A nation's health is shaped by several interconnected factors, measured through a health index. CEO World has released its Global Health Index: The Healthiest (and Unhealthiest) Countries in the World, 2025. This publication ranks the health performance of 197 countries worldwide.
The health index is evaluated based on ten specific indicators. Including healthy life expectancy, blood glucose levels (a key risk factor for diabetes, and obesity rate. Also from blood pressure, depression prevalence, happiness levels, alcohol and tobacco consumption, physical inactivity, and government spending on public health services.
Among the 197 countries, several Southeast Asian nations are also listed. Surprisingly, Singapore ranks first in Southeast Asia and second in the world with an impressive score of 97.43 in 2025.
Coming next is Brunei Darussalam with a health index of 84.28. Followed by Thailand in third place with 80.8. Malaysia secures the fourth spot with 77.73, while Cambodia ranks fifth with 69.12.
Vietnam and Indonesia follow closely with scores of 69.05 and 68.84. The Philippines sits in eighth place with 67.16. Further down the list, Laos records a score of 66.44 and Myanmar comes next with 51.37. At the bottom, Timor-Leste ranks last in the region with a health index of only 47.49 in 2025.
Southeast Asia's Health Rankings in 2025 (Global Rank in Brackets)
- Singapore – 97.43 (#2)
- Brunei Darussalam – 84.28 (#49)
- Thailand – 80.80 (#64)
- Malaysia – 77.73 (#75)
- Cambodia – 69.12 (#104)
- Vietnam – 69.05 (#105)
- Indonesia – 68.84 (#109)
- Philippines – 67.16 (#118)
- Laos – 66.44 (#122)
- Myanmar – 51.37 (#177)
- Timor-Leste – 47.49 (#190)
Why Is Singapore Ranked First?
Singapore tops the list of the healthiest countries in Southeast Asia in 2025. This achievement isn't just about the numbers. It reflects deeper factors that make the city-state stand out.
According to Macrotrends in its report "Singapore Life Expectancy 1950-2025", Singapore's life expectancy has reached 84.31 years, an increase of 0.14% from 2024.
The Lion City has built an efficient public health-care system, offers high-quality medical services, and fosters a culture of clean and healthy living among its citizens. Strong government support through progressive policies has also been a key driver.
For example, according from BBC, the Health Promotion Board to Singapore has launched multiple initiatives encouraging citizens to choose healthier food. Also, requiring clear nutritional labels on packaged products. The government has also pushed for reduced sugar content in beverages to tackle lifestyle-related diseases.
This is crucial, because traditional Singaporean cuisine is often rich in sugar, salt, and coconut milk.
Beyond health-care, Singapore also prioritize cleanliness and invest heavily in green public spaces. These efforts contribute to a safe, calm, and balanced environment. Factors that play a big role in supporting longevity and overall well-being.
What About Countries Ranked Lower?
Countries that fall behind Singapore on the health index face unique challenges. These include Timor-Leste, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines, Laos, and Cambodia.
At the very bottom are Timor-Leste and Myanmar, where fragile health-care systems are burdened by limited infrastructure, uneven access to services, and vulnerability to conflict or natural disasters.
Meanwhile, countries like Indonesia and Philippines deal with a "double burden". They continue to struggle with infectious diseases while also facing a sharp rise in non-communicable disease such as diabetes and obesity, driven largely by unhealthy lifestyles.
Air pollution adds another layer of risk that urban populations across Southeast Asia are exposed to unsafe levels that exceed WHO guidelines.
Laos and Cambodia face yet another obstacle: relatively low per-capita income. With limited fiscal capacity, both countries struggle to allocate sufficient funding to health-care. As a result, investment in medical facilities, health-care workers, and preventive programs remains inadequate.
The National Library of Medicine notes that Laos, Cambodia, and Philippines in particular face difficulties in meeting the health-related targets of the UN SDGs 2030. Mainly due to resource constraints in their health systems.
