Life expectancy by country serves as a crucial indicator of global health and well-being. This demographic statistic offers valuable insights into the quality of life and healthcare systems across nations, providing a comprehensive view of longevity trends worldwide.
The World Health Organization, along with other institutions like Eurostat, plays a key role in collecting and analyzing this data to understand mortality patterns and their implications.
Examining the average life expectancy in different countries reveals significant disparities and ongoing changes in global health. This article aims to explore the current landscape of life expectancy, highlighting the nations with the highest and lowest figures. By comparing countries by life expectancy, we can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to longer, healthier lives and identify areas for improvement in global health initiatives.
Top 10 countries with highest life expectancy
As of 2024, the countries with the highest life expectancy showcase remarkable longevity.
1. Japan – 84.6 years
The world leader in life expectancy, thanks to a balanced diet, particularly rich in fish, vegetables, and fermented foods, and a healthcare system that prioritizes preventive care.
2. Switzerland – 83.8 years
Known for its high living standards and a highly efficient healthcare system, the Swiss enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in the world. The country also boasts a culture of physical activity, healthy diets, and excellent public services.
3. Singapore – 83.6 years
Singapore’s advanced healthcare system, clean environment, and emphasis on public health have pushed life expectancy into one of the highest globally. Its investments in medical research and elderly care contribute to these numbers.
4. Spain – 83.4 years
Spain is often attributed with its Mediterranean diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish — which plays a crucial role in the country’s high life expectancy. Its universal healthcare system also ensures broad access to medical services.
5. Italy – 83.4 years
Like Spain, Italy benefits from the Mediterranean diet, which has long been linked to longevity. Furthermore, family cohesion and a strong healthcare system support healthier and longer lives.
6. Australia – 83.3 years
Australia’s outdoor-oriented culture promotes physical activity, and its healthcare system ranks among the best, ensuring Australians have access to high-quality medical services.
7. Iceland – 83.1 years
This small nation has one of the world’s best healthcare systems and benefits from a high-quality diet, clean environment, and low crime rates, all of which contribute to long life expectancy.
8. Israel – 83 years
Israel’s robust healthcare system, combined with a healthy diet rich in fresh produce, contributes to its high ranking. Life expectancy has continued to rise thanks to preventive care and medical innovations.
9. Sweden – 82.9 years
Sweden’s focus on work-life balance, a strong welfare system, and universal healthcare support its citizens’ well-being, leading to one of the highest life expectancies in Europe.
10. Norway – 82.7 years
Similar to Sweden, Norway’s social support systems, excellent healthcare, and clean environment contribute to long lives. A culture of outdoor activities and healthy diets also plays a significant role.
Common characteristics
These nations with high life expectancy share several common characteristics that contribute to their longevity. One key factor is their strong emphasis on healthcare systems and public health measures. Many of these countries have invested heavily in preventive care, childhood vaccination programs, and universal health insurance coverage.
Another common trait among these nations is their focus on healthy lifestyles and diets. The Mediterranean diet, rich in seafood, fruits, and vegetables, is prevalent in countries like Monaco and contributes to their high life expectancy. Similarly, Japan’s diet, which includes plenty of fish, plant-based foods, and moderate portions, has been linked to lower mortality rates from cancer and heart disease.
Healthcare systems
The healthcare systems in these top-ranking countries are characterized by their efficiency, accessibility, and focus on preventive care. Many of these nations offer universal health coverage, ensuring that all residents have access to essential medical services. For example, Switzerland spends a higher percentage of its GDP on healthcare than any other country in the European Union, reflecting its commitment to maintaining a robust health system.
In Japan, the healthcare system is known for its strong emphasis on preventive medicine and regular health check-ups. This approach has contributed to Japan having the lowest age-standardized mortality rate among G7 countries, at about two-thirds that of the United States.
Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in the longevity of these top-ranking countries. Active lifestyles are common in many of these nations, with residents engaging in regular physical activity well into their elderly years. For instance, in Switzerland, there is a strong cultural appreciation for preventative health and healthy aging.
Diet is another significant lifestyle factor contributing to longevity. Low rates of obesity also contribute to the high life expectancy in these countries. Japan, for example, has significantly lower BMI levels compared to Western countries, where obesity is a major health concern.
In conclusion, the top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy share common traits such as robust healthcare systems, healthy lifestyles, and balanced diets. These factors, combined with a focus on preventive care and public health measures, contribute to their remarkable longevity and serve as models for other nations striving to improve their population’s life expectancy.
5 rising life expectancy nations
While some countries have historically low life expectancy, rapid improvements in healthcare, education, and living standards are driving substantial gains. The following nations are seeing a significant rise in life expectancy:
1. China
Over the past decades, China’s life expectancy has steadily increased due to economic growth, better access to healthcare, and improved nutrition. The average life expectancy now exceeds 77 years. China’s aggressive fight against poverty and infectious diseases like tuberculosis and hepatitis has also improved public health outcomes.
2. Vietnam
Vietnam has made tremendous strides in healthcare, particularly in preventive medicine and public health. Life expectancy has risen to nearly 76 years, thanks in part to the government’s focus on vaccinations, clean water access and reducing poverty.
3. India
Although life expectancy in India is still below that of more developed nations, it has risen considerably to 70.8 years. Improvements in child mortality, healthcare access in rural areas, and public health campaigns have boosted life expectancy, though significant challenges remain.
4. Brazil
Brazil’s life expectancy has increased to 76 years, aided by progress in healthcare and reductions in poverty. However, disparities between urban and rural populations and challenges like violence and unequal healthcare access persist.
5. Turkey
Turkey has seen its life expectancy rise to 78 years, due to improvements in healthcare infrastructure and living conditions. As a bridge between Europe and Asia, Turkey’s healthcare system has benefitted from global medical advances, and the population benefits from public health initiatives targeting chronic diseases.
8 countries with lowest life expectancy
As of 2024, several countries continue to struggle with low life expectancy rates.
1. Sierra Leone – 54.3 years
Sierra Leone remains one of the countries with the lowest life expectancy. The impact of a brutal civil war, high infant mortality rates, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare are major contributing factors.
2. Central African Republic (CAR) – 54.5 years
Ongoing conflicts and political instability have devastated the healthcare infrastructure, making the CAR one of the poorest and most underdeveloped nations. Infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria remain rampant, contributing to low life expectancy.
3. Chad – 55.2 years
Chad faces significant challenges due to poverty, limited healthcare access, and malnutrition. Additionally, low levels of education, especially among women, and high rates of infant and maternal mortality further hinder improvements in life expectancy.
4. Nigeria – 54.7 years
Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria struggles with low life expectancy due to factors like widespread poverty, poor healthcare infrastructure, and high rates of diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS. Political instability and violence also take a toll on public health outcomes.
5. Lesotho – 55.9 years
Lesotho is heavily impacted by one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world, severely reducing life expectancy. Despite efforts to provide treatment and education, the disease continues to be a major public health challenge.
6. South Sudan – 57.6 years
Decades of conflict, displacement, and famine have left South Sudan with one of the lowest life expectancies. Poor infrastructure, low access to healthcare, and widespread malnutrition contribute to the country’s health challenges.
7. Somalia – 58.4 years
Decades of civil war, lack of governance, and ongoing conflict have decimated Somalia’s healthcare system. Widespread malnutrition and a lack of clean water compound the country’s already dire health challenges, leading to low life expectancy.
8. Mozambique – 59.2 years
While Mozambique has seen improvements in life expectancy, the country still faces significant challenges from diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, and limited healthcare access, particularly in rural areas.
Challenges faced
The countries with the lowest life expectancy face numerous challenges that contribute to their poor health outcomes. One of the primary issues is the lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure. Many of these nations have limited access to essential medical services, with large proportions of births and deaths occurring at home and remaining unregistered. Additionally, treatment facilities are often understaffed and have limited capacity for laboratory-confirmed diagnoses.
Infectious diseases, perinatal complications, and nutritional disorders pose significant threats, particularly to children in these countries. The highest burden of these health problems is found in the youngest age groups, reflecting the pyramidal population structure typical of developing nations with high birth rates and short life spans.
Furthermore, recent socioeconomic changes have led to a shift in disease patterns. While still grappling with childhood infectious diseases, these countries now face an increasing burden of chronic non-communicable illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. This double burden of disease stretches already limited healthcare resources even thinner.
International aid efforts
International aid has played a significant role in improving health outcomes in low-income countries. A study by Stanford University School of Medicine researchers found that foreign aid for healthcare is directly linked to an increase in life expectancy and a decrease in child mortality in developing countries.
Countries receiving more health aid witnessed a more rapid rise in life expectancy and saw measurably larger declines in mortality among children under the age of 5 than countries that received less health aid. For instance, during the decade from 2000 to 2010, under-5 child mortality declined from a mean of 109.2 to 72.4 deaths per 1,000 in countries receiving the most health aid.
The effectiveness of aid has been particularly notable in targeted interventions. Childhood vaccines have significantly reduced deaths from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and measles. Similarly, the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets has helped reduce malarial deaths among young children.
However, with aid commitments flattening amid economic downturns, there is a need for smarter investment strategies focusing on the most cost-effective interventions and technologies. Continued support and research are crucial to catalyze the process of discovering, providing, and improving the efficacy of treatments for diseases that disproportionately affect low-income countries.
Global life expectancy trends in 2024
The world has witnessed significant changes in life expectancy over the past few years. In 2024, global life expectancy is projected to increase from 73.6 years in 2022 to 78.1 years by 2050, representing a 4.5-year improvement. This upward trend reflects ongoing advancements in healthcare, public health measures, and overall quality of life across nations.
Regional variations
Despite the overall positive trend, regional variations in life expectancy persist. Countries with historically lower life expectancies are expected to experience the greatest gains, contributing to a convergence in longevity across geographies. This trend is particularly evident in sub-Saharan Africa, where significant improvements in healthcare and living conditions have led to substantial increases in life expectancy.
In contrast, high-income countries, which already enjoy relatively high life expectancies, are likely to see more modest gains. For instance, Japan, known for its longevity, is projected to maintain its position as one of the countries with the highest life expectancy. The World Health Organization and Eurostat continue to play crucial roles in monitoring and analyzing these regional disparities in mortality and longevity.
Factors influencing global trends
Several factors contribute to the ongoing improvements in global life expectancy. Public health measures have been instrumental in preventing and improving survival rates from cardiovascular diseases, communicable diseases, and maternal and neonatal conditions. Additionally, advancements in medical technology and increased access to healthcare have played significant roles in extending lifespans.
However, it’s important to note that as the disease burden shifts from communicable to non-communicable diseases, more people are expected to live longer but with an increased number of years spent in poor health. This shift highlights the growing importance of focusing on healthy life expectancy (HALE) – the average number of years a person can expect to live in good health – which is projected to increase from 64.8 years in 2022 to 67.4 years in 2050.
Impact of COVID-19 on life expectancy
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global life expectancy trends. Between 2019 and 2021, the pandemic caused global life expectancy to decline by 1.6 years, a sharp reversal from previous increases. This decline was observed in 84% of countries and territories, demonstrating the devastating potential of novel pathogens on population health.
The pandemic’s impact varied across regions and income groups. The Americas and South-East Asia regions were the hardest hit, with life expectancy dropping by 3 years between 2019 and 2021. In contrast, the Western Pacific Region experienced minimal impact, with less than 0.1 years of loss in life expectancy.
Despite these setbacks, it’s crucial to recognize that the long-term trend in life expectancy remains positive. The progress made in nearly a decade was wiped out within just two years due to the pandemic, but efforts to recover and improve global health continue. As we move forward, addressing health disparities, preparing for future pandemics, and focusing on healthy aging will be critical in shaping global life expectancy trends in 2024 and beyond.
Despite these setbacks, it’s crucial to recognize that the long-term trend in life expectancy remains positive. The progress made in nearly a decade was wiped out within just two years due to the pandemic, but efforts to recover and improve global health continue. As we move forward, addressing health disparities, preparing for future pandemics, and focusing on healthy aging will be critical in shaping global life expectancy trends in 2024 and beyond.
