Using data published in The Lancet from the Socio-Demographic Index, which assesses a number of health risks across 188 countries, we count down the world’s healthiest countries and take a look at what people there really eat and drink.

Barbecues are a big part of Kiwi culture, meaning healthy eating often comes in the form of fresh fish and shellfish, which is grilled on the barbie, retaining all of its natural goodness. Of course a bit of alcohol is always welcome too – one of the most popular beverages is a glass of New Zealand’s finest sauvignon blanc. It’d be rude not to!

Traditionally, Estonian cuisine has been based on meat and potatoes, with fish featuring highly in seaside areas. But other popular ingredients are beetroot, cabbage and carrots, as well as rye bread and dairy products.

Despite being one of the most obese nations, based on averages, the US is also one of the most diverse. Some states, such as Hawaii, are incredible healthy, with low obesity rates and high mental health ratings, while Louisiana and Mississippi feature among the least healthy. And it also has some of the best fish and farm-to-table restaurants in the world.

With one of the highest life expectancies in the world, research has linked health in Japan to a diet high in certain carbs, vegetables, fruits, fish and meat. Most people would assume rice to be a bad food, but the Japanese are certainly testament to this being untrue with one of the lowest obesity rates in the world.

The Mediterranean diet is well-known as being one of the world’s healthiest, featuring fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and dairy, as well as olive oil as the main source of fat. Of course the occasional glass of red wine is consumed too!

Typically, Slovenian food can be very heavy, meaty and plain and the nation’s most popular drink is beer; not the most perfect recipe for health. But in coastal cities, local specialties are fish, squid, mussels and octopus and in cities residents can be found dining on plenty of salads and chicken.

Breads, meats, cheese and pastries – how can they possibly be healthy, right? The French paradox has always been pretty puzzling. However, quantity is key in France. Yes, locals do indulge in croissants, rich cheese and gallons of vino, but they do so in small portions (somehow).

Israel’s culinary roots were founded on influences from Asia, Africa and Europe, creating a fusion of different dishes and flavors. Some of the most common ingredients in the Israeli diet include chickpeas, couscous, as well as oranges and even avocados. The mix of food-types keeps the Israeli diet varied and balanced.

Portuguese cuisine is famous for its seafood, notably salt cod and clams, which are a product of the nation’s well-developed fishing industry. However, the Portuguese diet is also very Mediterranean, meaning locals eat a lot of the right fruit, vegetables and oils. Locals of course balance their diet with plenty of Portuguese wine and a few of the national dessert: Pastéis de Nata.

Often spicy, the Bruneian diet provides plenty of flavors and plenty of fresh fish. Rice dishes are incredibly popular, making the diet quite carb-heavy, but alcohol is banned due to the Islamic religion.

Yep, even with a diet that consists of pizza and pasta, the Italians are still healthy. While dough-based dishes are served throughout the country, Italian cuisine is also based on the Mediterranean diet, meaning locals get to eat plenty of fresh fish and salads, as well as the all-important good fats in olive oil. Let’s not forget about the wine though. In a country that creates some of the best wine in the world, who wouldn’t want to indulge in the occasional glass (or three)?

Swiss cuisine is also inspired by that of its Italian neighbor, and features a lot of pizza and pasta, as well as its famous cheeses such as Emmental, Gruyère and Vacherin. But the Swiss still know how to stay healthy; they balance out these heavy dishes with plenty of exercise, including mountain walking and skiing.

Belgian waffles, chocolate, fries and beer – you’re probably wondering how on earth this nation features so highly among the healthiest countries. But, much like the Swiss, exercise keeps them healthy. It’s not all fries and waffles either; many other Belgian dishes include leeks, shrimp and asparagus, so fresh food is always on hand.

The Cypriot diet is, in most parts, very healthy. Key ingredients include lots of fresh vegetables such as zucchini, okra, green beans, artichokes, carrots and tomatoes. That’s not to mention all the pulses, such as chickpeas, lentils and beans. Meze dishes are also common, so locals tend to dine with small plates rather than one large dish.

Danish cuisine is based on a lot of meats, particularly cold buffet-style food, as well as potatoes and breads. But true to the Scandinavian culture, Danish food can also be very minimalist and dishes can be as simple as meat/fish with vegetables and/or salad. Beer is the most common drink, but is balanced out with plenty of exercise.

Surprisingly, it’s not all bratwurst and schnitzel in Germany. But it is all cheese and breads. The German diet is notoriously unhealthy, but for some reason, Germany isn’t a particularly obese nation. Why? We suspect it’s down to good exercise.

Traditional Maltese cuisine mainly consists of cheeses, meats and soups, which can often be quite heavy dishes. However, it also takes inspiration from the Mediterranean and many diets include Spanish and French influences, meaning plenty of fish and vegetables.

Rich and hearty soups and stews form the basis for a lot of Irish cooking and the signature drink is a heavy Guinness, so Ireland is by no means the place to go for healthy cuisine. But, like many countries with this kind of food culture, life is balanced and many other factors, such as pace of life and exercise, keep the health levels high.

Taking inspiration from the French, Luxembourg has many sweet delicacies such as cake, fruit pies and patisseries. But aside from these unhealthy treats, the local rivers are a great source for lots of fresh fish, keeping the diet light in most parts – apart from the wine and beer of course.

Much like Sweden and Denmark, the Norwegian diet is true to Scandinavian minimalism. It is also full of raw ingredients brought in from the Norwegian mountains and coast, such as local fish and meat. However, like many European countries, a lot of residents eat a range of international food and stray away from traditional dishes.

Like the Kiwis, Aussies love a good barbeque and eating fresh, grilled food. But their healthy diet also comes from the availability of organic and biodynamic foods, as well as regional produce. Aside from local ingredients, international food is eaten all over the country and there’s plenty of wine and beer at hand to help wash it down.

Food is arguably not the reason Canada is one of the healthiest countries in the world. With staple dishes such as maple syrup, poutine and bacon, fat levels are high. But it somehow manages to make up for it elsewhere, with good overall health and plenty of exercise.

The Dutch typically have a very healthy lifestyle, with a cuisine that’s shaped by its fishing and farming industries. Many popular dishes aren’t quite so healthy, such as ‘bitterballen’ (deep fried meatballs) and Patat (the Dutch version of French fries). But, with exercise levels high, especially in Amsterdam where most residents cycle everywhere, the Dutch manage to retain a really healthy lifestyle.

Like Canada, Spain is known for isn’t known for its healthy food culture either, and is one of the drunkest countries in the world. With a cuisine that includes lots of meats, potatoes, pasta, rice and bread, the Spanish diet isn’t exactly the go-to for vitamins (despite being delicious). But fortunately the country is healthy in other ways, so locals can afford to keep the tapas coming for a little longer.

Finnish cuisine features a lot of pastry and meat; hearty, wholesome meals that are filling as well as tasty. But although this doesn’t sound particularly healthy, many Finnish dishes are served with or including vegetables and are made from wholemeal products, such as rye, barley and oats. Water and coffee are also the most common drinks in Finland, meaning alcohol levels are kept quite low.

Homegrown produce is the reason the UK has managed to slip into the top five, as most ingredients are grown and sourced from within the country. Seasonal foods are also key, and most restaurants serve residents produce that is fit for the particular season, meaning food is being eaten the way nature intended it to. Of course Brits aren’t totally healthy – they also enjoy their fair share of burgers, pies and fries, as well as a good old-fashioned pint of ale.

The smallest country in the top five is Andorra, which sits between France and Spain and picks up a mix of cookery traditions. However, the diet is full of fruit and vegetables, accompanied with the odd glass of red wine. Well, we say odd, but despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, it is the country that drinks the most wine per head too.

Like other Scandinavian countries, Sweden is one of the happiest places in the world, as well as the healthiest. Although the Swedish diet typically consists of a lot of meat and dairy products, the dairy is high quality and carbohydrates are unrefined in the form of breads such as rye.

Singapore is a country with an extremely diverse diet, with a cuisine founded on influences from China, Malaysia and India. Most popular dishes contain rice, noodles, fish or vegetables, but vary immensely throughout due to different religious dietary structures.

Topping the list is the tiny nation of Iceland. With a population of just over 300,000, Iceland has been ranked as the healthiest place in the world to live. This is primarily due to strict environmental regulations, which has in turn helped it to become a producer of some of the purest food in the world. Fish is a key part of the Icelandic life, notably wild salmon, haddock and herring – all of which are full of essential fatty acids.