Who Lives Longest? The Current Global Picture
While the specific nation topping the list can vary slightly depending on the year and data set, certain regions consistently feature at the top of life expectancy rankings. Recent data, such as that reported by Worldometer for 2025, places Hong Kong and Japan among the leading countries globally. Other small, wealthy nations and territories like Switzerland, Singapore, Monaco, and Macau also frequently appear in the top tier. The consistency of these nations is not a coincidence of birth, but rather a reflection of underlying societal, environmental, and behavioral factors that support a longer, healthier life.
Beyond Nationality: Key Factors Influencing Longevity
To understand why people in certain nations live longer, it's necessary to look beyond borders and examine the specific drivers of longevity. Experts point to a number of interrelated factors that contribute significantly more to lifespan than genetics alone.
- Diet and Nutrition: The diets of many long-lived populations, such as those in Okinawa, Japan, are predominantly plant-based and low in processed foods. The Mediterranean diet, common in regions like Sardinia (an Italian Blue Zone) and Ikaria (a Greek Blue Zone), also emphasizes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil. Many of these diets feature moderate calorie intake and are rich in antioxidants.
- Physical Activity: Regular, integrated movement is a hallmark of many long-lived communities. Rather than intense gym workouts, this often involves daily activities like walking, gardening, and manual labor. In Ikaria and Sardinia, for instance, a tradition of pastoralism includes walking long distances over mountainous terrain.
- Strong Social Connections and Community: Robust social networks provide emotional and practical support throughout life, reducing stress and improving mental health. In Okinawa, social groups called 'moais' provide a strong safety net for community members. Spending time with friends and family is a core component of life in many Blue Zones.
- Stress Management: All people experience stress, but those in high-longevity areas tend to have routines for shedding it. These can include daily moments of prayer, remembrance of ancestors, or napping. Learning to manage and reduce chronic stress can mitigate its negative effects on age-related diseases.
- Access to High-Quality Healthcare: The availability of publicly funded healthcare, which provides access to preventative services and quality medical care, is a significant predictor of life expectancy. Access to early diagnosis and treatment of conditions can prevent them from becoming more severe or fatal. This is not just about medical innovation, but equitable access to that care.
- Socioeconomic Stability and Education: Higher levels of education and stable economic conditions correlate with longer lifespans. This is due to a variety of factors, including greater health literacy, better housing, and reduced exposure to environmental pollution and crime.
A Closer Look at Longevity Hotspots: The 'Blue Zones'
Dan Buettner, along with National Geographic and longevity researchers, identified specific regions around the world with the highest percentage of centenarians. These areas, known as "Blue Zones," include Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and the Seventh-day Adventist community in Loma Linda, California. Residents in these zones don't just live longer, but they also experience lower rates of chronic disease. Their shared lifestyle principles, known as the Power 9, offer valuable lessons for improving health and extending lifespan, emphasizing natural movement, a plant-based diet, purpose, stress reduction, and strong social ties.
Comparing Key Longevity Factors in Top-Ranked Countries
| Feature | Japan (Okinawa) | Switzerland | Nicoya (Costa Rica) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diet | Plant-based, rich in vegetables, fish, and legumes. Practice 'hara hachi bu' (eat until 80% full). | High quality of living includes nutritious food. Known for dairy, but overall healthy eating patterns and active lifestyles. | Plant-based diet rich in beans, corn, and locally grown antioxidant-rich tropical fruits. |
| Physical Activity | Regular, low-intensity activity throughout life like walking, gardening, and farming. | Emphasis on outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and cycling, integrated into a natural, active lifestyle. | Active lifestyle involving regular, purposeful movement like walking and farm work. |
| Social Life | Strong social networks ('moais'), family-focused. High degree of communicative equality. | Strong sense of community and excellent work-life balance. | Strong family and community ties, which provide emotional and practical support. |
| Healthcare Access | Universal health insurance system, which has been credited with supporting rapid longevity increases. | Excellent, well-funded healthcare system contributes to high life expectancy. | Healthcare spending is lower, but public health investment is high. Calcium- and magnesium-rich water may offer unique health benefits. |
| Sense of Purpose | 'Ikigai' (reason for living) is a key cultural concept that keeps older adults mentally and physically engaged. | A high standard of living and stable economy contribute to a secure and purposeful life. | 'Plan de vida' (reason to live) helps elders maintain a positive outlook and active lifestyle. |
The Environment vs. Genetics Debate
For a long time, it was widely believed that genetics were the primary determinant of how long a person lives. However, modern research paints a very different picture. Studies have shown that genetics account for only a modest portion of a person's expected lifespan, while environmental and lifestyle factors are far more influential, particularly at younger ages. As people reach extreme old age (centenarians), the role of genetics becomes more prominent, but for the vast majority of the population, lifestyle is the major determinant of longevity. Therefore, while you can't choose your nationality or your genes, you have significant control over the lifestyle habits that promote a long and healthy life.
A crucial study on the topic can be found here.
Conclusion: Lessons for a Longer Life
The question "What nationality has the longest longevity?" points to an important observation: certain populations live longer on average. However, the answer is not in their nationality itself, but in the combination of societal and personal choices that create an environment conducive to longevity. By adopting practices found in these high-longevity cultures—focusing on a nutritious, plant-rich diet, incorporating regular movement, nurturing social connections, and managing stress—individuals everywhere can significantly increase their chances of living a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life, regardless of their origin.
