10 Countries with the Longest Life Expectancy in 2024

The global average life expectancy across all nations is 72.6 years. And while most of us can probably agree that’s not long enough, living into your seventies was rare just 75 years ago. The global life expectancy in 1950 was only 48 years, so we’ve come a long way. By 2050, most of the world could see average lifespans reaching the high 80s. But which regions of the world have the highest lifespans today? Check out these top 10 countries with the longest life expectancy as of 2023 and learn why their residents live longer than anywhere else on Earth.

Note: This list also includes territories and special administrative regions. 

1. Monaco – 87.01 Years

The Principality of Monaco is an independent sovereign city in Western Europe on the French Riviera. Monaco is often regarded as one of the world’s wealthiest and most expensive areas, with over 30% of the population considered millionaires. Monaco has the highest life expectancy in the world, with people living an average of 87.01 years. The residents gain long lives by having high levels of disposable income, excellent state-funded healthcare, and one of the healthiest diets on the planet, consisting of Mediterranean cuisine.

2. Hong Kong – 85.83 Years

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China and a highly developed territory. It has 7.4 million residents within a 426-square-mile territory, making it one of the most densely populated regions in the world. Hong Kong has the second-highest life expectancy, with its residents living an average of 85.83 years. This territory promotes a healthy lifestyle, with easy access to healthy food and other public amenities. Hong Kong also has safe streets and a very low crime rate. 

3. Macau – 85.51 Years

Macau is another special administrative region of China. This region is by the South China Sea and is the most densely populated region on Earth, with a population of 680,000 within 12 square miles. Macau has the third-longest life span. Despite its crowdedness, residents live long and peaceful lives due to free medical care for seniors, stable living circumstances, and very few natural disasters.

4. Japan – 84.95 Years

This island country is located in East Asia in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. Japan also has a very dense population, with Tokyo being the most populous metropolitan in the world. While Japan is experiencing a population decline, it still has one of the world’s longest life expectancies. People in Japan live an average of 84.95 years due to their low rate of obesity, low consumption of red meat, and high consumption of fish and plant-based foods.

5. Liechtenstein – 84.77 Years

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a landlocked country and microstate in Europe. It’s located in the Alps and shares borders with Switzerland and Austria. This European country is only 62 square miles, but despite its size, it has a strong economy and financial sector. And its residents enjoy long lives, with the average person living 84.77 years. This country contributes its long life expectancy to technological advancements, an excellent standard of living, and increased healthcare availability. 

6. Switzerland – 84.38 Years

The Swiss Confederation is another landlocked European country. It is bordered to the east by Liechtenstein and Austria, to the west by France, to the south by Italy, and the north by Germany. Switzerland is known as a peaceful country across the world and features one of the longest life expectancies. And while it has a high cost of living, Switzerland often ranks among the highest in quality of life. Swiss residents have a strong sense of community and a good work-life balance. They are also very active and walk everywhere, which keeps them slim and healthy. And the Swiss healthcare system is one of the best in the world.

7. Singapore – 84.27 Years

Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore is an island country and city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Its territory features the main island and 63 islands and islets. Singapore has the third-highest population density, with 5.6 million people within 20,000 square miles. This developed nation has experienced exceptional growth in life expectancy over the decades. This country has a very large elderly population, but Singapore is known for its excellent treatment of its older population. The government also has an unwavering commitment to healthcare and chronic disease management. Their advancement in medical science and access to good healthcare, whether rich or poor, is one of the most significant reasons for its resident’s long lifespans. 

8. Italy – 84.20 Years

The Republic of Italy is a country in Southern and Western Europe. It is a peninsula that juts out into the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and features several islands. Italy is the sixth most populated country in Europe, with 60 million people across 116,000 square miles. Similar to Monaco, Italians eat a healthy Mediterranean diet, consisting of fresh fish, vegetables, olive oil, fruits, and nuts. Their healthful diet and low obesity rates are the main factors contributing to their long lives. The beautiful weather also creates an outdoor paradise, where many people spend walking around city centers, which also contributes to an overall healthy lifestyle.

9. Vatican City – 84.16 Years

Located in Rome, Italy, Vatican City is an independent country, enclave, and city-state. While inside Italy, it is a distinct territory with full ownership. It is the smallest territory in the world, with only 121 acres and a population of only a little over 450 people. Despite its tiny population, Vatican City residents live to an average of 84.16 years. Because of its location, they likely stay active and enjoy a healthy diet, like their Italian neighbors. 

10. South Korea – 84.14 Years

The Republic of Korea, or South Korea, is a country in East Asia in the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. This country has nearly 52 million people, with half of its population residing in the Seoul Capital Area. Seoul is the fourth most populated metropolitan in the world. South Korea is also the tenth country with the longest life expectancy, with residents living an average of 84.14 years. Their long lives can be attributed to reductions in infant mortality, economic improvements, improved nutrition, good access to healthcare, and improved medical technology. 

The Territories and Countries with the Longest Life Expectancy: A Recap of the Top 10