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These Are Officially The Healthiest Countries in the World

April 09, 2017
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4 min read
Italy, Venice, Elevated view of canal in city
These Are Officially The Healthiest Countries in the World
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The Bloomberg Global Health Index recently ranked the world's healthiest (and unhealthiest) countries based on several factors including life expectancy, health risks (ie. tobacco use and high blood pressure), availability of clean water, malnutrition and causes of death. Coming in at the top spot with a health grade of 93.11 out of 100 is Italy, where babies born today can expect to live well into their 80s.

Perhaps it's taking in the country's beautiful coastlines or exploring its plentiful historic sites that keep the Italian brain and body feeling young. Or it could be Italy's heart-healthy Mediterranean Diet, which includes a plethora of vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, fresh seafood, a healthy dose of wine and spending time relaxing with family and friends (mental health is important, too).

Perhaps it's the pasta, or Italy's beautiful coastal scenery — like this in Manarola, Cinque Terre — that's keeping Italians so healthy. Image courtesy of AGF via Getty Images.

Coming in second place with an average lifespan of 81 years is Iceland, the Nordic island paradise that also ranked high in this year's list of the world's happiest countries. While an Icelandic diet is not particularly similar to that of Italy — there's a lot of lamb and dairy as well as other delicacies like fermented shark — the two countries are similar in that their food is incredibly fresh, with most of it in Iceland being locally-sourced.

Doesn't Iceland's Lake Myvatn look amazing right about now? Image courtesy of Manuela Kaiser via Getty Images.

The third place spot is occupied by Switzerland, a country known for its gorgeous natural scenery and active, outdoorsy lifestyle. The Swiss also have a universal healthcare system that's thought to be one of the best in the world.

With beautiful views like these, along with endless hiking, skiing, and mountain biking opportunities, it's no wonder the Swiss are able to stay so fit. Image courtesy of bluejayphoto via Getty Images.

Singapore made it into the fourth spot and while the cuisine there might not be the paramount factor in its citizens' longevity — it's mainly influenced by Malaysian, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian cuisine — the country is extraordinarily clean and has one of the world's best healthcare systems.

Singapore's iconic Marina Bay. Image courtesy of JKboy Jatenipat via Getty Images.

Rounding out the top five healthiest countries is the sunny land down-under, Australia. Despite being home to some of the world's most dangerous animals, Aussies are still likely to live quite a long and healthy life. Perhaps it's the abundance of sunshine, beaches and outdoor activities or the overall happy-go-lucky nature of the people who live there, but clearly, they're doing something right.

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Views from the top of the northern sandstone headland at Coogee. Image courtesy of lovleah via Getty Images.

Spain, Japan, Sweden, Israel and Luxembourg finished out the top 10, while the remaining 15 countries in the top 25 appeared in the following order, starting with 11th place: Norway, Austria, the Netherlands, France, Finland, Germany, Canada, Cyprus, New Zealand, Greece, Portugal, Ireland, the UK, South Korea and Malta. Sadly, the United States came in 34th place, with a health grade of 73.05, mostly due to its high levels of overweight and obese residents.

H/T: Bloomberg

Featured image by Getty Images/RooM RF

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.