While the United Nations recently named Norway the happiest nation on Earth, Bloomberg's comprehensive public health index crowns Italy the healthiest country among 163 evaluated worldwide. With an outstanding score of 93.11 out of 100, Italy leads ahead of Iceland (91.21) and Switzerland (90.75). France ranks 14th at 85.59.
Bloomberg's analysis weighed life expectancy, causes of death, disease risks, obesity prevalence, access to clean water, and greenhouse gas emissions. Italian men can expect to reach 80 years on average. Much of this vitality stems from the celebrated Mediterranean diet—rich in extra-virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables, lean meats, nuts, and fish—which helps ward off hypertension, high cholesterol, and even depression. Italy's healthcare system further bolsters these outcomes, providing universal free access to care and an abundance of professionals, earning Bloomberg's nod to an 'excess of doctors.' Even amid economic headwinds, Italy's population thrives.
