Life expectancy at birth compares the average number of years a newborn is expected to live, assuming that mortality at each age remains constant throughout life. It reflects the overall quality of life and public health conditions in a country. Life expectancy at birth is a critical measure for understanding population health, indicating factors such as access to healthcare, nutrition, living conditions, and economic stability.
This metric is also an important benchmark for global development. Countries with high life expectancy tend to have robust healthcare systems, stable economies, and better access to essential services. Conversely, countries with low life expectancy often face challenges like poverty, political instability, and a lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure.
Top 10 Countries with the Highest Life Expectancy at Birth
- Monaco: 89.8 years
- Singapore: 86.7 years
- Macau: 85.3 years
- Japan: 85.2 years
- Canada: 84.2 years
- San Marino: 84.2 years
- Hong Kong: 84 years
- Iceland: 84 years
- Switzerland: 83.9 years
- Andorra: 83.8 years
Countries with the highest life expectancy often share common characteristics like advanced healthcare, high living standards, and proactive public health policies. Monaco tops the list with an impressive life expectancy of 89.8 years, largely due to its wealth, top-tier healthcare facilities, and Mediterranean lifestyle. Singapore and Japan follow closely, benefiting from high levels of healthcare access, advanced technology, and healthy lifestyles promoted through diet and physical activity.
Other notable countries such as Canada, Iceland, and Switzerland also rank highly due to their focus on public health initiatives and social welfare systems. In these nations, citizens typically enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage, a high standard of living, and a focus on preventive health measures, all contributing to longer life spans.
Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Life Expectancy at Birth
- Afghanistan: 54.4 years
- Central African Republic: 56.4 years
- Somalia: 56.5 years
- Mozambique: 58.3 years
- Sierra Leone: 59.4 years
- Chad: 60 years
- Lesotho: 60.2 years
- South Sudan: 60.3 years
- Eswatini: 60.7 years
- Niger: 60.9 years
Countries with the lowest life expectancy at birth often struggle with poverty, political instability, poor healthcare infrastructure, and high rates of infectious diseases. Afghanistan ranks at the bottom with a life expectancy of only 54.4 years, a reflection of the ongoing conflict and limited healthcare access. Other nations like the Central African Republic, Somalia, and Mozambique face similar challenges due to civil unrest, lack of clean water, and inadequate healthcare systems.
In these countries, high mortality rates are driven by preventable diseases, malnutrition, and a lack of medical resources. Efforts to improve life expectancy in these regions focus on increasing access to healthcare, reducing infant mortality, and providing better education about disease prevention.
Global Life Expectancy Distribution and Trends Over Time
Globally, life expectancy has been on an upward trend for decades, thanks to advancements in medicine, improved public health measures, and rising living standards. However, there remains a significant gap between high-income and low-income nations. Developed countries have witnessed continuous improvements in life expectancy due to factors such as declining infant mortality rates, better healthcare services, and healthier lifestyles. Conversely, some low-income countries have seen slower progress due to recurring challenges like disease outbreaks, poor sanitation, and political instability.
The global life expectancy gap has narrowed slightly over time as developing countries have implemented health interventions like vaccination programs, improved maternal care, and better sanitation. However, the gap remains stark, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to address health inequalities and ensure that more people around the world can enjoy longer, healthier lives.
Full Table (CIA Data 2024 est.)
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Rank | Country/Territory | Life Expectancy at Birth (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 1 | Monaco | 89.80 |
| 2 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 2 | Singapore | 86.70 |
| 3 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 3 | Macau | 85.30 |
| 4 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 4 | Japan | 85.20 |
| 5 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 5 | Canada | 84.20 |
| 6 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 6 | San Marino | 84.20 |
| 7 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 7 | Hong Kong | 84.00 |
| 8 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 8 | Iceland | 84.00 |
| 9 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 9 | Switzerland | 83.90 |
| 10 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 10 | Andorra | 83.80 |
| 11 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 11 | Guernsey | 83.60 |
| 12 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 12 | Malta | 83.60 |
| 13 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 13 | Australia | 83.50 |
| 14 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 14 | Luxembourg | 83.40 |
| 15 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 15 | Korea, South | 83.40 |
| 16 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 16 | Israel | 83.10 |
| 17 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 17 | Jersey | 83.00 |
| 18 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 18 | Spain | 83.00 |
| 19 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 19 | Italy | 83.00 |
| 20 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 20 | Liechtenstein | 83.00 |
| 21 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 21 | Sweden | 82.90 |
| 22 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 22 | Norway | 82.90 |
| 23 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 23 | New Zealand | 82.90 |
| 24 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 24 | Austria | 82.70 |
| 25 | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | mfk97mfk | 23/09/2024 05:27 AM | 25 | France | 82.60 |
FAQs
- What is the life expectancy at birth in Monaco?
- The life expectancy at birth in Monaco is 89.8 years.
- Which country has the lowest life expectancy at birth?
- Afghanistan has the lowest life expectancy at birth, at 54.4 years.
- What is Japan’s life expectancy at birth?
- Japan’s life expectancy at birth is 85.2 years.