The Japanese government has been demonstrating for 25 consecutive years that their wives have the longest life expectancy than any other woman on the planet.
In 2009, Japanese women extended their average longevity to 86,44 years and Japanese men can expect to live 79,59 years, a pretty good sample but not as good as men in Qatar (81 years), Hong Kong (79,8), and Iceland and Switzerland (tied at 79,7).
Women in Hong Kong ranked second with a life expectancy of 86,1 years; French women were third at 84,5 and Swiss women fourth at 84,4 years.
Longevity in Japan is said to be a reflection of a good medical treatment which has reduced mortality from cancer, heart disease and strokes as well as pneumonia. Japan's relatively healthy diet and high standard of living also contribute to the improved longevity of the population.
In 2009, longevity in women increased in almost five months, compared to nearly four months for men. While this is good news for older men and women, the downside is that Japan has a low birth rate and a declining population. Society has more and more gray hair.
Japanese also tend to be happier than Americans, possibly due to their high fish consumption.