Life expectancy at birth 2020

Life expectancy at birth measures the average years a newborn is expected to live, reflecting a country's health standards and quality of life. This vital statistic highlights disparities in healthcare and living conditions across nations, making it essential for global health assessments.

236 data points•Updated 11/4/2025•World•United Nations Population Division•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Monaco	88.27 years
2	Japan	87.727 years
3	Saint Barthélemy	87.328 years
4	China, Hong Kong SAR	86.955 years
5	South Korea	86.8 years
6	China, Macao SAR	86.739 years
7	Singapore	85.919 years
8	Australia	85.69 years
9	Gibraltar	85.69 years
10	Guernsey	85.512 years
11	French Polynesia	85.448 years
12	Réunion	85.41 years
13	Bermuda	85.195 years
14	France	85.137 years
15	San Marino	85.115 years
16	Switzerland	85.073 years
17	Spain	84.995 years
18	Norway	84.885 years
19	Israel	84.742 years
20	Finland	84.617 years
21	Guadeloupe	84.614 years
22	Malta	84.534 years
23	Taiwan	84.5 years
24	New Zealand	84.464 years
25	Italy	84.458 years
26	Austria	84.328 years
27	Greece	84.302 years
28	Sweden	84.284 years
29	Iceland	84.231 years
30	Portugal	84.2 years
31	Ireland	84.19 years
32	Liechtenstein	84.091 years
33	Puerto Rico	83.951 years
34	Canada	83.909 years
35	United Arab Emirates	83.9 years
36	Saint Martin (French part)	83.851 years
37	Andorra	83.84 years
38	Cyprus	83.652 years
39	Denmark	83.502 years
40	Germany	83.425 years
41	Martinique	83.265 years
42	Slovenia	83.138 years
43	Luxembourg	83.09 years
44	Netherlands	83.079 years
45	Belgium	83.054 years
46	Estonia	82.894 years
47	Costa Rica	82.754 years
48	Isle of Man	82.739 years
49	United Kingdom	82.4 years
50	Anguilla	82.281 years
51	Faroe Islands	82.246 years
52	Qatar	82.165 years
53	Chile	82.031 years
54	Uruguay	82.015 years
55	Thailand	81.904 years
56	Cayman Islands	81.825 years
57	Jersey	81.767 years
58	Saint Pierre and Miquelon	81.381 years
59	Czech Republic	81.303 years
60	China	80.999 years
61	Bahrain	80.954 years
62	United States Virgin Islands	80.943 years
63	Falkland Islands (Malvinas)	80.823 years
64	Poland	80.813 years
65	Croatia	80.717 years
66	Saint Helena	80.715 years
67	Curaçao	80.606 years
68	French Guiana	80.536 years
69	Maldives	80.386 years
70	Albania	80.345 years
71	Vietnam	80.314 years
72	Guam	80.254 years
73	Slovakia	80.233 years
74	Sri Lanka	80.066 years
75	Saudi Arabia	80.055 years
76	Lithuania	80.025 years
77	Turks and Caicos Islands	79.999 years
78	Northern Mariana Islands	79.997 years
79	Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba	79.983 years
80	Latvia	79.965 years
81	Cuba	79.939 years
82	Turkey	79.887 years
83	United States	79.874 years
84	Kuwait	79.871 years
85	Panama	79.822 years
86	Antigua and Barbuda	79.813 years
87	British Virgin Islands	79.718 years
88	New Caledonia	79.53 years
89	Oman	79.477 years
90	Bosnia and Herzegovina	79.393 years
91	Wallis and Futuna Islands	79.167 years
92	Montenegro	79.108 years
93	Hungary	79.027 years
94	Argentina	78.783 years
95	Malaysia	78.769 years
96	Lebanon	78.669 years
97	Barbados	78.649 years
98	Seychelles	78.616 years
99	Cook Islands	78.542 years
100	Sint Maarten (Dutch part)	78.535 years
101	Tokelau	78.498 years
102	Mauritius	78.367 years
103	Aruba	78.333 years
104	Montserrat	78.3 years
105	Georgia	78.254 years
106	Jordan	78.252 years
107	Colombia	78.23 years
108	Grenada	78.207 years
109	Serbia	78.099 years
110	Ukraine	78.024 years
111	Cabo Verde	78.007 years
112	Romania	78 years
113	Peru	77.976 years
114	Tunisia	77.745 years
115	State of Palestine	77.603 years
116	Brazil	77.599 years
117	Bulgaria	77.47 years
118	Belarus	77.428 years
119	Brunei Darussalam	77.35 years
120	Mayotte	77.201 years
121	North Macedonia	76.98 years
122	Bahamas	76.789 years
123	Dominican Republic	76.717 years
124	Kosovo	76.635 years
125	Venezuela	76.501 years
126	Armenia	76.346 years
127	Iran	76.238 years
128	Suriname	76.22 years
129	Saint Lucia	76.195 years
130	Tonga	76.077 years
131	Paraguay	76.063 years
132	Trinidad and Tobago	76.044 years
133	Russia	75.923 years
134	Ecuador	75.876 years
135	Morocco	75.718 years
136	Libya	75.7 years
137	North Korea	75.691 years
138	American Samoa	75.682 years
139	Kazakhstan	75.468 years
140	Saint Kitts and Nevis	75.384 years
141	Mongolia	75.212 years
142	Algeria	74.943 years
143	Syrian Arab Republic	74.808 years
144	El Salvador	74.716 years
145	Dominica	74.591 years
146	Belize	74.463 years
147	Uzbekistan	74.462 years
148	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	74.459 years
149	Republic of Moldova	74.223 years
150	Bhutan	74.191 years
151	Mexico	74.109 years
152	Nicaragua	74.03 years
153	Jamaica	74.014 years
154	Honduras	73.814 years
155	Azerbaijan	73.799 years
156	Bangladesh	73.428 years
157	Vanuatu	73.245 years
158	Guatemala	73.169 years
159	Samoa	72.881 years
160	Philippines	72.761 years
161	Kyrgyzstan	72.684 years
162	Cambodia	72.657 years
163	Western Sahara	72.576 years
164	Greenland	72.536 years
165	Iraq	72.294 years
166	Niue	72.285 years
167	Sao Tome and Principe	72.049 years
168	Egypt	71.958 years
169	India	71.938 years
170	Turkmenistan	71.928 years
171	Palau	71.926 years
172	Guyana	71.884 years
173	Indonesia	71.097 years
174	Tajikistan	71.088 years
175	Laos	71.045 years
176	Solomon Islands	70.977 years
177	Nepal	70.773 years
178	Botswana	70.358 years
179	Tanzania	69.961 years
180	Tuvalu	69.96 years
181	Yemen	69.805 years
182	Gabon	69.716 years
183	Myanmar	69.702 years
184	Senegal	69.693 years
185	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	69.659 years
186	Uganda	69.43 years
187	Ethiopia	69.368 years
188	Fiji	69.322 years
189	Eritrea	69.264 years
190	Rwanda	69.063 years
191	Mauritania	68.897 years
192	Timor-Leste	68.871 years
193	Malawi	68.813 years
194	Pakistan	68.447 years
195	Papua New Guinea	68.368 years
196	Sudan	68.153 years
197	Marshall Islands	68.086 years
198	Namibia	68.035 years
199	Comoros	68 years
200	South Africa	67.948 years
201	Kiribati	67.129 years
202	Bolivia	67.126 years
203	Haiti	67.03 years
204	Djibouti	66.847 years
205	Ghana	66.672 years
206	Congo	66.161 years
207	Gambia	66.122 years
208	Zambia	65.953 years
209	Angola	65.774 years
210	Afghanistan	64.656 years
211	Burundi	64.58 years
212	Madagascar	64.576 years
213	Kenya	64.24 years
214	Equatorial Guinea	64.223 years
215	Mozambique	64.17 years
216	Nauru	64.025 years
217	Cameroon	63.976 years
218	Zimbabwe	63.747 years
219	Guinea-Bissau	63.684 years
220	Eswatini	62.79 years
221	Liberia	62.624 years
222	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	62.535 years
223	Côte d'Ivoire	62.336 years
224	Burkina Faso	62.314 years
225	Benin	61.569 years
226	Togo	61.445 years
227	Sierra Leone	61.202 years
228	Niger	61.018 years
229	Guinea	60.655 years
230	South Sudan	60.46 years
231	Mali	60.316 years
232	Somalia	59.176 years
233	Lesotho	57.669 years
234	Chad	54.893 years
235	Central African Republic	54.011 years
236	Nigeria	53.432 years

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

Life expectancy at birth is a critical indicator of a country's overall health standards and quality of life. In 2020, this metric gained even more significance as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, which had profound impacts on public health and mortality rates. Understanding life expectancy provides insights into global health disparities and the effectiveness of healthcare systems worldwide.

Global Overview of Life Expectancy in 2020

In 2020, life expectancy at birth varied significantly across the globe, with a total of 200 countries reporting data. The minimum life expectancy was recorded at 67.95 years, while the maximum reached an impressive 88.27 years, with an average global life expectancy of 78.06 years. This indicates a relatively high standard of living and healthcare in many nations, although substantial disparities remain. Notably, Monaco topped the list with an astounding 88.27 years, reflecting its robust healthcare system and lifestyle. In contrast, South Africa recorded the lowest life expectancy at 67.95 years, highlighting ongoing challenges in healthcare access and quality.

Healthcare Disparities and Their Impact

Life expectancy is deeply intertwined with healthcare access and quality, as evidenced by the wide range of values observed in 2020. Countries like Japan (87.73 years) and South Korea (86.8 years) have long invested in comprehensive healthcare systems, which contribute to their high life expectancies. In contrast, nations such as Comoros (67.99 years) and Namibia (68.04 years) struggle with limited healthcare resources and infrastructure, impacting their populations' longevity. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these disparities, straining already overburdened systems in many low-income countries.

Regional Insights and Variations

Regionally, life expectancy varied widely, reflecting diverse socio-economic and healthcare landscapes. Asian countries generally performed well, with China, Hong Kong SAR (86.96 years) and Singapore (85.92 years) featuring prominently among the top countries. This success can be attributed to efficient public health measures and strong economic growth, which facilitate better healthcare access and disease prevention. Meanwhile, Africa faced significant challenges, with countries like Malawi (68.81 years) and Mauritania (68.90 years) struggling to improve healthcare outcomes due to economic and infrastructural limitations.

Implications of COVID-19 on Life Expectancy

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on life expectancy at birth in 2020. While the full extent of its effects will be better understood in subsequent years, initial data indicated a downward trend in life expectancy in many countries. The pandemic disproportionately affected older populations, leading to increased mortality rates in regions with high infection rates. Moreover, disruptions to healthcare systems and the diversion of resources away from routine medical care further exacerbated this trend, particularly in countries with already fragile healthcare infrastructures.

Future Prospects and Considerations

Looking ahead, the challenge for global health policymakers is not only to recover from the setbacks of 2020 but to build more resilient healthcare systems that can withstand future pandemics and other health crises. Investments in public health infrastructure, equitable access to healthcare, and continuous monitoring of health metrics like life expectancy will be crucial. Countries with lower life expectancy must prioritize healthcare improvements to close the gap with their higher-performing counterparts. Learning from successful models in nations like Monaco and Japan could provide pathways to improved global health outcomes.

In conclusion, life expectancy at birth in 2020 serves as a critical reminder of the importance of robust healthcare systems and equitable access to health services. As countries strive to improve their populations' longevity, addressing healthcare disparities and learning from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic will be vital in achieving sustained improvements in global life expectancy.

Insights by country

Tonga

Tonga ranks 130th out of 236 countries in terms of life expectancy at birth, with a reported value of 76.0767 years in 2020. This statistic reflects the overall health and longevity of the population, showcasing a relatively high life expectancy compared to many nations globally.

The life expectancy in Tonga can be attributed to various factors, including access to healthcare, lifestyle choices, and socio-economic conditions. The nation has made strides in improving healthcare services, which has contributed positively to public health outcomes. Additionally, traditional diets rich in fish and local produce, along with community-oriented lifestyles, may play a role in enhancing life expectancy.

However, it is important to note that Tonga faces challenges such as increasing rates of non-communicable diseases, including obesity and diabetes, which could potentially impact future life expectancy trends. As of recent years, Tonga has been working on health reforms aimed at addressing these issues and promoting healthier lifestyles among its citizens.

Finland

In 2020, Finland achieved a remarkable life expectancy at birth of 84.6168 years, ranking 20th out of 236 countries globally. This statistic places Finland among the nations with the highest life expectancy, reflecting the country's well-established healthcare system and high standard of living.

The high life expectancy in Finland can be attributed to several factors, including universal access to healthcare, a strong emphasis on preventative care, and a high level of health literacy among the population. Additionally, Finland's commitment to social welfare, education, and healthy lifestyle choices contribute significantly to the longevity of its citizens.

Furthermore, Finland is known for its low rates of infant mortality and chronic diseases, which are critical indicators of overall health. The country also benefits from a clean environment and a high quality of life, which enhance the well-being of its residents.

Monaco

Monaco boasts the highest life expectancy at birth in the world, with an impressive average of 88.27 years reported in 2020. This remarkable statistic reflects the country's exceptional healthcare system, affluent living standards, and a strong emphasis on wellness and preventive care.

Several factors contribute to this longevity, including Monaco's high GDP per capita, which supports extensive healthcare services and a healthy lifestyle among its residents. Additionally, the Mediterranean climate and the emphasis on outdoor activities may further enhance the overall well-being of the population.

Interestingly, Monaco's life expectancy is significantly higher than the global average, which stands at around 73.4 years. This stark contrast underscores the impact of socioeconomic factors and lifestyle choices on health outcomes in different regions.

French Polynesia

In 2020, French Polynesia achieved a remarkable life expectancy at birth of 85.4479 years, ranking it 11th out of 236 countries globally. This high life expectancy reflects the region's advanced healthcare system, favorable social conditions, and a relatively low incidence of life-threatening diseases.

Several factors contribute to this impressive statistic, including a strong emphasis on public health initiatives, access to healthcare services, and a lifestyle that incorporates physical activity and a diet rich in fresh, local produce. Additionally, French Polynesia benefits from a unique cultural heritage that promotes community well-being and social cohesion.

Interesting to note is that this life expectancy is comparable to some of the highest in the world, indicating that French Polynesia has successfully addressed many health determinants that affect longevity, despite its geographic isolation in the South Pacific. The region's focus on preventive care and health education plays a significant role in maintaining its population's health.

Iraq

Iraq has a life expectancy at birth of 72.2937 years, ranking it 165th out of 236 countries in 2020. This figure reflects a significant improvement in health outcomes over the years, despite the challenges the country has faced due to prolonged conflict and instability.

The relatively moderate life expectancy can be attributed to several factors, including advancements in healthcare access, improvements in maternal and child health services, and a decrease in mortality rates from infectious diseases. However, ongoing issues such as political instability, economic challenges, and limited access to clean water and sanitation continue to pose risks to overall public health.

Additionally, life expectancy in Iraq has been influenced by the legacy of war, which has impacted healthcare infrastructure and social services. For context, the global average life expectancy was approximately 73.4 years in 2019, indicating that while Iraq's life expectancy is close to the average, it still faces significant health and social challenges compared to more stable nations.

Andorra

Andorra ranks 37th out of 236 countries in terms of life expectancy at birth for the year 2020. The average life expectancy in this small European principality is an impressive 83.8402 years, reflecting the overall health and well-being of its population.

This high life expectancy can be attributed to various factors, including a robust healthcare system, a strong emphasis on public health, and a high standard of living. Additionally, Andorra's low levels of air pollution and its mountainous terrain promote an active lifestyle, contributing further to the longevity of its residents.

Notably, Andorra's life expectancy is among the highest globally, with only a select number of countries surpassing it. This statistic not only highlights the effectiveness of the country's health policies but also underlines the importance of socioeconomic stability and access to quality healthcare in improving life expectancy.

Syrian Arab Republic

In 2020, the Syrian Arab Republic recorded a life expectancy at birth of 74.8082 years, ranking 143rd out of 236 countries. This figure reflects a significant health-related outcome, especially considering the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis that has affected the nation since 2011.

Factors contributing to this life expectancy include improvements in healthcare access prior to the conflict, although the war has severely strained medical infrastructure and services. Despite these challenges, the average life expectancy suggests resilience in public health efforts and possibly a relatively young population demographic.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that life expectancy in Syria has historically been influenced by variables such as nutrition, maternal health, and child mortality rates, which have all been impacted by the war. As of 2020, the ongoing instability continues to present challenges to achieving higher life expectancy levels, emphasizing the need for comprehensive health and recovery strategies.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 2020, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines recorded a life expectancy at birth of 74.4589 years, ranking 148th out of 236 countries. This statistic reflects the overall health and wellness of the population, influenced by various social, economic, and environmental factors.

The relatively high life expectancy can be attributed to improvements in healthcare access, sanitation, and living conditions, alongside a focus on preventive healthcare measures. Additionally, the country benefits from a lower prevalence of certain communicable diseases compared to other regions, contributing positively to longevity.

However, challenges such as economic vulnerabilities, particularly from natural disasters and climate change, can impact health outcomes. It is also noteworthy that life expectancy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is comparable to other Caribbean nations, highlighting the region's collective health advancements.

Zambia

Zambia ranks 208th out of 236 countries in terms of life expectancy at birth. In the year 2020, the life expectancy for Zambians was recorded at 65.9528 years. This figure reflects improvements in healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions compared to previous decades, although it still remains lower than the global average.

The relatively low life expectancy in Zambia can be attributed to several factors, including the prevalence of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, high rates of maternal and infant mortality, and limited access to healthcare services in rural areas. Additionally, economic challenges and poverty can exacerbate health outcomes, affecting overall life expectancy.

Despite these challenges, Zambia has made strides in public health initiatives and education, which are essential for further improving life expectancy. For context, the global average life expectancy at birth was approximately 73.4 years in 2020, highlighting the disparities in health outcomes between Zambia and more developed nations.

Fiji

In 2020, Fiji ranked 188th out of 236 countries in terms of life expectancy at birth, which was reported at 69.32 years. This statistic reflects the average lifespan of individuals born in Fiji and serves as a crucial indicator of the overall health and well-being of its population.

The relatively low life expectancy can be attributed to several factors, including the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, which are exacerbated by lifestyle choices and limited access to healthcare in some remote areas. Additionally, socio-economic challenges, including poverty and limited educational resources, may also impact health outcomes.

Interestingly, Fiji's life expectancy is lower than the global average, which underscores the ongoing health challenges faced by the nation. Efforts to improve healthcare access and promote healthier lifestyles are critical to enhancing the life expectancy of Fijians in the future.

Data Source

United Nations Population Division

The Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs conducts demographic research, supports intergovernmental processes at the United Nations in the area of population and development, and assists countries in developing their capacity to produce and analyse population data and information. The Division brings population issues to the attention of the international community by highlighting the central role of demographic trends in all aspects of sustainable development. The Division publishes datasets on the world’s population and analyzes global demographic trends.

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Life expectancy at birth data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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