UN Report Highlights San Marino's Longevity
A United Nations report, officially released on November 10, 2025, has positioned the Republic of San Marino as having the second-highest life expectancy globally. The report indicates that residents of the small European microstate can expect to live an average of 85.8 years. This impressive figure places San Marino just behind Monaco, which leads the world with an average life expectancy of 86.5 years.
Factors Contributing to Exceptional Longevity
San Marino's remarkable life expectancy is attributed to a combination of robust social policies, a high standard of living, and an exemplary healthcare system. The nation is recognized as a high-income and developed country.
Universal Healthcare System
The country's healthcare system is consistently rated among the top three in Europe. Since 1955, San Marino has built its health services on principles of solidarity, universalism, and equity, ensuring that all citizens and residents have access to health and social services. The Institute for Social Security (ISS), a public organization financed by the state budget, is responsible for meeting the health needs of the population. This comprehensive system covers most basic healthcare, including hospitalization, specialized care, and prescription drugs. Furthermore, San Marino boasts a high proportion of medical professionals, with 4735 doctors per 100,000 people in 2015.
Social Cohesion and Preventive Care
Beyond medical treatment, the report implicitly points to other societal strengths. San Marino's health system benefits from strong social cohesion and proactive prevention programs, which include screenings and health education initiatives. These elements, combined with a clean environment and potentially healthy lifestyles, contribute significantly to the overall well-being and longevity of its inhabitants.
Methodology of the UN Report
The life expectancy figures are derived from the United Nations' World Population Prospects (WPP), which provides comprehensive demographic estimates and projections. The WPP methodology involves estimating life expectancy from age-specific mortality rates, utilizing data from various sources such as civil registration systems, censuses, and demographic surveys. The 2024 Revision of World Population Prospects represents the latest iteration of these global assessments.
5 Comments
Leonardo
Incredible longevity! Shows the power of strong social cohesion and preventive care.
Raphael
This is certainly good news for San Marino residents and showcases the value of preventive care. However, the article doesn't fully delve into the specific lifestyle factors or environmental aspects that might also play a role beyond just healthcare, which could be unique to their region.
Michelangelo
Monaco is first, San Marino second. These are tax havens, not real societal models.
Leonardo
Amazing! This is what happens when you prioritize public health and social welfare.
Donatello
The UN report highlights an impressive achievement for San Marino, emphasizing the benefits of social cohesion. Yet, the sheer scale of challenges faced by larger countries with more complex demographics means their approach might need significant adaptation, not direct adoption.