Top 20 Countries With the Highest Life Expectancy in the World (2026 Rankings)

Top 20 Countries With the Highest Life Expectancy in the World (2026 Rankings) Which country has the longest life expectancy in the world? According to the latest 2026 estimates based on the UN's World Population Prospects (2024 Revision), Monaco tops the global ranking with an average life expectancy of 86.73 years. This article breaks down the top 20 longest-living countries and regions in the world, along with the key factors behind their longevity. World's Top 20 Longest-Living Countries — Full Ranking Table Rank Country/Region Life Expectancy (Years) Continent 1 Monaco 86.73 Europe 2 San Marino 86.03 Europe 3 Hong Kong (China) 85.90 Asia 4 Japan 85.15 Asia 5 South Korea 84.64 Asia 6 Saint Barthélemy (France) 84.63 North America 7 Andorra 84.46 Europe 8 French Polynesia 84.44 Oceania 9 Switzerland 84.37 Europe 10 Australia 84.34 Oceania 11 Italy 84.18 Europe 12 Singapore 84.13 Asia 13 Spain 84.08 Europe 14 Liechtenstein 84.06 Europe 15 Réunion (France) 83.92 Africa 16 Gibraltar 83.90 Europe 17 Malta 83.78 Europe 18 Norway 83.76 Europe 19 Sweden 83.73 Europe 20 France 83.70 Europe Source: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 Revision — 2026 estimates Detailed Breakdown of the Top Rankings 1. Monaco (86.73 years) This tiny Mediterranean city-state holds the top spot thanks to one of the world's highest per-capita incomes, dense healthcare infrastructure, and exceptional access to medical care relative to its small population. With fewer than 40,000 residents, Monaco's figures are also more statistically volatile than those of larger nations. 2. San Marino (86.03 years) Another European micro-republic, enclaved within Italy. Like Monaco, its small population, Mediterranean-influenced diet, and stable social systems support long lifespans. 3. Hong Kong (85.90 years) Despite a population of over 7 million, Hong Kong consistently ranks among the world's healthiest places to live. Universal health coverage, low smoking rates, and a walkable urban environment are frequently cited factors. 4. Japan (85.15 years) Japan is the longest-living country in the world among nations with populations over 100 million. A balanced diet centered on fish, vegetables, and fermented foods, a highly effective universal health insurance system, and an active lifestyle culture among the elderly are widely credited as key drivers. 5. South Korea (84.64 years) South Korea has seen the largest life-expectancy gain of any country since 1950 — a rise of 62.4 years. Comprehensive national health insurance, strong healthcare access, and a culture of frequent health screenings underpin this rapid transformation. 6–20: Key Highlights #6 Saint Barthélemy, #8 French Polynesia, #15 Réunion: French overseas territories that benefit from mainland France's healthcare system while enjoying mild climates. #7 Andorra, #14 Liechtenstein: Small European mountain states known for clean environments and relaxed lifestyles. #9 Switzerland, #18 Norway, #19 Sweden: Northern and Central European welfare states with some of the world's most robust public healthcare systems. #10 Australia, #12 Singapore: Leading Asia-Pacific examples of strong urban infrastructure and healthcare access. #11 Italy, #13 Spain, #17 Malta, #20 France: All benefit from the Mediterranean diet (olive oil, fish, vegetables), consistently linked in research to improved longevity. What the World's Longest-Living Countries Have in Common Universal healthcare coverage — Nearly every country in the top 10 offers healthcare access to its entire population. Low infant mortality — One of the single biggest levers on national life expectancy. Clean water and sanitation — The main driver of 20th-century gains in global life expectancy. Diet culture — Mediterranean-style eating in top European nations, and lower-fat, higher-fiber diets in top East Asian nations. Social stability and low violent crime — Countries free of conflict and political instability consistently rank higher. For Context: Global Average and Lowest-Ranked Countries As of 2026, the global average life expectancy stands at 73.77 years (71.18 for men, 76.44 for women). At the opposite end of the ranking, countries such as Nigeria (54.95 years), Chad (55.58 years), and South Sudan (57.97 years) — mostly in sub-Saharan Africa — face a combination of poverty, weak healthcare infrastructure, and political instability that significantly shortens average lifespans. Data cited in this article is drawn from the UN World Population Prospects, 2024 Revision, reflecting 2026 estimates. Life expectancy figures are updated annually — consult official UN and WHO sources for the most current numbers.