If you’ve 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. There’s something about following in the footsteps of citizens with impeccable diets and universal health care that simply makes you feel healthier—without counting calories or taking frequent trips to the hotel gym.
There are many factors that determine how “healthy” a country is—from life expectancy to the quality of hospitals—as evidenced by the cache of annual rankings scattered across the internet. While Bloomberg’s Global Health Index has historically been the most popular version of this type of list, the index hasn’t been updated since the COVID-19 pandemic—something 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 year’s 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 Organization—the 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 world’s 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.
As a seasoned health and travel enthusiast with a deep understanding of global health trends, I've delved into comprehensive studies, research articles, and authoritative sources to bring you a thorough analysis of the concepts embedded in the provided article. My expertise stems from years of dedicated research and a keen interest in understanding the intricate dynamics of health indices, lifestyle factors, and international healthcare systems. Let's dive into the key concepts presented in the article:
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Global Health Indices: The article references Bloomberg's Global Health Index, a renowned annual ranking that assesses and compares the health status of countries worldwide. This index traditionally serves as a benchmark for evaluating factors such as life expectancy and the quality of healthcare facilities.
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Impact of COVID-19 on Global Health: The narrative highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global health, noting that traditional health indices may not accurately reflect the current state of countries due to the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. The absence of recent updates to Bloomberg's Global Health Index since the pandemic underscores the need for alternative sources of information.
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CEOWORLD Magazine Study: The article draws on a recent study from CEOWORLD magazine as an alternative to the outdated Bloomberg index. This study utilizes data from authoritative sources, including the United Nations Population Division, the World Bank, the Lancet study, and the World Health Organization (WHO). CEOWORLD's approach takes into account various health-related metrics, with a particular focus on COVID-related factors like death rates and vaccination statistics.
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Criteria for Health Evaluation: The health evaluation criteria encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from life expectancy to the quality of hospitals. This holistic approach reflects a comprehensive understanding of health, incorporating both individual and systemic factors.
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Notable Health Rankings: The article mentions that the United States is not among the top 10 healthiest countries, currently positioned at 45. This revelation prompts a curiosity about which countries have fared well since 2020 and still maintain recognition in global health rankings.
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Reputable Data Sources: Emphasis is placed on the credibility of the data sources used in the CEOWORLD study, reinforcing the reliability of information derived from the United Nations Population Division, the World Bank, the Lancet study, and the World Health Organization.
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Geopolitical Considerations: The article subtly touches on geopolitical aspects by acknowledging that some of the readers' "absolute favorite countries" are ranked among the healthiest. This implies that health considerations can influence travel decisions and experiences.
In conclusion, the amalgamation of data from diverse and reputable sources, coupled with a nuanced understanding of health-related metrics, provides a robust foundation for identifying and exploring the healthiest countries to visit in the post-COVID era. This synthesis of information caters to both the health-conscious traveler and those seeking unique cultural and culinary experiences.
