Health
Life Expectancy at Birth
Definition
The average number of years a newborn is expected to live, based on current mortality rates.
Explanation
Life expectancy is one of the most powerful indicators of development. It reflects healthcare access, nutrition, sanitation, conflict, and poverty. The global average is about 73 years, but ranges from 85+ in Japan and Monaco to under 55 in some sub-Saharan African countries. Women live longer than men in virtually every country.
See Current Data
Explore life expectancy at birth data for all 218 countries with interactive charts and historical trends.
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