Rodent feces and remains were found in multiple outbuildings
There are many factors that can make a country and its population healthy or unhealthy. Using data from the Legatum Prosperity Index (LPI), we've gathered the 15 healthiest and the 15 unhealthiest countries in the world. The index scores countries based on a number of health-related factors, such as access to health services, quality of healthcare provision, mortality rates, and illnesses. It has then calculated a ratio to assess how close each country is to the best score overall.
Curious? Click on to find out where your country is ranked.
Poverty, natural disasters, and poor eating choices have resulted in unhealthy diets in Afghanistan. There, one in three children under the age of five is malnourished.
Years of armed conflicts and the lack of formal economic opportunities, combined with high rates of malnutrition, illness, and poor education, has made the DRC one of the unhealthiest countries in the world.
In this West African country, access to healthcare, food, and clean drinking water remains precarious. Also, most health facilities lack adequate equipment and have poor quality services.
Sadly, poor sanitation and ineffective infection control create a risk of exposure to diseases like diarrhea, malaria, and tuberculosis in Equatorial Guinea. This has increased infant mortality, as 20% of children die before the age of five.
Poor diets are also damaging children's health in Nigeria, as five of 10 children under the age of five are malnourished. However, malaria is the most significant public health problem in Nigeria.
Widespread poverty, political unrest, and a lack of adequate medical services are some of the reasons for Angola being one of the unhealthiest countries in the world. Malaria remains one of the biggest public health problems.
AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria are major public health concerns in Guinea. Also, inadequate sanitation and unhygienic conditions contribute to increased infant mortality.
In Liberia, hospitals and medical facilities are poorly equipped. Malaria is the leading cause of outpatient visits and the number one cause of death in hospitalized patients.
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is burdened by a high prevalence of HIV infection and AIDS, tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases.
Sierra Leone has long struggled with some of the world's worst health outcomes, including infant and maternal mortality, malaria, and diarrheal diseases.
Conflict and instability in Somalia have had a detrimental effect on the population, including in their healthcare provision. Widespread famine has put millions of people at risk of severe malnutrition and outbreaks of diseases, such as cholera and measles.
Lesotho has some of the highest HIV and tuberculosis rates in the world. Also, many of Lesotho's 2.2 million residents live in remote villages that are hours away from the nearest health facility.
Chad regularly records cases of malaria, measles, meningitis, yellow fever, and cholera. Inappropriate family practices and poor access to basic social services are main factors keeping vulnerable groups deprived.
Most South Sudanese lack access to essential health services, safe water, and sanitation. One in every 10 children dies before they turn five, and the rate of maternal death is one of the highest in the world, roughly 1,223 per 100,000 births.
In the shadow of conflict, the Central African Republic has suffered with a decades-long health crisis. The unhealthiest country in the world, diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS are all major concerns. Due to the lack of clean water, water-borne diseases such as typhoid and diarrhea are also common.
Known for its high-quality healthcare, the country also benefits from Finns bring some of the most active people in Europe, thanks to hobbies like hiking, skiing, and cycling. This close connection to nature is believed to be one of the reasons why they're so happy and healthy.
Hong Kong's public healthcare system provides a high level of medical standards and modern medical equipment for everyone. Because of this, they enjoy a life expectancy of 88 for females and 83 for males.
With a strong healthcare system that provides everyone with good medical care, Germany's life expectancy remains above the European average. Also, Germans engage in regular physical activity, whether it's through sports, cycling, or simply walking.
All residents of Luxembourg get access to the country's free, high-quality public healthcare system. Life expectancy for women is 85 years, compared with 80 for men.
With one of the best-performing universal healthcare systems in the world, the Dutch government still requires all adults to have basic insurance. And while the population love fried food, they have cleverly mastered eating in moderation, keeping a balanced diet and active lifestyle.
Thanks to one of the healthiest diets in the world and a culture that embraces exercise, Switzerland is one of the healthiest countries out there. There are no free state-provided health services, but private health insurance is compulsory for everyone living in Switzerland.
Sweden is often considered to have a high quality of life, which is in great part due to having strong social welfare and public healthcare systems and a generally safe and clean environment. The local diet is considered healthy, as it often incorporates fresh ingredients, such as fish, lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
A fish-heavy diet full of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids has been cited by some as a reason why so many Icelanders live well into the golden age. Citizens are also active and outdoorsy, which helps keep life expectancy in the eighties for both men and women.
Norway is another Scandinavian nation that ranks high in the health department. With their universal healthcare system, outdoor lifestyle, nutritious diet, and easy access to health and wellness services, there's no surprise there.
Most Israelis embrace the Mediterranean diet, which encourages moderate amounts of fish and poultry, and a low intake of dairy products, red and processed meat, and sweets. On top of that, Israel also provides universal healthcare for its citizens.
With an internationally recognized healthcare system, healthcare in China is free for Chinese citizens and permanent residents. Additionally, the traditional Chinese diet has for centuries been primarily vegetarian, which has proven to be good for your health.
Taiwan is the fourth healthiest country in the world. It offers universal healthcare for its citizens, making healthcare provision easily accessible for all, regardless of income.
From protein to carbs and fat, a healthy Korean diet consists of all, but in a well-balanced format. Besides, Koreans are also very particular about incorporating physical activity in their day-to-day routine. Plus, satisfaction with both access to and the quality of healthcare is among the highest in the world.
With a traditional diet that leans heavily on vegetables, seaweed, and seafood, a healthy diet is embedded into the Japanese food culture. Japan also offers excellent healthcare, that puts a high priority on preventative care instead of reactive care.
Indeed, Singaporeans are amongst the longest living and healthiest citizens in the world. While they're known for their excellent food scene, they also live highly active lifestyles. Plus, they have one of the world's best healthcare systems as a safety net.
Sources: (Condé Nast Traveler) (Legatum Prosperity Index)
See also: The countries with the best healthcare in the world
The healthiest (and unhealthiest) countries in the world
Is your country in the list?
HEALTH Rankings
There are many factors that can make a country and its population healthy or unhealthy. Using data from the Legatum Prosperity Index (LPI), we've gathered the 15 healthiest and the 15 unhealthiest countries in the world. The index scores countries based on a number of health-related factors, such as access to health services, quality of healthcare provision, mortality rates, and illnesses. It has then calculated a ratio to assess how close each country is to the best score overall.
Curious? Click on to find out where your country is ranked.