Healthy Diet Cost Index 2019

Lesotho

In 2019, Lesotho achieved a Healthy Diet Cost Index value of 3.74, ranking #41 out of 174 countries. This position is relatively favorable compared to its neighbors, suggesting that access to healthy diets may be better than in some surrounding nations. Contributing factors include Lesotho's agricultural practices, which are influenced by its mountainous terrain, and ongoing efforts to improve food security and nutrition policies. However, economic challenges and high levels of poverty continue to impact overall diet quality.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

In 2019, Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved a Healthy Diet Cost Index of 3.65, ranking #50 out of 174 countries. This position is relatively favorable compared to other Caribbean nations, reflecting a commitment to improving nutritional access amidst regional challenges. The country's geographic location allows for the cultivation of diverse crops, while its economic policies have increasingly focused on promoting health and wellness initiatives.

Malta

In 2019, Malta achieved a Healthy Diet Cost Index of 3.75, ranking #39 out of 174 countries. This places Malta above many of its Mediterranean neighbors, indicating a relatively affordable healthy diet compared to countries like Greece and Italy. Factors contributing to this index include Malta's strategic location for agricultural trade and a growing emphasis on health and nutrition policies, which support access to diverse and nutritious food options.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua achieved a Healthy Diet Cost Index value of 3.78 in 2019, ranking #36 out of 174 countries. This places Nicaragua above the global average, indicating relatively affordable access to nutritious food compared to many nations. Contributing factors include Nicaragua's diverse agricultural base, which supports local food production, and ongoing efforts to improve food security amidst economic challenges.

Mauritius

In 2019, Mauritius achieved a Healthy Diet Cost Index of 3.46, ranking #64 out of 174 countries. This index reflects a cost of healthy eating that is higher than many regional neighbors, indicating challenges in food affordability. The nation's diverse agriculture and reliance on imports contribute to these costs, alongside a growing population that increasingly demands nutritious food options.

Sint Maarten (Dutch part)

Sint Maarten (Dutch part) achieved a Healthy Diet Cost Index value of 4.67 in 2019, ranking #6 out of 174 countries. This index reflects a relatively high cost of maintaining a healthy diet compared to many nations globally, indicating a significant financial barrier for residents. Factors contributing to this index include the island's reliance on imported food, which raises prices, and a small population that limits local agricultural production.

Switzerland

In 2019, Switzerland ranked #156 with a Healthy Diet Cost Index of 2.55. This positions Switzerland below many of its European neighbors, reflecting higher food prices relative to dietary guidelines. Contributing factors include the country’s strong currency, high cost of living, and strict agricultural policies that influence food production and availability.

Paraguay

In 2019, Paraguay achieved a Healthy Diet Cost Index of 3.71, ranking #42 out of 174 countries. This score is notably lower than many of its regional neighbors, indicating a relatively affordable cost for maintaining a healthy diet compared to countries like Brazil, which faces higher dietary expenses.

Key drivers of this index in Paraguay include its agricultural economy, which allows for the local production of staple foods, and demographic factors such as a young population that may prioritize nutrition in dietary choices. Additionally, government policies aimed at promoting food security contribute to the accessibility of healthy food options.

Latvia

In 2019, Latvia achieved a Healthy Diet Cost Index of 3.19, ranking #93 out of 174 countries. This index value is relatively low compared to neighboring Estonia, which has a more favorable index score. The cost of a healthy diet in Latvia is influenced by factors such as the country's economic conditions and agricultural practices, which affect food prices and availability.

Peru

In 2019, Peru ranked #86 globally with a Healthy Diet Cost Index value of 3.25. This places Peru below the regional average for South America, where countries like Chile and Argentina typically report lower diet costs. Contributing factors include Peru's diverse agricultural sector, which supports local food production, but also economic challenges that affect food affordability for many citizens.