy than men, and this is also true in top-ranking nations. For instance, in Monaco, the average life expectancy for women in 2024 was an impressive 90.2 years, significantly higher than for men. The gap is also notable in countries like Japan and France. Multiple factors contribute to this difference, including biological, lifestyle, and social elements. Men historically engage in higher-risk behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol use, and face higher rates of death from injuries. Additionally, genetic and hormonal differences play a role, with some theories suggesting that mitochondrial inheritance and the unguarded X chromosome hypothesis offer partial explanations.
The importance of healthy aging
While achieving a high life expectancy is a significant public health achievement, the focus is increasingly shifting toward "healthspan"—the number of years an individual lives in good health. Factors such as diet, exercise, and social engagement are crucial for building a body that remains strong and functional into old age. Research suggests that markers like strength, muscle mass, and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) are key indicators of not just longevity but the quality of later life. Therefore, countries and individuals are focusing on prevention and lifestyle choices to ensure a longer, healthier life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the top position for the highest life expectancy at birth can vary slightly by source and year, tiny, wealthy nations like Monaco and Singapore, as well as highly developed countries such as Japan, consistently rank among the highest due to superior healthcare, strong socioeconomic stability, and healthy lifestyles. The complex interplay of diet, public health, and social support systems drives these impressive figures. However, the ultimate goal for individuals and public health systems is not just a long life but a long and healthy one, which is reflected in the growing focus on healthspan and preventative health measures.
Visit the World Health Organization for more global health data.
