World's healthiest countries

World's healthiest countries
by Allison Van Dusen and Ana Patricia Ferrey
Friday, April 18, 2008



There are lots of reasons to envy residents of Northern Europe. Each day they get to take in raw, dramatic landscapes, stunning architecture and world-class shopping.

But, more important, they know a thing or two about health and wellness.

Forbes.com has found that the region is home to some of the world's healthiest countries, including top-ranking Iceland, Sweden and Finland.

Others that fared well include Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Denmark, Canada, Austria and the Netherlands.

"Historically, these countries had an ethic of having more of a nationalized health care system," says Kate Schecter, a program officer for the American International Health.

"Everyone," Kates says, "needs to be aware that how we provide health care to people in a country is a critical issue."