Bloomberg Global Health Index evaluated 163 countries based on variables like life expectancy, health risks related to behavioral/endogenous factors such as high incidences of population with cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight, children malnutrition etc., or environmental/exogenous factors such a polluted environment, availability of clean water, among others; also mortality by communicable and non-communicable diseases and injuries.

The study initially included 200 countries and regions, but only 163 had enough data to be included in the index, the World Health Organization, World Bank, and the United Nations Population Division served as main sources for Bloomberg’s study.

The five countries that ranked as the most-healthy are:

1) Italy, which took first place with a health grade of 93.11. Their diet rich in vegetables, fresh ingredients and olive oil plays an important role in the results; a baby born in this country will have a life expectancy of over 80 years.
2) Iceland, babies born in Iceland can also expect to reach their 80’s, Icelanders also have a healthy diet, and exercise often to beat the intense cold during winter time.
3) Switzerland, the World Health Organization had released data last year stating that swiss boys born in Switzerland as of 2015 can expect to live on average 81.3 years, 12.2 above the global average.
4) Singapore, in this country females live longer than men, the healthcare system in Singapore has strengthened in the last few years.
5) Australia the improvements in the health system make a difference in Australians’ health

When it comes to Latin America, only five countries made the top 50, these are: Chile in position 29 with a health grade of 77.18 of 100; Cuba ranked 31 with a health grade of 74.23; Costa Rica in position 33 with a health grade of 73.14; Uruguay scored 65.40 and Panama took position 49 with a score of 62.39

The life expectancy in Costa Rica reaches 79.7 years, the healthcare system in the country makes a big difference, although the percentage of overweight population continues to grow.

Canada scored well with a 84.57 which earned it position 17, while the United States ranked 34 right below Costa Rica with 73.05. The overweight population in the United States continues to increase, especially in states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and West Virginia, where according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control more than 35% of the population is considered obese.

The last position in the 163 countries evaluated was taken by Sierra Leone where the life expectancy barely reaches 52 years of age, infectious diseases and high infant mortality rates are part of the problems affecting this West African country.