1. Bulgaria. Bulgaria has the highest mortality rate in the world at 15.4 deaths per 1,000 people.
The U.S. has highest rate of disease burden among comparable countries, and the gap is growing - Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker.
Cardiovascular diseases
These include hypertension (high blood pressure); coronary heart disease (heart attack); cerebrovascular disease (stroke); heart failure; and other heart diseases. Cardiovascular disease is the top cause of death globally.
Cause 1: Ischaemic heart disease
Ischaemic heart disease was the leading single cause of deaths in Australia, responsible for 17,331 deaths in 2021, about one in 10 of total deaths that year. Males were more prone to the disease, accounting for 10,371 (59.8%) of the deaths compared to 6,960 (40.2%) for females.
The U.S. is the unhealthiest country globally because of its high obesity rate and the heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses that go along with it. America has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world—and it's not just adults who are getting heavier and heavier: childhood obesity is also a problem.
U.S. life expectancy at birth
On average, a person living in the U.S. can expect to live to 76.1 years. Asian people have the longest average life expectancy (83.5 years) and American Indian/Alaska Natives the shortest (65.2 years).
Japanese life expectancy
This low mortality is mainly attributable to a low rate of obesity, low consumption of red meat, and high consumption of fish and plant foods such as soybeans and tea. In Japan, the obesity rate is low (4.8% for men and 3.7% for women).
1. Monaco. One of the smallest countries in the world, Monaco also has the UN's longest estimated life expectancy of any country as of 2023. Males in Monaco are expected to live an average of 85.17 years, and females are expected to live an even longer 88.99 years, for an overall average of 87.01 years.
Italy is the world's healthiest country, according to the CEOWORLD magazine ranking that uses data from the United Nations Population Division, the World Bank, the Lancet study, and the World Health Organisation, with Singapore coming at a close second.
1/ Okinawan diet – Japan
Widely considered to be one of the healthiest diets in the world, the Okinawan diet has numerous health benefits. So much so that Japan has the lowest obesity rates and second longest life expectancy of any developed country.
Tonga. Tonga is currently leading the world in obesity with a disquieting obesity rate of 90%. “Junk meat” is a term that has commonly been thrown around in reference to a Tonganese diet essential.
Australia is free of the world's worst animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza H5N1.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), African swine fever (ASF) and Lumpy skin disease (LSD) are animal diseases and are not present in Australia. They do not pose human health concerns. Avian influenza (bird flu, AI) is a global disease of birds and some strains may affect humans.
Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia; increasing at a faster rate than other chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
The islands at the southern end of Japan have historically been known for longevity. Okinawans typically have less cancer, heart disease, and dementia than Americans – and women there live longer than any women on the planet.
Charles Eugster, 96, a world champion sprinter, bodybuilder and rower, gives his diet, fitness and wellness tips for staying in shape as you age. If you ask Charles Eugster, 96, "retirement" is a dirty word.
In the global list released of the best known cuisines of the world in the year 2022, Italy got the first place, followed by Greece and Spain in the second and third places respectively.
"The Aussie climate definitely drives a more active lifestyle simply because we tend to spend more time outdoors. We also have access to beautiful fresh produce all year round, which means it's easier to make better food choices and nourish our bodies in the right way."
Australia ranks first among OECD countries for equity and healthcare outcomes, and holds third place for overall healthcare performance, behind Norway and the Netherlands.
Most Australians can expect to enjoy long and relatively healthy lives, however, some population groups have different experiences of health than others. This chapter summarises the health status and key trends and for population groups, including: Children. Young people.
International comparisons of life expectancy
Australia enjoys one of the highest life expectancies in the world, at 83.0 years in 2020 for males and females at birth combined—ranked sixth among 38 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
A Mediterranean diet remains one of the gold standards for living longer and more healthfully. This pattern is characterized by a high intake of fruits and vegetables; whole grains; pulses; healthful fats from nuts, olive oil, and avocado; and herbs and spices. It includes seafood a few times a week.