A global demographic shift is quietly underway, the number of people living to 100 and beyond is rising, across continents and cultures. New data shows that as of 2025, some countries stand out for their high centenarian populations.
At the top of the list sits Japan, which leads the world with around 123,330 centenarians. Its success is often attributed to a combination of high-quality healthcare, balanced diet, active lifestyle, and social norms that respect and support the elderly.
Following Japan are the United States and China, both with large absolute numbers of 100-year-olds, thanks in part to their massive populations and improving longevity trends. India ranks fourth globally, with about 37,988 centenarians as per the latest data.
But the rise in centenarians is not simply a number game. Many nations, including European countries like France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, have also seen steady growth in their 100+-year-old populations, reflecting broader improvements in public health, nutrition and longevity.
Experts emphasize that the surge has multiple drivers: better medical care, preventive health measures, balanced diets, active lifestyle, and strong community support. In countries like Japan, “blue-zone” regions known for exceptional longevity, where elders often stay active well past 90, offer lessons for healthy aging worldwide.
This trend has important implications. While longer lifespans highlight human progress, societies also face challenges, from healthcare infrastructure and pension systems to social care and quality-of-life for seniors. As the global centenarian club expands, countries will need to plan for aging populations while celebrating the gift of long life.
