7) Iceland
Iceland is tied with Italy for average lifespan with women at 84.1 and men at 81.2. They have a universal health care system and one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world. The country has low levels of pollution as it relies on geothermal energy and is sparsely populated. Icelanders also enjoy strong community and high levels of social cohesion, possibly due to living in such a challenging climate. Another possible factor is high levels of Omega 3s in fish that is a dietary staple. There is also a theory that the harsh conditions have led to tough genes in the DNA. Although they are still ahead of the game, Iceland is part of the club seeing a rise in obesity rates and the diseases that coincide. Another factor affecting their statistics is a high abortion rate upon detection of genetic abnormalities.
