[tps_header]

Walk along the cliffs

[/tps_header]

Written by Bella Stolz | Have you ever wondered which countries or cities have populations with the longest life expectancy? Have you ever wondered what their secrets are? Let’s have a look at our top 10:

10. Italy 81.86 years
Italy ranks as having the 2nd best healthcare system called a mixed public-private system. Placing 25th on the Human Development Index (HDI) means education, quality of life and income are probably good indications of a long life expectancy. Though some Italians may argue they live longer thanks to all the pasta, cheese and wine they consume.

9. Australia  81.90 years
Australia keeps the 12th largest economy and grabs 5th place in per capita income. Known for the high quality of life, universal healthcare and education it is no wonder folks are living so long here. Not to mention an active lifestyle that keeps those so Aussies slim and trim.

8. Hong Kong  82.12 years
The most densely populated on the list, Hong Kong has an estimated 7 million people and 13 private world class hospitals and 40 public facilities. Women in Hong Kong have the longest life expectancy than anywhere else. With a more active lifestyle and lower obesity rates than the United States, a healthy diet includes an ample supply of vegetables and rice.

7. Guernsey 82.24 years
In old Norse, Gurnsey translates to “corner island”. With just 30 square miles and 65,345 people as of 2012, the island is located in the English Channel. You guessed it, low unemployment, good wages, healthcare and low taxes mean that folks are living an average of 4.35 years longer than Americans.

6. Andorra 82.50 years
The smallest nation in Europe with 181 square miles, Andorra enjoys a healthy tourism industry that brings in over 10 million visitors per year thanks to duty free status as well as fine year round outdoor recreation. A government run healthcare system is provided to all employed people and their families, making out of pocket health care low.

5. San Marino 83.07 years
Being the one of the wealthiest countries in terms of GDP, San Marino also has no debt and the lowest unemployment rate in Europe. The per capita income being equal to $55,449 USD, San Marino boasts a healthy standard of living making it easy to see why people live long on this Italian Peninsula.

4. Singapore 83.75 years
Boasting the world’s highest number of millionaires, Singapore population includes roughly 40% of foreign residents. With the lowest fertility rate in the world, the government has encouraged immigration in the last several decades to replace the population and provides top-notch healthcare facilities.

3. Japan 83.91 years
Japan is made of up 6,852 islands and ranks 3rd in terms of longest life expectancy. With a diet of mostly fish, vegetables and rice it’s easy to see why this population lives so long. Aside from exporting automobiles and electronics, Japan contributes 15% of the global fish supply.

2. Macau 84.43 years
The 2013 census estimates 591,900 people living within this 11.93 square mile nation. With the 2nd longest life expectancy, it’s roots can be traced back to the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC). An overwhelming 70% of the territory’s economy comes from gambling with the majority of the money generated going into public healthcare.

1. Monaco 89.68 years
Located on the French Riviera and less than 1 square mile in size, this millionaire’s playground has the longest life expectancy at 89.68 years. That’s almost 10 years longer than the average American. But keep your heart rate in check, there are plenty of beautiful sites to visit and activities to explore on a more modest budget.