Which is the healthiest country in Asia

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

These Are the Healthiest Countries in the World, According to a 2023 Study

If youve ever visited one of the healthiest countries in the world, then you already know what it feels like to end a trip feeling stronger and more refreshed than when you started. Theres something about following in the footsteps of citizens with impeccable diets and universal health care that simply makes you feel healthierwithout counting calories or taking frequent trips to the hotel gym.

There are many factors that determine how healthy a country isfrom life expectancy to the quality of hospitalsas evidenced by the cache of annual rankings scattered across the internet. While Bloombergs Global Health Index has historically been the most popular version of this type of list, the index hasnt been updated since the COVID-19 pandemicsomething which very obviously affected global health as a whole.

We were curious which countries have been able to stay relatively well since 2020 (or at least well enough to still be recognized on worldwide rankings), so we referred to a recent study from CEOWORLD magazine to compile this years list. The study pulled data from several reputable sources, including the United Nations Population Division, the World Bank, the Lancet study, and the World Health Organizationthe latter of which pays particular attention to factors like COVID-related deaths and vaccination rates.

The bad news: The United States did not make the top 10 (it currently sits at position 45). The good news: Some of our absolute favorite countries are ranked among the worlds healthiest, which means you can sample some amazing cuisines and see one-of-a-kind landscapes while tackling those resolutions. Without further ado, here are the healthiest countries to visit next.

This article has been updated since its original publish date.

The Healthiest (& Unhealthiest) Countries in the World

It's been 75 years since the start of the United Kingdoms National Health Service, the first universal health system available to all, free at the point of delivery. In light of this, were looking at how different health systems compare around the world, using data from Legatum Prosperity Index, created by The Legatum Institute Foundation, a London think tank.

As the following chart shows, the UK ranks in 34th place out of the 167 indexed countries and territories, based on not only its healthcare system (such as access to health services) but also its populations state of health (including mortality rates, illness and risk factors). While fairly high, the country has been sliding down the list for the Health category, having placed in 23rd position in 2019, 20th in 2016 and 19th in 2013.

According to the index, Singapore was rated as having the top service and state of health globally in 2023. Asia is well represented generally, with the five top places rounded off by Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China. Meanwhile, the United States trails just behind the UK in rank 38. The bottom five places are Somalia, Lesotho, Chad, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

The ranking was created as part of a wider index, which also looks at indicators such as education, investment environment and governance. When taking all analyzed areas into account, the Legatum Centre for National Prosperity says that the Nordic countries of Denmark, Sweden and Norway come out on top as the most prosperous societies.

*This chart has been updated due to mistakenly having Israel in the fifth position instead of China. Israel ranks sixth.

This is the Healthiest Country in Asia

Singapore is the healthiest country in Asia and the fourth healthiest country in the world, according to a new Bloomberg index.

The country beat the likes of Australia (ranked fifth), Japan (seventh), New Zealand (19th) and the United States (34th), losing out only to Italy, Iceland and Switzerland in the Bloomberg 2017 Healthiest Country Index, released in a report on Monday (Mar 20).

Based on information from the World Health Organization, United Nations and the World Bank, the index ranked 163 countries based on variables such as life expectancy, causes of death and health risks such as high blood pressure, tobacco use, malnutrition and the availability of clean water.

Each country was given a health grade equal to its score across these variables minus health risk penalties.

The top 50 ranking:

I began my career in the banking industry in 1997, and stayed approx 6 years in it. This industry boost his knowledge about the economic condition in Indonesia, both macro and micro, and how toMoreunderstand it. My banking career continued in Yogyakarta when I joined in a program funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB),as the coordinator for a program aimed to help improve the quality of learning and teaching process in private universities in Yogyakarta. When the earthquake stroke Yogyakarta, I chose to join an international NGO working in the area of ?disaster response and management, which allows me to help rebuild the city, as well as other disaster-stricken area in Indonesia. I went on to become the coordinator for emergency response in the Asia Pacific region. Then I was assigned for 1 year in Cambodia, as a country coordinator mostly to deliver developmental programs (water and sanitation, education, livelihood). In 2009, he continued his career as a protocol and HR officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, and two years later I joined the Political and Economic Section until now, where i have to deal with extensive range of people and government officials, as well as private and government institution troughout eastern Indonesia.I am the founder and Editor-in-Chief in Good News From Indonesia (GNFI), a growing and influential social media movement, and was selected as one of The Most Influential Netizen 2011 by The Marketeers magazine.I also wrote a book on "Fundamentals of Disaster Management in 2007"?, "Good News From Indonesia : Beragam Prestasi Anak Bangsa di dunia"? which was luanched in August 2013, and "Indonesia Bersyukur"? which is launched in Sept 2013. In 2014, 3 books were released in which i was one of the writer; "Indonesia Pelangi Dunia"?, "Indonesia The Untold Stories"? and "Growing! Meretas Jalan Kejayaan"I give lectures to students in lectures nationwide, sharing on full range of issues, from economy, to diplomacyLess

View all posts

These are the 10 healthiest countries in the world in 2019

Six of the top 10 healthiest countries are in Europe in 2019, according to the Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index.
Spain knocked Italy off top spot in 2019 jumping from 6th to take number one in this year's gauge.
The US didn't even make the top 30 and came in at 35th in the rankings.

Thanks for signing up!

Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go.

Europe is leading the world's health standings with Mediterranean nations atop the list for 2019 .

In new rankings, Europe takes up six of the top 10 spots with North American countries struggling. The US placed lower at 35th for 2019, five places behind Cuba which was the highest ranked non "high income" country on the list.

Studies have suggested that a "Mediterranean diet" supplemented with foods like extra-virgin olive oil and nuts, had a lower rate of major cardiovascular events than others, giving added significance to a country's geography on the rankings.

Asian countries improved their rankings generally with South Korea improving seven places while China rose to 52nd in the world, according to the Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index.

The study took into account 169 countries and graded nations on factors like life expectancy but also penalised tobacco use and obesity. Bloomberg's rankings also considered environmental factors such as sanitation and clean water.

Health ranking of countries worldwide in 2023, by health index score

Please create an employee account to be able to mark statistics as favorites. Then you can access your favorite statistics via the star in the header.

Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account. If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.

Basic Account

Get to know the platform

You only have access to basic statistics. This statistic is not included in your account.

Starter Account

The ideal entry-level account for individual users

Instant accessto 1m statistics
Downloadin XLS, PDF & PNG format
Detailedreferences

Professional Account

Full access

Business Solutions including all features.

* Prices do not include sales tax.

The most important statistics

Other statistics that may interest you Global health care systems comparison

Global Healthcare system ranking

Health system rankings: 11 select countries

Global healthcare spending

Health care resources: Personnel and facilities

Health outcomes

Telehealth

Public opinion

Special: Europe

Special: United States

Learn more about how Statista can support your business.

Legatum Institute Foundation. (February 24, 2023). Health and health systems ranking of countries worldwide in 2023, by health index score [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved April 27, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1290168/health-index-of-countries-worldwide-by-health-index-score/

Legatum Institute Foundation. "Health and health systems ranking of countries worldwide in 2023, by health index score." Chart. February 24, 2023. Statista. Accessed April 27, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1290168/health-index-of-countries-worldwide-by-health-index-score/

Legatum Institute Foundation. (2023). Health and health systems ranking of countries worldwide in 2023, by health index score. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: April 27, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1290168/health-index-of-countries-worldwide-by-health-index-score/

Legatum Institute Foundation. "Health and Health Systems Ranking of Countries Worldwide in 2023, by Health Index Score." Statista, Statista Inc., 24 Feb 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1290168/health-index-of-countries-worldwide-by-health-index-score/

Legatum Institute Foundation, Health and health systems ranking of countries worldwide in 2023, by health index score Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1290168/health-index-of-countries-worldwide-by-health-index-score/ (last visited April 27, 2024)

Health and health systems ranking of countries worldwide in 2023, by health index score [Graph], Legatum Institute Foundation, February 24, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1290168/health-index-of-countries-worldwide-by-health-index-score/

The 10 Healthiest Foods From Asia

Asian food on the whole is much more healthy than Western cuisine. With the lack of dairy, fat and additives, along with a focus on zingy flavour and fresh ingredients, its easy to find healthy options on any Asian-inspired menu. We take a look at some of the healthiest dishes or foods to come from the continent.

Vegetable Fried Rice

While not an exciting feature of Asian cuisine, vegetable fried rice can be a filling meal by itself and contains nothing more than vegetables, rice, and various other spices or sauces depending on the region. While mostly associated as an accompaniment to Chinese dishes, vegetable fried rice is also common in southern Asia as well as the Far East; since rice is the main source of carbohydrate for India and surrounding countries, it is not surprise that they too have a twist on this dish. If rice and vegetables doesnt sound particularly tempting, flavours such as soy sauce, sesame oil or masala paste can add a bit of a kick.

Pho is essentially a noodle soup, made up of a usually meat-based broth with vegetables, herbs and spices. The meat is usually lean beef or chicken, or tofu is a common vegetarian replacement. The dish is heavy on protein and low and fat, making it a great source of energy, with the vegetables added some extra nutrition. Often in Vietnam it is eaten for breakfast, making it a great meal with which to start the day. Depending on the restaurant or area of Vietnam, Pho can be made with different varieties or mixes of herbs, giving each a slightly different flavour.

Thai Green Curry

While outside of Thailand green curry can be quite creamy and rich, the authentic Thai version of this popular dish is far more spicy, and healthy. The main ingredients are a protein (often chicken or fish), vegetables, green curry paste (chillis, lemongrass, coriander, among other herbs and spices), and coconut milk. When served with rice or rice noodles, the dish can be filling without having to eat too much, with the lean meat or fish adding protein and energy. The coconut milk adds a touch of sweetness without adding too much fat to the dish.

Condiments and Snacks

Traditionally, Asian condiments, side dishes and snacks are far healthier than their Western counterparts. While Westerners typically choose sugary, packaged products such as ketchup or fatty options such as mayonnaise, condiments in Asian cuisine will typically be more natural. Soy sauce, tamari (similar to soy) or sambal (ground chilli paste) are examples of condiments made with natural products and are therefore far healthier. For snacking, Asians generally go for nuts or dried fruits instead of crisps or biscuits. Without a diet filled with unnecessary additives, fat and sugar, Asian food will on the whole be healthier than Western food.

Japanese or Korean Sushi

While some varieties of sushi can be deep fried, much of it is actually very healthy. The key ingredient in sushi is rice, which can be brown or white, and much if it comes with raw seafood (although much sushi is simply rice and vegetables). Since the seafood is raw all the nutrients are preserved and not lost through a cooking process; vegetable alternatives are also clearly as nutritious. Of course, strong flavours such as ginger, soy sauce or wasabi add some spice and additional flavour.

Stir Fry

A common dish in many eastern Asian countries (but primarily China), a stir fry is a tasty and healthy way of eating vegetables, since it involves minimal cooking and therefore keeps the vitamins and other nutrients (as well as the crunch). The sauce, vegetables and protein can vary, but most stir fries will include ingredients such as ginger, chilli, garlic, soy sauce and sesame oil. The quick frying also maintains the colour of the ingredients, making it an attractive and appealing dish.

Grilled Fish

In much Asian cooking, fish is prepared on the grill, which is one of the healthiest ways to eat it. Grilling avoids too much grease or batter, and can take any extra fat away from the protein. Additionally, grilling allows for the fish to be cooked quickly which maintains a fresh flavour. Grilled fish can be served with noodles, rice, in a broth, or with a simple salad, and is often coated in typical flavours including soy sauce, lemongrass or ginger. Fish that are common in east Asian cooking include salmon, tuna, tilapia, or sea bass.

Chopsticks

So not exactly a food, but studies have shown that eating food with chopsticks means that on a whole less food is consumed. Especially amongst Westerners who are not well practised in the use of chopsticks, the process is more time consuming which means diners are more likely to realise they are full before theyve finished the dish. When using regular cutlery, it is more likely that they will have finished the meal too quickly for the brain to acknowledge that the body has eaten enough. Consequently, chopsticks can help people to eat just enough rather than too much, which can helps with weight loss.

Japanese or Korean Barbecue Skewers

Japanese and Korean cuisine share barbecuing traditions, and a common style of barbecuing in both countries is fixing various meats on a skewer and placing them on the grill. This can be healthy as grilling allows the fat to drain away from the meat, and a large skewer of meat and vegetables can be very filling while being full of protein and vitamins. The meat can vary from basic beef or chicken to tongue, tripe and other offal. The meat is accompanied by vegetables such as shiitake mushrooms, bean sprouts and cabbage, all of which are common in both Japanese and Korean cooking. The healthy, protein-rich skewers are served commonly as street food.

Desserts

Asian cuisine is far more famous for its appetisers and main courses packed with strong flavours rather than its desserts. In general, dessert is not a course that many Asians will eat; if they do, it will normally be fruit. When they do enjoy a slightly more extravagant dessert, it will not be nearly as rich in fat or sugar as Western palates are used to. Some examples include red bean soup (a surprisingly sweet soup enjoyed in east Asia), mochi (Japanese sweet rice balls), or mango sticky rice (popular in Thailand). If dessert still seems necessary after a filling main course, Asian options tend to be far healthier.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.