6. Andorra
The Principality of Andorra is located in the Pyrenees Mountains bordered by Spain and France and is the sixth smallest nation in Europe. With the main influences being France and Spain, both countries that worship food and wine, it is no surprise that the people are healthier. Andorra is a low stress atmosphere. It sits in an elevated valley with a river that runs through it, ideal parameters for a cleaner and healthier lifestyle. It does not hurt that the tourism industry it brings makes their economy worry free, the people live well and will continue to do so. Access to winter sports, culture, and with 75% free healthcare, it is no wonder why the Andorrans are the 6th healthiest country in the world. Average life expectancy: 82.72yrs
5. San Marino
The Republic of San Marino is located in the north eastern most part of the Italian peninsula. It boasts Mediterranean and Continental climates with great food and wine culture. One of the oldest surviving sovereign states of the world and also has the smallest population and the 3rd smallest country in the Council of Europe. San Marino was founded by monks in 301 and is also one of the wealthiest states in the world with a highly stable economy with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world. Its location is, like Andorra, elevated and on the cusp of a mountain range to its left and the Mediterranean Sea to its right, there is no way one could not be healthy and happy in a place like this. Average life expectancy: 83.24yrs
4. Macau
It is located in the Macau Peninsula, west of Hong Kong, south of Guan Dong, and north of the South East China Sea. Macau is the most densely populated city in the world as well as being one of the richest. Its booming tourism and gambling industry floods the Republic of Macau with one of the highest purchasing power parities in the world and in 2013 was ranked 14th in the human development index, which means Macau is one of the only Asian countries that are excelling in overall wellness, with better health and life expectancy, education, and income per capita, as all these are indicators of a healthier and happier society. The people of Macau have everything they need to live long and healthy lives. Average life expectancy: 84.51yrs
3. Singapore
The Republic of Singapore is a global leader in all realms of finance and is an island-city in Southeast Asia. It is ranked 9th on the Human development Index and is a young business person’s paradise. The people lead active and fast-paced lives with one of the cleanest, most educated, healthiest, and most organized systems globally; most people refer to as the Singapore model. The food culture is exploding and the people culturally eat many small meals the duration of the day promoting a faster metabolism. It is also a cultural center being one of the most diverse mix of people in Asia.Average life expectancy: 84.68yrs
2. Japan
Japan has the 3rd largest economy in the world, that being said Japan excels in all, aspects finance, technology, innovation, and health. With beautiful lands and resources, Japan also is rich in culture, and has one of the healthiest cuisines with the Japanese diet being mainly fish, rice, and some of the best produce in the world. Ranked high in the human development index it is not a surprise the Japanese people are one of the healthiest as Japan shares many things in common with the previously mentioned European states. The Japanese are culturally shaped around the search of perfection and are obsessive over the further development of their overall betterment making them the 2nd healthiest country in the world despite the natural and industrial disasters. Average life expectancy: 84.74yrs
1. Monaco
The Principality of Monaco sits pretty on the Mediterranean, with access to the mountains and sea, while its other borders are France, located just west of the Italian peninsula. It is famous for being the playground of the rich and famous, known for being one of the most beautiful cities in the western world, with an economic stature to match. Home of European royalty, celebrities and the like, this micro state demands the best the world has to offer. It is safe to say that the people of Monaco may be the least stressed and most wealthy and healthy of the world. Average life expectancy: 89.52 yrs
So what are the common patterns between these 6 countries that are influencing their overall health?
Education- All of these countries practice an organized system and infrastructure with focus on education, thus, making people smarter and giving them more choices built on a healthier and better life. A better education impacts all aspects of societal and personal life.
Wealth- Economic security provides all the amenities that a healthy city and country should have. It pays for all the healthcare and programs needed, for the parks and recreation centers to be built, and the more fun a person is able to have, the more stress is reduced. This also makes for a greater demand in good living conditions, which means a demand for better food, better homes, better standards, and better life choices.
Location- Most of these countries are situated on or bordering the Ocean as well being elevated above sea level with access to mountains and Seas, with great natural resources making for a wonderful and healthy food scene involving the freshest produce and proteins. A diverse climate and geological map coupled with a secure economic landscape also provides a wide array of sports and physical activities throughout. All this conditions our bodies to perform better while continuously being exposed to the ideal parameters for healthy living.
Culture- Older and higher societies practice more restraint and discipline as a way of life and they approach health and wellness in the same way. While the Asian countries’ practice of eastern medicine is also a factor in their overall health, national wealth, a collective attitude towards a better economic stature, and emphasis on a straight forward outlook to life, also contributes to the overall wellness of people in general.
Food- All the above factors affect this one. Food and the attitude towards it are a big factor in our health and daily life. All the above countries have great food cultures that are often seafood based and balance driven.
