Men in the central canton of Zug live on average almost four years longer than their compatriots in nearby canton Glarus. Women wanting a long life should head to Ticino.

Nationwide the average life expectancy in 2008-2009 was 79.6 years for men and 84.3 years for women, according to a survey on mortality published by the Federal Statistics Office. The only nations to outlive Switzerland are Japan, Hong Kong and Iceland.

In Zug the average life expectancy for men was 81.4. Other cantons above 80 were Uri, Basel Country, Ticino, Nidwalden, Zurich, Aargau, Geneva and Appenzell Inner Rhodes.

Women reached an average age of 85.8 in Ticino and 85.2 in Geneva.

The wooden spoon went to Glarus – just 20km from Zug – for both genders: 77.7 years for men and 82.5 years for women.

The statistics office pointed to various factors when explaining the cantonal differences, but was wary of drawing any firm conclusions. It highlighted social and professional set-ups, regional food habits, the number of smokers, hospital infrastructure and religion.

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