The World’s Sportiest Countries: Study Reveals
- A recent study by PTPioneer.com ranked the top sportiest countries.
- Norway is the sportiest country, having the highest number of sports medals per 100K and high rates in health and people practicing sports.
- Football is the most popular sport in 9 out of the 10 countries, with Finland being the exception, where ice hockey takes the top spot.
- Australia stands out for having the highest sports participation rate (84%) among the ranked countries and in the world.
A recent study by PTPioneer.com analyzed more than 50 countries to identify the list of the top 10 sportiest countries. Factors like health index, monthly sports participation rates and sports medals per capita were analyzed. The countries were then ranked by a composite score calculated based on these factors. Most popular sports were also added to give context to the findings.
Findings summed up
| Countries | Bloomberg health index | People practicing sports at least every month | Medals per 100,000 | Score | Most popular sports |
| Norway | 89.09 | 83.9% | 10.31 | 90.3 | Football (soccer) |
| Finland | 85.89 | 77.5% | 8.74 | 82.2 | Ice Hockey |
| Sweden | 90.24 | 78.0% | 6.41 | 76.9 | Football (soccer) |
| Switzerland | 90.93 | 71.8% | 4.31 | 68.6 | Football (soccer) |
| Australia | 89.75 | 84.1% | 2.11 | 66.7 | Australian Football |
| Denmark | 82.69 | 73.5% | 3.63 | 64.8 | Football (soccer) |
| Iceland | 91.44 | 79.2% | 1.06 | 62.2 | Football (soccer) |
| Netherlands | 85.86 | 65.2% | 2.70 | 59.7 | Football (soccer) |
| Austria | 86.3 | 50.4% | 3.92 | 57.5 | Football (soccer) |
| South Korea | 85.41 | 73.7% | 0.71 | 57.2 | Football (soccer) |
Norway is the sportiest country, with a composite score of 90.29. Having the highest number of sports medals per 100K has highly contributed to its leading position. Moreover, a health index score of 89.09, coupled with a high participation rate in monthly sports activities also has made Norway number 1 in the ranking.
Finland secures the 2nd spot on the list of the sportiest countries, with an overall score of 82.20. Finland stands out as the only country in the list where ice hockey, not football, is the most popular sport.
Sweden stands in 3rd place on the list of the sportiest countries, with a score of 76.9. Boasting the highest health index among the top 3, a slightly lower medals per 100K didn’t affect its position on the list.
Having an overall score of 68.6, Switzerland is in the 4th position. The Swiss dedication to physical activity is seen by a 71.8% sports participation rate, influencing the high health index at 90.9.
Rounding out the top five with a score of 66.7, Australia stands out for having the highest sports participation rate (84%) not only among the ranked countries but also in the world. Australian football is the most favored sport, drawing interest across the nation.
Following closely, Denmark secures the 6th position, with a composite score of 64.8. With 73.5% of its population participating in sports activities at least once a month and with an impressive health rate, Denmark shows a balanced commitment to both health and athletic performance.
Iceland stands in the 7th spot, with a score of 62.2. Iceland is the healthiest country among the top 10 with a health index of 91.44. It impresses with 79.2% of its population practicing sports regularly, although it has a lower rate of sports medals.
The Netherlands is ranked 8th, with a composite score of 59.7. The Dutch demonstrate a slightly lower monthly sports participation rate but make up for it with a high number of sports medals per capita, underscoring the country’s strong sporting tradition and international presence.
Claiming the 9th place, Austria has a composite score of 57.5. The country is notable for its health index of 86.30, even though participation in sports activities stands among the lowest in the top 10. Yet, the country shines in sports competitiveness with a high number of sports medals, especially in winter sports.
South Korea completes the list of the sportiest countries, with a score of 57.2, close to Austria. South Korea showcases a high rate of sports participation at 73.7%, highly influencing the health and the ranking of the country.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
