The 10 countries with the oldest populations – Europe takes 8 spots

The top 10 countries with the oldest populations have been revealed – and eight of them are in Europe. 

The countries with the oldest populations typically tend to be those with low birth rates and high life expectancy. 

According to Indian news company NDTV, who released the new list, Japan takes the top spot with 28 percent of its population being 65 or older. 

This is because of the healthy ageing population but also the lower-than-average fertility rate. 

Statistics from the Ministry of Health show that in 2023 the total fertility rate, indicating the number of children a woman has in her lifetime, fell for the eighth consecutive year in Japan to a record low of 1.20. 

Italy has the second longest living population with 24 percent of its people aged 65 or older. 

Experts say eating habits play a key role when it comes to Italians and longevity as their diet is traditionally rich in vegetables, olive oil, lean meats, and fresh fish.

Germany comes in at number three on the list with approximately 22 percent of its population being 65 or older as it faces significant declining birth rates like many other European countries. 

Finland is next on the list with around 22 percent of its population being 65 or over. 

Portugal rounds off the top five with around 23 percent of its population being 65 or older with experts attributing their long lives to improvements in living conditions, public health and medical care.

Greece is next with an average of 23 percent of its people aged 65 or older, while Spain is next with 21 percent of the total population 65+. 

Coming in at eighth place is South Korea, with 17 percent of its population 65 or older- but this number is growing rapidly. France is number nine, with 21 percent of its population aged 65 and older. 

Sweden comes in at number 10 on the list with around 20 percent of its population aged 65 or older – reflecting Europe’s general trend towards ageing populations.