Spain regularly tops global rankings for health and wellbeing. But is it really the healthiest country in the world? According to Bloomberg and other studies, the answer is yes — though with some caveats.

Bloomberg Global Health Index: Spain Ranked #1

The Bloomberg Global Health Index (2019) crowned Spain the world’s healthiest nation with a score of 92.75. For comparison, the U.S. ranked 35th, scoring 75.

Bloomberg credited Spain’s top ranking to:

• Mediterranean Diet: High in legumes, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats.
• Active Lifestyle: 37% of Spaniards walk to work versus 6% of Americans.
• Universal Healthcare: Low rates of preventable deaths (45.4 per 100,000).
• Longevity: Life expectancy of 83.5 years, projected to hit 85.8 by 2040 — the highest globally.

Global Health Security Index: U.S. on Top

The Global Health Security Index (2021) focuses on how well countries prepare for pandemics. Here, the United States ranked first, not Spain.

While Spain excels at lifestyle and healthcare, the U.S. leads in biosecurity, testing, research, and rapid-response capacity. The report noted that “none thus far have taken adequate steps to prevent future pandemics.”

Money UK Index: Spain Still Leads

In 2021, UK website Money created a lifestyle-driven index using six factors: life expectancy, cost of health, air pollution, obesity, safety, and hours of sunlight.

Spain topped this list as well, ahead of Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, and Iceland.

Europe vs. Africa: Global Divide

Across most indices, Europe is the healthiest continent. Bloomberg and Money consistently rank Northern and Mediterranean countries near the top.

By contrast, Africa occupies the lowest spots. Bloomberg’s 2019 list placed 27 of the bottom 30 countries in Africa, where poverty, poor healthcare, and conflict undermine health.

Verdict: Spain Sets the Standard

Is Spain the healthiest country in the world?

• Yes, for everyday wellbeing. Spaniards live longer, eat better, and benefit from strong healthcare.
• Not in crisis preparedness. In pandemics, the U.S. comes out ahead.

Still, Spain remains the global benchmark for a long, healthy life.