{"id":19047,"date":"2017-03-24T15:08:46","date_gmt":"2017-03-24T04:08:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=19047"},"modified":"2025-07-11T00:35:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T14:35:09","slug":"healthiest-countries-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/healthiest-countries-world\/","title":{"rendered":"The 8 healthiest countries in the world"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bloomberg just released its Global Health Index<\/a> for 2017 and the results certainly provide some food for thought.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The survey ranked 163 countries, assessing variables like life expectancy, the availability of clean water, and causes of death. Among the bunch of interesting things uncovered\u00a0was the fact Chile is the healthiest country in Latin America, and that\u00a0Israel’s ranking makes it the highest in the Middle East.<\/p>\n

But what about the ones that came out on top?\u00a0Well, because\u00a0we care about you, your health and your travels, we’ve collated a list of the 8 official healthiest countries in the world below. Not just this, but there’s some information about why their way of life is so wholesome, in addition to suggestions for how best to emulate it when visiting. Enjoy.<\/p>\n

8. Sweden<\/h3>\n

\"Sarek<\/a>Not content with being one of the most livable countries in the world, Sweden is also full of tall, happy, and healthy people. And the Swedish lifestyle is an enviable one \u2013\u00a0full of constant cycling and consuming a ton of\u00a0fatty fish, rye bread, and root vegetables. All in all, this\u00a0wholesomeness is great, but it’s also conducive to some pretty sweet activities to partake in: hiking, camping, fishing, and even foraging for berries and mushrooms are all common Swedish past-times.<\/p>\n

Our recommendation:<\/strong> Get a taste of Scandinavian greatness on this 15-day trip<\/a><\/strong> through the region.<\/p>\n

7. Japan<\/h3>\n

\"Sushi<\/a>It’s probably not new news that raw fish is good for you, but it’s heartening to know that a sushi-packed visit to Japan is almost an obligation for health reasons. And it’s not just eating habits that make the Japanese a healthy bunch\u00a0\u2013 it’s also their (green) tea drinking habits, their (public) bathing habits, and maybe even the fact they have a genuine national holiday dedicated to mountains. They’re one health-conscious nation, and that’s just one of a 100 reasons why you might want to visit this fascinating, diverse country. (Bonus: check out this<\/a><\/strong> guide to our favorite foodie city in Japan, Osaka.)<\/p>\n

Our recommendations:<\/strong>\u00a0Dine like the Japanese on a 12-day food tour<\/a><\/strong> there, or cycle through the beautiful country on this 14-day Cycle Japan tour<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

6. Spain<\/h3>\n

\"Spain<\/a>The Mediterranean diet strikes again. Spaniards are one of the healthiest people around, and we’re thinking it might have something to do with the sun and siesta-filled lifestyle as much as the fresh food.\u00a0Or even the flamenco dancing? Whatever the reason, people in Spain<\/a> <\/strong>are doing it right. And if you want to live like them, then we fully encourage you to fill up on tapas and stroll a while round beautiful cities like Barcelona, Madrid<\/a> and Seville.<\/p>\n

Our recommendations:<\/strong> Dine like a Spaniard on this 8-day trip<\/a><\/strong> through Spain (and Portugal), or cycle through Andalucia on this 9-day Spanish adventure<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

5. Australia<\/h3>\n

\"Australia<\/a>So, it turns out the laid-back surfing lifestyle is not just fun, but healthy too. Aussies are doing pretty well for themselves, as their position on the survey demonstrates. Their life expectancy is one of the highest in the world, and not only is that thanks to their healthcare system, but an outdoorsy lifestyle that’s gotta be a direct result of the beautiful country. The killer brunch and coffee scene is also an added bonus for visiting foodies…<\/p>\n

Our recommendation:<\/strong> Get active on this 5-day camping trip<\/a><\/strong> camping in the Australian Outback.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Singapore<\/h3>\n

\"Singapore<\/a>Yep, there’s so much more to Singapore than rushed layovers and shopping in glitzy malls. The Southeast Asian powerhouse has a tropical climate, incredibly diverse food scene, and some of the world’s healthiest people. Visit the gorgeous Botanical Gardens in the early morning and you’ll figure out why \u2013\u00a0people of all ages will be busy doing tai chi, jogging, and walking round. So, pig out on the fine cuisine then work it all off how the locals do. Now that’s a healthy AND authentic Singaporean experience.<\/p>\n