Comparing Absolute Numbers vs. Ratios
Determining which European country has the most centenarians requires differentiating between the absolute number of people over 100 and the centenarian ratio per 100,000 inhabitants. While a country with a large overall population may have the highest total number, a smaller nation might have a higher proportion relative to its size, which is a more accurate measure of a population's longevity. Analyses of European census data show different countries topping the lists depending on the metric used.
France: A Leading Nation in Longevity
France consistently appears at the top of European longevity rankings. Data from the French national statistics bureau, INSEE, indicates that there were more than 30,000 people aged 100 or over in France as of 2023. This number has seen dramatic growth over recent decades; it was just over 1,000 in 1970. Projections suggest this growth will continue, with some forecasts predicting the number of centenarians could reach 200,000 or more by 2070. France was also home to the oldest validated person ever, Jeanne Louise Calment, who died in 1997 at the age of 122.
Italy: Another Strong Competitor
Italy also boasts a high number of centenarians and has long been associated with longevity, partly due to the famous "blue zone" in Sardinia. A 2024 report by Italy's national statistics office, ISTAT, found that over 22,000 people in Italy were over 100 years old. The northern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, in particular, was found to have a high prevalence of centenarians. This demographic strength is often attributed to the Mediterranean diet and strong family and social networks.
Per Capita Analysis: France vs. Italy and Others
A 2017 study that analyzed European census data from 2011 showed that in terms of centenarian ratio per 100,000 inhabitants, France had the highest figures. France posted 28.2 centenarians per 100,000, followed closely by Italy (25.4) and Greece (23.0). While census data from 2011 is not the most recent, it provides a valuable comparative snapshot. More up-to-date figures from national statistical agencies reinforce that France and Italy remain leaders in terms of sheer numbers, even if the per capita rankings have shifted slightly. For example, recent data from Germany in 2022 recorded 16,761 centenarians, translating to a lower per capita rate compared to France and Italy.
A comparison of centenarian demographics
| Country | Absolute Centenarian Count (Approx.) | Year of Data | Centenarian Ratio per 100,000 (Based on 2011 Census) | Predominant Gender | Key Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | >30,000 | 2023 | 28.2 | Female (86%) | Healthcare, lifestyle, diet |
| Italy | >22,000 | 2024 | 25.4 | Female (Majority) | Mediterranean diet, social ties, 'blue zones' |
| Germany | ~16,800 | 2022 | N/A (Higher than average) | Female (85%) | Advances in medicine, improved living standards |
| Greece | N/A (High ratio) | 2011 | 23.0 | N/A | Mediterranean diet |
Factors Influencing Longevity in Europe
Several interconnected factors contribute to high centenarian numbers in European countries. The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, and fish, is frequently cited for countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain, and is linked to reduced risk of heart disease. Robust, accessible healthcare systems also play a crucial role. Spain, for example, has a comprehensive public healthcare system with a strong emphasis on preventative care. Social and community factors are also important; strong family ties and social connections, common in Southern European cultures, provide emotional support that contributes to overall well-being and healthy aging. Lifestyle choices, including regular physical activity, lower stress levels, and a focus on enjoying life, are also noted as contributing factors.
The Future of Europe's Centenarian Population
Demographic projections confirm that Europe's centenarian population is set to continue growing dramatically. The European Commission projected a near five-fold increase in the number of centenarians between 2019 and 2050, from about 96,600 to almost half a million. This trend has significant implications for healthcare systems, social care planning, and the economy. While medical advances have contributed to this increase, experts also point to better living conditions, education, and nutrition as key drivers. The continued rise of the "oldest old" highlights the need for public policies that support healthy aging and address the specific needs of this demographic.
Conclusion
While a definitive answer to Which European country has the most centenarians? depends on whether you are measuring absolute numbers or per capita ratios, France consistently appears at the top of absolute number rankings in recent years, followed closely by Italy. Per capita, data from 2011 placed France, Italy, and Greece in the lead. The remarkable rise of centenarians across Europe is driven by a combination of high-quality healthcare, nutritious diets, and strong social networks. As the population of those over 100 continues to expand, understanding these factors becomes crucial for addressing the societal changes brought by increased longevity. For further reading, see this 2017 study on European centenarians from the Journal of Maturitas detailing demographic trends and challenges.
