Where does Australia rank on the world’s healthiest countries list?

While some may have second thoughts about the ‘health’ of our nation and want to retire to a healthier destination, according to CEOWORLD magazine, we’re right up there with the world’s healthiest countries.

Ranking the ‘healthiest countries’ isn’t just about diets and physical exercise. The quality of healthcare, life expectancy and other wellbeing metrics are also considered.

In 10th place is Norway. It should come as no surprise that Norway is in the top 10. Clean air and water, high life expectancies – over 83 years on average – and low crime rates are but a few reasons Norway is such a healthy country.

A small and affluent country – Monaco – is in ninth place. With the world’s highest average life expectancy of 85.9 years, this Mediterranean haven ranks high on sustainability and quality healthcare.

Australia makes the list at No.8, ranking high on wellness standards due largely to fresh, locally sourced food and our active, outdoorsy lifestyle.

New Zealand sits one spot above us in seventh spot. Engaging outdoor activities, beautiful landscapes and a consistently rated high living quality, particularly in Auckland, contributes to Kiwi healthfulness.

Sixth spot goes to Taiwan, in part due to its universal healthcare system. A culture of physical exercise, and diets packed with vegetables, rice and seafood also play a significant role in the nation’s health standards.

The world’s happiest country, Finland, is fifth, lauded for its significantly improved life expectancy in recent years. Increased health spending and a significant decrease in the number of adult smokers also contributes to the healthy lifestyle scores.

Hong Kong sits comfortably at number four. Despite being recognised as a city and not a country, its high placement on global health rankings deserves mention. A prosperous economy, low smoking levels combined with a plethora of parks, sophisticated hospitals and close proximity to mountains and beaches make it a health haven.

Third is Iceland, surprising many with its high ranking. An outdoorsy, active society combined with clean diets contribute to impressive life expectancies for both men and women.

Singapore ranks second on the list, with its food culture balanced with an active lifestyle and one of the world’s best healthcare systems.

The coveted top spot goes to Italy. Long lives – well into the 80s – active lifestyles and predominantly vegetable and olive-oil rich diets means Italy excels in health metrics compared to many others.

Here’s the full list.

Author’s note: Even if you live in one of these countries, it’s your commitment to healthy habits and a wholesome diet that makes for a healthy life. And while we may all dream of living in Italy someday, we can still take cues from the top 10 countries and apply them to our lives for better wellbeing.

Which of the countries in the 10 would you live? Or are you happy living in the lucky country? What are your top three tips for a healthy life?

Also read: Seven health myths debunked