Greece
Leading cause: Cancer · 67% plant-based · 82.2 yr life expectancy · UHC 77/100
What People Eat
Seven Countries Study (Ancel Keys): the Cretan diet showed a 56% reduction in CVD vs. the Northern European diet.
Disease Burden
Leading cause of death: Cancer · 152 / 100k
Bars show each rate against the global range; the tick marks the world median.
Greece's heart-disease rate (73/100k) is low and cancer (152/100k) leads mortality. The original Seven Countries Study found the Cretan diet produced a 56% lower CVD rate than Northern Europe, the foundational evidence for the Mediterranean diet, still echoed in modern Greek longevity.
Healthcare System
Sources: WHO UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1) & WHO Global Health Expenditure Database. Latest available year.
What Could Improve
- Return toward the historic Cretan pattern, wild greens, legumes, olive oil, that the Seven Countries Study documented; modern Greek diets have drifted from it.
- Cut processed foods and added sugar contributing to rising obesity.
- Sustain tobacco control, with smoking a major contributor to the leading cancer burden.
Explore the evidence: Cancer
Seven Countries Study · Keys et al., 1970 · 16-country landmark study
→ 56% CVD reduction vs. Northern European diet