Life expectancy at birth 2021

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	Japan	87.591 years
2	Monaco	87.294 years
3	Saint Barthélemy	87.099 years
4	South Korea	86.917 years
5	China, Hong Kong SAR	86.73 years
6	Singapore	85.866 years
7	Spain	85.723 years
8	Switzerland	85.606 years
9	Australia	85.474 years
10	China, Macao SAR	85.44 years
11	Bermuda	85.385 years
12	France	85.299 years
13	San Marino	85.172 years
14	Italy	85.054 years
15	Sweden	84.813 years
16	Liechtenstein	84.759 years
17	Norway	84.709 years
18	Andorra	84.678 years
19	Israel	84.534 years
20	Finland	84.472 years
21	Réunion	84.455 years
22	Austria	84.41 years
23	Canada	84.368 years
24	Iceland	84.281 years
25	Portugal	84.251 years
26	Taiwan	84.232 years
27	Guernsey	84.115 years
28	Malta	84.06 years
29	Belgium	84.04 years
30	New Zealand	84.022 years
31	Saint Martin (French part)	83.85 years
32	Puerto Rico	83.821 years
33	Ireland	83.719 years
34	Germany	83.688 years
35	Greece	83.519 years
36	Slovenia	83.425 years
37	Luxembourg	83.346 years
38	Denmark	83.299 years
39	Cyprus	83.016 years
40	Netherlands	82.992 years
41	Guadeloupe	82.848 years
42	Gibraltar	82.801 years
43	United Kingdom	82.671 years
44	Isle of Man	82.607 years
45	Qatar	82.184 years
46	French Polynesia	82.116 years
47	Faroe Islands	82.102 years
48	Thailand	82.098 years
49	Anguilla	81.983 years
50	Cayman Islands	81.91 years
51	Estonia	81.755 years
52	Jersey	81.543 years
53	Chile	81.486 years
54	Saint Pierre and Miquelon	81.429 years
55	Costa Rica	81.208 years
56	Falkland Islands (Malvinas)	81.051 years
57	United Arab Emirates	80.926 years
58	China	80.913 years
59	Martinique	80.727 years
60	Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba	80.618 years
61	United States Virgin Islands	80.57 years
62	Czech Republic	80.512 years
63	Saint Helena	80.356 years
64	New Caledonia	80.314 years
65	Croatia	80.284 years
66	Panama	80.256 years
67	Northern Mariana Islands	80.103 years
68	Saudi Arabia	79.881 years
69	Poland	79.825 years
70	Antigua and Barbuda	79.757 years
71	Curaçao	79.709 years
72	Maldives	79.699 years
73	Turks and Caicos Islands	79.633 years
74	Guam	79.524 years
75	Sri Lanka	79.522 years
76	Uruguay	79.444 years
77	United States	79.365 years
78	Kuwait	79.015 years
79	Turkey	79.004 years
80	Albania	79.002 years
81	Lithuania	78.904 years
82	Bahrain	78.844 years
83	Vietnam	78.771 years
84	Barbados	78.72 years
85	Tokelau	78.61 years
86	Wallis and Futuna Islands	78.523 years
87	Montserrat	78.5 years
88	British Virgin Islands	78.262 years
89	Cook Islands	78.174 years
90	Slovakia	78.136 years
91	Latvia	78.045 years
92	Cabo Verde	77.876 years
93	French Guiana	77.73 years
94	Oman	77.704 years
95	Bosnia and Herzegovina	77.649 years
96	Hungary	77.621 years
97	Sint Maarten (Dutch part)	77.614 years
98	Grenada	77.533 years
99	Montenegro	77.3 years
100	Belarus	77.176 years
101	Brunei Darussalam	77.032 years
102	Kosovo	76.996 years
103	Argentina	76.86 years
104	Malaysia	76.712 years
105	Algeria	76.65 years
106	Jordan	76.645 years
107	Romania	76.557 years
108	State of Palestine	76.44 years
109	Aruba	76.417 years
110	Mauritius	76.409 years
111	Brazil	76.402 years
112	Lebanon	76.357 years
113	Colombia	76.349 years
114	Serbia	76.151 years
115	Ukraine	76.033 years
116	Armenia	76.028 years
117	Ecuador	76.008 years
118	Cuba	75.966 years
119	Tunisia	75.82 years
120	Georgia	75.778 years
121	American Samoa	75.73 years
122	Tonga	75.693 years
123	Iran	75.692 years
124	North Macedonia	75.67 years
125	Morocco	75.659 years
126	Venezuela	75.619 years
127	North Korea	75.487 years
128	Dominican Republic	75.449 years
129	Bulgaria	75.102 years
130	Mayotte	75.019 years
131	Libya	74.938 years
132	Peru	74.714 years
133	Syrian Arab Republic	74.594 years
134	Uzbekistan	74.485 years
135	Trinidad and Tobago	74.481 years
136	Russia	74.375 years
137	Bhutan	74.365 years
138	El Salvador	74.344 years
139	Bahamas	74.145 years
140	Kazakhstan	74.07 years
141	Seychelles	73.891 years
142	Belize	73.796 years
143	Azerbaijan	73.744 years
144	Nicaragua	73.446 years
145	Mexico	73.352 years
146	Kyrgyzstan	73.243 years
147	Saint Kitts and Nevis	73.172 years
148	Mongolia	73.141 years
149	Republic of Moldova	73.115 years
150	Dominica	73.033 years
151	Samoa	73.016 years
152	Western Sahara	72.919 years
153	Saint Lucia	72.917 years
154	Bangladesh	72.847 years
155	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	72.83 years
156	Vanuatu	72.43 years
157	Iraq	72.415 years
158	Greenland	72.362 years
159	Niue	72.323 years
160	Turkmenistan	72.189 years
161	Honduras	72.175 years
162	Suriname	72.14 years
163	Sao Tome and Principe	71.978 years
164	Tajikistan	71.863 years
165	Cambodia	71.834 years
166	Jamaica	71.477 years
167	Palau	71.348 years
168	Paraguay	71.335 years
169	Guatemala	70.964 years
170	Egypt	70.808 years
171	Solomon Islands	70.302 years
172	Laos	70.072 years
173	Nepal	69.89 years
174	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	69.792 years
175	Philippines	69.7 years
176	Gabon	69.607 years
177	Tuvalu	69.601 years
178	Indonesia	69.437 years
179	Uganda	69.235 years
180	Yemen	69.17 years
181	Tanzania	69.093 years
182	Senegal	68.981 years
183	Eritrea	68.979 years
184	Rwanda	68.923 years
185	India	68.835 years
186	Myanmar	68.824 years
187	Ethiopia	68.715 years
188	Mauritania	68.689 years
189	Pakistan	68.299 years
190	Malawi	68.246 years
191	Guyana	67.976 years
192	Timor-Leste	67.959 years
193	Marshall Islands	67.841 years
194	Papua New Guinea	67.449 years
195	Sudan	67.354 years
196	Comoros	67.314 years
197	Fiji	66.931 years
198	Ghana	66.533 years
199	Djibouti	66.403 years
200	Kiribati	65.773 years
201	Congo	65.75 years
202	Haiti	65.712 years
203	Botswana	65.511 years
204	Gambia	65.446 years
205	Angola	65.441 years
206	Bolivia	65.25 years
207	Zambia	64.925 years
208	South Africa	64.772 years
209	Namibia	64.551 years
210	Equatorial Guinea	64.373 years
211	Madagascar	64.256 years
212	Burundi	64.111 years
213	Afghanistan	64.079 years
214	Guinea-Bissau	63.87 years
215	Kenya	63.636 years
216	Nauru	63.417 years
217	Cameroon	63.297 years
218	Mozambique	63.142 years
219	Liberia	62.419 years
220	Côte d'Ivoire	62.313 years
221	Zimbabwe	62.289 years
222	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	62.137 years
223	Burkina Faso	61.831 years
224	Sierra Leone	61.736 years
225	Togo	61.589 years
226	Eswatini	61.392 years
227	Benin	60.825 years
228	Guinea	60.535 years
229	Niger	60.523 years
230	Mali	60.406 years
231	South Sudan	59.726 years
232	Somalia	57.752 years
233	Lesotho	56.796 years
234	Chad	54.983 years
235	Nigeria	53.741 years
236	Central African Republic	46.032 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 crucial statistic that measures the expected average number of years a newborn is expected to live. It reflects the healthcare standards, quality of life, and socio-economic conditions of a country. In 2021, life expectancy data provided insights into global health, shedding light on disparities between nations and the impact of recent global events on population health.

Global Health Overview in 2021

The year 2021 was marked by ongoing efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted life expectancy worldwide. On average, the life expectancy across 200 countries was 77.21 years, with notable fluctuations influenced by healthcare systems' resilience and pandemic response strategies. Japan topped the list with a remarkable life expectancy of 87.59 years, highlighting its advanced healthcare system and healthy lifestyle practices. On the other end of the spectrum, Kiribati had a life expectancy of 65.77 years, underscoring the ongoing health challenges in some regions.

Regional Contrasts and Influences

Examining the life expectancy data of 2021 reveals significant regional contrasts. Countries in Asia, such as Japan, South Korea, and China (Hong Kong SAR), showed high life expectancies, often exceeding 86 years. These figures can be attributed to robust healthcare infrastructure, widespread access to healthcare services, and effective public health policies. Meanwhile, countries in the Pacific region, including Kiribati and Papua New Guinea, experienced lower life expectancies due to limited healthcare access and socio-economic challenges. These regional disparities emphasize the need for targeted health interventions and international support to address healthcare deficiencies.

Impact of COVID-19 on Life Expectancy

COVID-19's influence on global health metrics in 2021 cannot be overstated. The pandemic induced a noticeable decline in life expectancy in several countries. For instance, Paraguay experienced the most significant decrease, with life expectancy falling by 4.73 years. This substantial reduction reflects the severe health impacts and mortality rates associated with the pandemic. Conversely, some countries, such as Algeria and Belgium, reported increases in life expectancy, with Algeria seeing a rise of 1.71 years. These increases might be linked to better health interventions or improvements in public health awareness prompted by the pandemic.

Demographic Variations and Their Implications

Demographic factors also play a critical role in shaping life expectancy outcomes. Countries with aging populations, like Japan and Italy, often report higher life expectancies due to a history of sustained healthcare improvements. In contrast, nations with younger populations and higher birth rates may face challenges in extending healthcare services effectively, impacting life expectancy figures negatively. In 2021, the demographic structure influenced how countries navigated healthcare delivery and policy implementation amid the pandemic, affecting their overall life expectancy statistics.

Policy Implications and Future Prospects

The data from 2021 underscores the importance of robust healthcare policies and effective pandemic preparedness plans. Countries with comprehensive healthcare systems that could swiftly respond to health crises generally maintained or improved their life expectancy figures. Moving forward, global health organizations emphasize the need for equitable healthcare access, pandemic resilience, and sustainable development goals to enhance life expectancy worldwide. Collaborative international efforts will be pivotal in addressing the health disparities highlighted by the 2021 data, ensuring a healthier future for all.

The life expectancy at birth in 2021 serves as a vital indicator of the global health landscape. While many countries made strides in extending life expectancy, ongoing challenges related to healthcare access, socio-economic conditions, and the pandemic's effects highlight the need for continued efforts to improve public health worldwide.

Insights by country

Malta

Malta ranks 28th out of 236 countries in terms of life expectancy at birth, with an impressive average of 84.0602 years recorded in 2021. This high life expectancy reflects the country's robust healthcare system, low infant mortality rates, and overall high standard of living.

Several factors contribute to Malta's longevity, including its Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, alongside a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare and community health initiatives. Additionally, Malta's stable political environment and economic prosperity provide residents with access to quality healthcare services and a good quality of life.

In comparison to global averages, Malta's life expectancy is significantly higher than the world average of approximately 73 years, highlighting the effectiveness of its public health policies and lifestyle choices. Furthermore, as a member of the European Union, Malta benefits from various health and social programs that further support the well-being of its citizens.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua ranks 144th out of 236 countries in terms of life expectancy at birth, with an average of 73.4457 years reported in 2021. This figure reflects a gradual improvement in health outcomes over the past few decades, despite challenges faced by the country.

The life expectancy in Nicaragua can be attributed to several factors, including advancements in healthcare access, improved maternal and child health services, and ongoing public health initiatives aimed at reducing diseases. However, the country still contends with issues such as poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to clean water, which can adversely affect overall health and longevity.

Interestingly, Nicaragua's life expectancy is higher than the regional average for Central America, indicating progress in health indicators relative to its neighbors. However, it remains lower than more developed countries, highlighting the ongoing need for improvements in social determinants of health.

Mexico

In 2021, Mexico recorded a life expectancy at birth of 73.35 years, placing it 145th out of 236 countries in terms of longevity. This statistic reflects a combination of health care access, lifestyle factors, and socio-economic conditions prevalent within the country.

The relatively moderate life expectancy can be attributed to several factors, including chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, which are prevalent in the Mexican population. Other contributing aspects include healthcare disparities between urban and rural areas, as well as the impact of violence and crime rates in certain regions.

Interestingly, life expectancy in Mexico has seen an increase over the decades, although the pace has varied due to economic challenges and public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly affected mortality rates. In comparison, life expectancy in neighboring countries often reflects similar health trends, highlighting regional disparities in health care and lifestyle.

Gabon

In 2021, Gabon had a life expectancy at birth of 69.6071 years, ranking 176 out of 236 countries. This statistic reflects the overall health and living conditions within the nation, indicating a moderate level of health outcomes compared to global standards.

The life expectancy in Gabon has been influenced by factors such as access to healthcare, prevalence of diseases, economic conditions, and lifestyle choices. While the country has made strides in improving healthcare services and reducing infant mortality, challenges remain due to issues like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases that continue to affect the population.

Interestingly, Gabon's life expectancy is somewhat higher than that of several neighboring countries, which can be attributed to its relatively stable political environment and resource wealth, particularly from oil. However, disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural areas persist, impacting overall health outcomes.

Argentina

In 2021, Argentina recorded a life expectancy at birth of 76.8602 years, positioning the country at 103rd out of 236 countries in terms of longevity. This statistic reflects the overall health and well-being of the population, influenced by various factors including healthcare access, economic conditions, and lifestyle choices.

Several elements contribute to Argentina's life expectancy, such as its relatively developed healthcare system, which provides a range of medical services to its citizens. However, challenges such as economic instability, high inflation rates, and social disparities may impact health outcomes. Additionally, lifestyle factors, including diet and physical activity, play a crucial role in determining life span.

Notably, Argentina's life expectancy is indicative of broader trends in Latin America, where improvements in healthcare and living standards have generally led to increased longevity over the past few decades. Comparatively, countries in the region often show a life expectancy in the range of mid-seventies to low eighties, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in public health.

Brunei Darussalam

In 2021, Brunei Darussalam recorded a life expectancy at birth of 77.0319 years, ranking 101st out of 236 countries. This positioning reflects the country's relatively high standard of healthcare and living conditions compared to many other nations.

The high life expectancy in Brunei can be attributed to several factors, including a robust healthcare system, significant government investment in public health, and a relatively prosperous economy supported by oil and gas exports. Additionally, Brunei has implemented comprehensive health policies aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among its citizens.

Notably, the life expectancy in Brunei is indicative of its overall development and social stability, with the country enjoying low rates of poverty and a high Human Development Index (HDI). Furthermore, Brunei's commitment to health education and preventive care contributes significantly to the longevity of its population.

Puerto Rico

In 2021, Puerto Rico achieved a life expectancy at birth of 83.8214 years, ranking it 32nd out of 236 countries. This statistic indicates a relatively high level of health and longevity among its population, reflecting advancements in healthcare access and public health initiatives.

The high life expectancy can be attributed to several factors, including a robust healthcare system, which provides residents with access to necessary medical services. Additionally, public health policies aimed at addressing chronic diseases, along with a focus on preventative care, have contributed to improved health outcomes.

Interestingly, life expectancy in Puerto Rico is comparable to that of some developed nations, which underscores the effectiveness of its health policies despite the challenges faced by the territory, such as economic instability and natural disasters. Furthermore, as of 2021, Puerto Rico's life expectancy demonstrates a significant achievement in health metrics within the Caribbean region.

Fiji

In 2021, Fiji had a life expectancy at birth of 66.93 years, ranking it 197th out of 236 countries worldwide. This statistic reflects the overall health and longevity of the population, indicating both the challenges and advancements within the country's healthcare system.

Several factors contribute to this life expectancy figure, including access to healthcare services, lifestyle choices, and socio-economic conditions. Issues such as non-communicable diseases, which include heart disease and diabetes, have been prevalent, impacting the overall health outcomes of the population.

Furthermore, factors like climate change, which poses risks to the nation's infrastructure and health systems, also play a critical role. In addition, Fiji's isolation as a Pacific island nation can complicate access to resources and healthcare advancements that are more readily available in larger countries.

Kuwait

Kuwait ranks 78th out of 236 countries in terms of life expectancy at birth, with an average of 79.015 years recorded in the year 2021. This figure reflects the overall health and living conditions within the country, showcasing a relatively high standard of healthcare and quality of life.

The life expectancy in Kuwait can be attributed to several factors, including a well-established healthcare system, significant government investment in health services, and a relatively high standard of living. Additionally, the country's wealth from oil resources has enabled extensive public health initiatives and access to modern medical facilities.

Furthermore, Kuwait benefits from a low infant mortality rate and a high prevalence of immunization programs, which contribute positively to the overall life expectancy. Interestingly, Kuwait's life expectancy is comparable to that of other high-income countries, reflecting the impact of economic prosperity on health outcomes.

New Caledonia

In 2021, New Caledonia achieved a notable life expectancy at birth of 80.3139 years, ranking 64th out of 236 countries worldwide. This relatively high life expectancy reflects the region's advanced healthcare system, which is influenced by its status as a special collectivity of France, providing residents access to quality medical services and public health initiatives.

Several factors contribute to this impressive statistic, including a relatively low infant mortality rate, a stable socioeconomic environment, and a lifestyle that incorporates elements of both traditional and modern health practices. Additionally, New Caledonia's population benefits from a mix of cultural influences, which can promote healthy living and community support.

It is also noteworthy that life expectancy in New Caledonia is higher than the global average, illustrating the effectiveness of public health policies and the quality of life enjoyed by its residents. Furthermore, the region's unique geographical isolation may play a role in fostering a close-knit community, which can enhance social support networks that positively impact overall health and longevity.

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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