We all have bucket list travel goals- some of us dream of seeing all the wonders of the world, while others fantasize about dipping their toes in every sea. But here at Health Fitness Revolution, we are aiming to change the way you all look at health and fitness and urge you to incorporate this theme in your travels- and visit each of these healthy countries! The HFR team did the grunt work of pouring over the data for you and found the “Top 10 Healthiest Countries in the World.” With this article, we want to alert other countries globally to be more physically fit and active.
“The wealth and prosperity of a nation is dependent on the health and physicality of it’s people.” Samir Becic
We first researched all the available data on all the countries and narrowed it down to the top 50,25 and the final 10. We used a combination of internet, library, industry literature, and Samir Becic’s knowledge of over 25 years in athletics coupled with his experience as 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the World.
Here are the Top 10 from Health Fitness Revolution and author of the book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic:
No. 10 France
Life Expectancy: 81.56 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: France’s diet has long been tauted as a model for health. Although it is indulgent, the French are notorious for small portions and well-balanced meals. In addition, they drink a moderate amount of red wine, which is heart healthy. Like other countries in Europe, the French walk a lot, so as a whole, they lead less sedentary lives.
No. 9 Italy
Life Expectancy: 81.95 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: Italian eat a Mediterranean diet that is rich in Olive Oil (Omega 3s) and fish. The Italians are active like most European countries and also drink moderate amounts of red wine, which research has shown is good for the heart (one glass a day).
No. 8 Australia
Life Expectancy: 81.98 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: Because Australia is in the middle of the ocean, importing foods can get expensive. This is why Australians use a lot of natural foods found within their country. In addition, Australians put a lot of emphasis on sports as part of their culture. Most Australians surf, swim, play rugby, hike, or bike.
No.7 Switzerland
Life Expectancy: 82.28 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: The Swiss are in such great shape because they climb mountains just to get in their front door! Not only do they enjoy winter sports in the winter, but the mountains serve equally as a playground for the Swiss in the summer, for hiking and mountaineering. Unlike American ski areas that turn into ghost towns when the spring snow retreats, the Swiss take full advantage of their mountains every month of the year.
No.6 Andorra
Life Expectancy: 82.58 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: Nestled in the mountain in between France and Spain, Andorra has the best of both countries, from the mediterranean diet, to the physical activities associated with being the mountains- skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
No.5 Greece
Life Expectancy: 82.98 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: The Greek live on a balanced Mediterranean diet high in olive oil and fish. In addition, they are physically active on the water and on the varied terrain of the country. Being active is part of their ancient culture, remember that the Olympics originated in Greece.
No. 4 Spain
Life Expectancy: 83.12 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: The Spanish food staple is small portions of a variety of foods called Tapas. Portion control is a way of life for the Spanish. In addition to this, they partake in a daily ritual of “siesta”, a two hour nap mid-day which not only lowers stress levels but also ensures that they are getting enough rest.
No. 3 Singapore
Life Expectancy: 84.07 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: Singapore has a renowned fine system of keeping the environment healthy and clean. By imposing rules and regulations, the hygiene of Singaporeans is that of the best in the world. Secondly, most Singaporeans know that good health means wealth. They comply with the rules and keeping the place as clean as possible. The government is known to promote a clean and healthy environment by education, volunteering, and rules.
No.2 Japan
Life Expectancy: 84.19 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: To put it simply, the Japanese eat very well. They eat fish versus red meat, eat less dairy, butter, and milk, eat seaweed that is high in iodine, drink a lot of green tea, eat plenty of vegetables, and consume small portions.
No. 1 Monaco
Life Expectancy: 89.63 (2013 EST.)
Why it’s Healthy: Because most of the population of Monaco is very wealthy, they typically have their own chef to plan healthy meals for them. On top of this, because most are retired they have reduced levels of stress. We know that anxiety is a cause of hypertension and contributes to all sorts of disease, from gastritis of the stomach due to too much acid production and to cardio-vascular disease from the hypertension.
Now that you’ve read about the 10 Healthiest Countries, here are a few items you might want to take with you on your next trip. Click on the pictures to see them on Amazon!
Looks like I am already dead. I am always anxious stressed depressed and hypertensive. I hate living in the us. Too much engine noise and annoying fake people who hate it when you say what you think. This is a lonely country. Hard to get decent organic food too. Yet plenty of crap that’s hard to resist when you’re feeling down.
Be strong my friend
@SPIEGEL_English Which countries are the fittest and healthiest?
http://t.co/BIN1tOfF7S … …
RT @SamirBecic: @GrimaldiPrince Which countries are the fittest and healthiest? MONACO IS NUMBER 1 !!!
http://t.co/BIN1tOfF7S … …
Yes! Monaco is number 1!
netherlands should be here also
Not really. They are famous for their fried food, cheese and mayo
“10 Healthiest Countries in the World” / “10 Healthiest Countries in the World -” http://t.co/YwdsUKOkZo
Which are the top ten nu healthyist contry
Umm wrong, there some of the worst!!!
Why is Australia NO 8 come’n we are fit.
Why the hell is Australia NO 8 are you kidding me we are fit c’mon thats ridiculous.
too many meat pies, pub food and beer
As a Spaniard (a quite healthy one) I am afraid that, unless you are unemployed, there’s no way anybody can enjoy a 2 hour siesta every day. What is a fact is that we sleep very little, as we go to bed pretty late.
Australians are more fit as per my observation
who ever wrote this should use sources of information not based in cliches and do some research.
You’re missing Portugal, you won’t find “organic” written there because it is the mainstream! Clearly much healthier than Spain for example. Spain would be behind France, they are not that healthy considering poor exercise/activity, meal sizes and saturated fats, carbs and sugar (such as churros and pork meat) are very popular there.
I’m bewildered by the Singapore explanation which accompanies the picture as it relates to issues not directly to do with bodily health, something I’m try to research on a personal level without much luck I have to say. It’s clear to me from info gleaned elsewhere that countries such as Japan will be high on this list, but it needs to be borne from statistics for longevity and bodily health through life to note those countries with the least incidence of chronic illnesses throughout life for example and in my research I would be looking for measurements of body fat ratio, BMI, blood analyses et al and to cross reference with eating and lifestyle statistics. From this we can reset the extremely wide BMI parameters, calorie consumption levels, examine the nutritional aspect of most consumed foodstuffs and a host of other aspects on health which in the UK (among other countries) can enable us to build a new health profile for the nation and effect regulations in the food industry which are long overdue. Otherwise, what purpose is there in just knowing this or that country is the most healthy if we are to continue denying in the lifestyle we practice?
nice one brodas
am from Nallymedia.com
nice one
I think Italy should be #1. Like the article says, the French are indulgent.
Well maybe Monaco is the healthiest because a whole lot of athletes such as professional cyclists live there because of the training facilities? Just a guess… but what do I know
Most Spaniards do NOT take a 2 hr siesta and live on a diet of tapas; where did you get your info?? And Spain now has a very high level of obesity (nothing like the US), plus only in certain regions are people very active.
The Irish are the healthiest if they did drink so much
I am surprised that South Africa is not one of the healthiest countries because they have the leaves that create Red Tea which I heard has some of the healthiest benefits of any tea. Its my guess that they would make top 20! Maybe I am wrong about this Red Tea thing but I was reading an article about it that seemed pretty convincing, might actually try it out! The article was: https://detoxtea439846661.wordpress.com
If you are interesting in reading about it yourself