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The World’s Longevity Leaders in 2025: A Closer Look at the Top 25 Countries with the Highest Life Expectancy
Monaco Dominates as the Country with the Longest Lifespan
Monaco continues to set the global standard for longevity, with an average life expectancy of 86.5 years in 2025. The tiny principality’s residents enjoy an impressive 88.6 years for women and 84.6 for men. Monaco’s high standard of healthcare, luxurious lifestyle, and favorable climate contribute significantly to its ranking as the most enduring nation on the planet.
San Marino and Hong Kong Close the Gap
San Marino, the microstate nestled within Italy, clocks in with an average lifespan of 85.8 years. Its citizens benefit from excellent healthcare systems and Mediterranean lifestyle influences. Meanwhile, Hong Kong ranks third with an average life expectancy of 85.6 years, driven by access to advanced medical services and a healthy diet. Hong Kong’s overall longevity is complemented by a female lifespan of 88.3 years, the highest among all nations surveyed.
Japan and South Korea Maintain High Standards
Japan and South Korea continue to showcase their commitment to health and longevity. Japan’s residents average 84.8 years, with women living nearly 88 years. South Korea closely follows at 84.4 years, with female longevity surpassing 87 years. Both nations credit their rigorous healthcare, healthy diets, and active lifestyles for their outstanding rankings.
European Countries Lead in Longevity
European nations prominently feature in the top rankings, with Switzerland, Italy, and Spain all recording averages above 83.8 years. Switzerland leads with 84.1 years, benefiting from a robust healthcare system and high living standards. Countries like Norway and Sweden also report impressive lifespan figures, around 83.4 to 83.5 years, reflecting solid public health policies and effective social services.
Smaller States and City-States Demonstrate Longevity
Andorra, Liechtenstein, and Malta—smaller states within Europe—boast life expectancies well above the global average. These nations combine high income levels, healthcare access, and lifestyle factors conducive to longer lives. Vatican City, despite its small size, maintains an average of 83.1 years, highlighting the health advantage attendant to high socio-economic status.
Middle Eastern and Oceanic Countries
UAE, Qatar, and Australia also feature prominently. The UAE reaches an average lifespan of 83.1 years, with the country benefiting from rapid healthcare development and modernization. Qatar follows with 82.5 years, a testament to its investments in health and infrastructure. Australia maintains a high standard, with an average of 84.1 years, supported by excellent healthcare and outdoor lifestyle.
North America’s Longevity Pattern
Canada and Israel both rank within the top 25, with Canada averaging 82.7 years and Israel at 82.7 years. Canada’s comprehensive health care system and high quality of life play crucial roles, while Israel’s longevity is attributed to healthy diets and advanced medical services.
The Role of Gender in Life Expectancy
Across all countries, women tend to live significantly longer than men. For instance, in Monaco, women average 88.6 years, compared to 84.6 for men. Similar trends are seen elsewhere, emphasizing the importance of gender-specific health initiatives.
Future Trends and International Initiatives
As global health initiatives advance and nations invest further in healthcare infrastructure, these rankings might shift. Countries like Portugal, Portugal, and Luxembourg also demonstrate promising longevity figures, often linked to healthier lifestyles, better healthcare access, and social stability.
For a detailed look at global longevity trends, refer to the UN World Population Prospects, 2025.
The pursuit of longer, healthier lives continues to be a central goal worldwide, with these nations exemplifying how policy, lifestyle, and healthcare quality greatly influence longevity. As we look toward 2025, it is evident that combining innovation with sustainable health practices holds the key to extending human lifespan.
[Image: Monaco’s scenic view illustrates the country’s affluent and health-conscious lifestyle, contributing to its top ranking in longevity.]
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