The 7 Healthiest Countries in Europe

Rays of traffic lights on Gran via street, main shopping street in Madrid at night. Spain, Europe.
Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock.com

Written by Patrick MacFarland

Published: March 31, 2024

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When we talk about health, there’s a myriad of factors that determine what a healthy person looks like. Whether they use tobacco or if they abuse alcohol can determine the health of a person. But, also how they eat and their diet determines their health. What makes a person healthy is any diseases they may carry — from high blood pressure to asthma, kidney diseases to arthritis. When it comes to various countries, the Bloomberg Global Health Index analyzes the health of a country’s people based on several factors besides their health care system. Those factors include a person’s health risks, clean water accessibility, life expectancy, malnutrition, and death causes. European countries usually have a better health score than other poorer nations. Let’s take a look at the seven healthiest countries in Europe.

7. Luxembourg

The small country ranks as one of the wealthiest and safest countries, too.

Luxembourg has a health score of 87.39. The tiny nation ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, which serves as a testament to the people’s quality of life. Every person in Luxembourg also has access to free healthcare, which ensures people’s good health year-round. The country is also one of the only ones with free public transport in the entire country — emphasizing walking and exercise. Lastly, Luxembourg has a high life expectancy of 82.7 years.

6. Norway

Norway is a country with a high life expectancy, universal healthcare, and an emphasis on healthy living.

Norway has a health score of 89.09. Just like other Nordic countries, Norway emphasizes healthy living — diets that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as access to nature and outdoor activities. The air quality is some of the best in the world. Norwegians also have fantastic access to a robust healthcare system, which is why Norway also has a high life expectancy of 83.3 years.

5. Sweden

All over the world, Sweden is known for its top-notch health services and great quality of life.

With a health score of 90.24, Sweden is one of the healthiest countries in Europe. There are various reasons why. The quality of life for Swedish people is fantastic, with an emphasis on exercise, healthy eating, and overall healthy living. With Universal Health Care, the Swedes have access to amazing doctors and good medicines. Lastly, Sweden’s life expectancy is one of the highest in the world, it has one of the lowest obesity rates in Europe, and a low number of smokers, too.

4. Switzerland

The landlocked central European country is one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

Switzerland has a health score of 90.93 and there are many reasons why the country is one of the healthiest. Switzerland has a high quality of life because its wages are high, and there is an emphasis on exercise and healthy eating. Furthermore, its air quality and the environment in the country are top-notch, with very little pollution. Lastly, Switzerland has universal healthcare, which makes it easier for the Swiss to have access to great healthcare services.

3. Iceland

The Nordic country is one the top of many lists — healthiest countries, wealthiest countries, and happiest countries.

Iceland has a health score of 91.44, making Iceland a healthy country, but also a happy and peaceful one. Iceland also has a great diet that consists of a lot of fish, which contains Omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, Iceland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, ensuring that its people have access to the best doctors and medicines out there. Lastly, Icelandic people tend to be more active in their lifestyles, encouraging healthy living.

2. Italy

Like Spain, Italy employs a Mediterranean diet and a walkable way of life that reduces cardiovascular diseases.

Italy has a health score of 91.59. The pasta may fill you up, but the rest of the diet Italians have daily is great for your health, especially the olive oil. Water is quite popular, with Italians drinking more mineral water than their European counterparts. Furthermore, like Spain, Italy has a high life expectancy rate with an average of 82 years. Lastly, if you thought smoking was a concern in Italy, the amount of smoking has decreased drastically in the past twenty years.

1. Spain

The country’s diet and magnificent health care system are the reasons why Spain is the healthiest country in Europe.

Spain has a health score of 92.75, making the Iberian Peninsula the healthiest country in Europe and the world. There are many reasons why Spain got the highest score. The Mediterranean diet the Spanish eat is one of the main reasons — usually mixed in with olive oil. The Spanish walk a lot, and in major cities, public transit is important. Moreover, there is access to clean water throughout the entire country. For example, in Madrid and other cities, it’s perfectly safe to drink water from the tap. Lastly, Spain’s healthcare system is top-notch and one of the best in the world.


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About the Author

Patrick Macfarland is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering travel, geography, and history. Patrick has been writing for more than 10 years. In the past, he has been a teacher and a political candidate. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from SDSU and a Master's Degree in European Union Studies from CIFE. From San Diego, California, Patrick loves to travel and try new recipes to cook.

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