Zambia ZM: Life Expectancy at Birth: Male data was reported at 59.281 Year in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 58.903 Year for 2015. Zambia ZM: Life Expectancy at Birth: Male data is updated yearly, averaging 46.818 Year from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 59.281 Year in 2016 and a record low of 41.158 Year in 1995. Zambia ZM: Life Expectancy at Birth: Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zambia – Table ZM.World Bank: Health Statistics. Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision. (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

In 2024, the average life expectancy in the world was 71 years for men and 76 years for women. The lowest life expectancies were found in Africa, while Oceania and Europe had the highest. What is life expectancy?Life expectancy is defined as a statistical measure of how long a person may live, based on demographic factors such as gender, current age, and most importantly the year of their birth. The most commonly used measure of life expectancy is life expectancy at birth or at age zero. The calculation is based on the assumption that mortality rates at each age were to remain constant in the future. Life expectancy has changed drastically over time, especially during the past 200 years. In the early 20th century, the average life expectancy at birth in the developed world stood at 31 years. It has grown to an average of 70 and 75 years for males and females respectively, and is expected to keep on growing with advances in medical treatment and living standards continuing. Highest and lowest life expectancy worldwide Life expectancy still varies greatly between different regions and countries of the world. The biggest impact on life expectancy is the quality of public health, medical care, and diet. As of 2022, the countries with the highest life expectancy were Japan, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Australia, all at 84–83 years. Most of the countries with the lowest life expectancy are mostly African countries. The ranking was led by the Chad, Nigeria, and Lesotho with 53–54 years.

Health expectancy is a summary measure of population health that combines both non-fatal and fatal health outcomes into a single metric. Health expectancy indicators have the potential to assess how many gained years of life expectancy are spent in good health and free from functional limitations. Online tables containing detailed results are available for download:

• Active life expectancy (ALE) 1996-2013
• Independent life expectancy (ILE) 1996-2013
• Disability-free life expectancy 1996-2013

The life expectancy for men aged 65 years in the U.S. has gradually increased since the 1960s. Now men in the United States aged 65 can expect to live 17 more years on average. Women aged 65 years can expect to live around 19.7 more years on average.

Life expectancy in the U.S.

As of 2021, the average life expectancy at birth in the United States was 76.33 years. Life expectancy in the U.S. had steadily increased for many years but has recently dropped slightly. Women consistently have a higher life expectancy than men but have also seen a slight decrease. As of 2019, a woman in the U.S. could be expected to live up to 79.3 years.

Leading causes of death

The leading causes of death in the United States include heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory diseases and cerebrovascular diseases. However, heart disease and cancer account for around 38 percent of all deaths. Although heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death for both men and women, there are slight variations in the leading causes of death. For example, unintentional injury and suicide account for a larger portion of deaths among men than they do among women.

Sweden SE: Life Expectancy at Birth: Female data was reported at 84.100 Year in 2016. This stayed constant from the previous number of 84.100 Year for 2015. Sweden SE: Life Expectancy at Birth: Female data is updated yearly, averaging 80.150 Year from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 84.200 Year in 2014 and a record low of 74.870 Year in 1960. Sweden SE: Life Expectancy at Birth: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Sweden – Table SE.World Bank: Health Statistics. Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision. (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

United States US: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data was reported at 78.690 Year in 2016. This stayed constant from the previous number of 78.690 Year for 2015. United States US: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 74.766 Year from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 78.841 Year in 2014 and a record low of 69.771 Year in 1960. United States US: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision, or derived from male and female life expectancy at birth from sources such as: (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

Monaco had the highest life expectancy among both men and women worldwide as of 2024. That year, life expectancy for men and women was ** and ** years, respectively. The East Asian countries and regions, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Macao, followed. Many of the countries on the list are struggling with aging populations and a declining workforce as more people enter retirement age compared to people entering employment.

Haiti HT: Life Expectancy at Birth: Male data was reported at 61.162 Year in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 60.902 Year for 2015. Haiti HT: Life Expectancy at Birth: Male data is updated yearly, averaging 52.441 Year from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 61.162 Year in 2016 and a record low of 40.804 Year in 1960. Haiti HT: Life Expectancy at Birth: Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Haiti – Table HT.World Bank: Health Statistics. Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision. (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

Asian and Pacific Islander populations are only available in 5-year estimates due to low numbers.

Data Source: DC Vital Records, CDC WONDER single-race single-year population estimates and American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year estimates.

Why This Matters

Life expectancy reflects a community’s mortality levels and overall health. In the U.S. life expectancy has been stagnant since 2010 and declined during the COVID-19 Pandemic, primarily due to heart disease, cancer, COVID-19, and fatal drug overdoses.

Changes and disparities in life expectancy at birth reflect trends and inequities in living standards, access to quality health care, and other social and economic factors.

Nationally, life expectancy at birth is lower among Black and Native Americans compared to other racial and ethnic groups. These racial disparities are rooted in a long history of racial segregation, economic and employment discrimination, and environmental racism, among other racist practices, as noted by the National Health Atlas.

The District Response

Ensuring District residents access to various healthcare programs, such as Medicaid, DC Healthcare Alliance Program, and DC Healthy Families. For more information on these programs, click here.

Initiatives and programs to reduce disparities in housing, employment, and food insecurity through programs and services, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), DC Child Care Subsidy Program, and DC Infrastructure Academy.

Promoting health through free DPR fitness centers, wellness classes, the MoveDC Plan for active transportation, and health and PE classes in public schools to encourage lifelong exercise habits.

Iran IR: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data was reported at 75.953 Year in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 75.730 Year for 2015. Iran IR: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 60.528 Year from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 75.953 Year in 2016 and a record low of 44.947 Year in 1960. Iran IR: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Iran – Table IR.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision, or derived from male and female life expectancy at birth from sources such as: (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

Belarus BY: Life Expectancy at Birth: Male data was reported at 69.535 Year in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 69.438 Year for 2022. Belarus BY: Life Expectancy at Birth: Male data is updated yearly, averaging 66.380 Year from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2023, with 64 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 69.535 Year in 2023 and a record low of 62.200 Year in 1999. Belarus BY: Life Expectancy at Birth: Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Belarus – Table BY.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life.;(1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2024 Revision; (2) Statistical databases and publications from national statistical offices; (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics.;Weighted average;

Romania RO: Life Expectancy at Birth: Male data was reported at 71.500 Year in 2016. This stayed constant from the previous number of 71.500 Year for 2015. Romania RO: Life Expectancy at Birth: Male data is updated yearly, averaging 66.700 Year from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 71.600 Year in 2013 and a record low of 63.860 Year in 1960. Romania RO: Life Expectancy at Birth: Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Romania – Table RO.World Bank: Health Statistics. Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision. (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

Life Expectancy: Beijing data was reported at 82.490 Year Old in 12-01-2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 80.180 Year Old for 12-01-2010. Life Expectancy: Beijing data is updated decadal, averaging 78.140 Year Old from Dec 1990 (Median) to 12-01-2020, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 82.490 Year Old in 12-01-2020 and a record low of 72.860 Year Old in 12-01-1990. Life Expectancy: Beijing data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Socio-Demographic – Table CN.GA: Population: Life Expectancy: By Region.

Mali ML: Life Expectancy at Birth: Female data was reported at 58.674 Year in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 58.163 Year for 2015. Mali ML: Life Expectancy at Birth: Female data is updated yearly, averaging 45.552 Year from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 58.674 Year in 2016 and a record low of 29.026 Year in 1960. Mali ML: Life Expectancy at Birth: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mali – Table ML.World Bank: Health Statistics. Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision. (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

Jordan JO: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data was reported at 74.329 Year in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 74.182 Year for 2015. Jordan JO: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 69.311 Year from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 74.329 Year in 2016 and a record low of 52.651 Year in 1960. Jordan JO: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Jordan – Table JO.World Bank: Health Statistics. Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision, or derived from male and female life expectancy at birth from sources such as: (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

Belarus BY: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data was reported at 74.184 Year in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 74.103 Year for 2022. Belarus BY: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 70.432 Year from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2023, with 64 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 74.227 Year in 2019 and a record low of 67.907 Year in 1999. Belarus BY: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Belarus – Table BY.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life.;(1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2024 Revision; or derived from male and female life expectancy at birth from sources such as: (2) Statistical databases and publications from national statistical offices; (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics.;Weighted average;

Vietnam VN: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data was reported at 76.253 Year in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 76.052 Year for 2015. Vietnam VN: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 69.940 Year from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 76.253 Year in 2016 and a record low of 58.835 Year in 1972. Vietnam VN: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Vietnam – Table VN.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision, or derived from male and female life expectancy at birth from sources such as: (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

China Life Expectancy data was reported at 78.200 Year Old in 2021. This records an increase from the previous number of 77.930 Year Old for 2020. China Life Expectancy data is updated yearly, averaging 76.340 Year Old from Dec 1981 (Median) to 2021, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 78.200 Year Old in 2021 and a record low of 67.770 Year Old in 1981. China Life Expectancy data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Socio-Demographic – Table CN.GA: Population: Life Expectancy: By Region. According to the National Health Commission, from 2016 to 2017, the average life expectancy of residents per capita has increased from 76.5 to 76.7 years. For reference only. 根据国家卫生健康委员会，从2016年到2017年，居民人均预期寿命由76.5岁提高到76.7岁。以供參考。

Taiwan Life Expectancy: Female: Age 80 data was reported at 10.356 Year Old in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 10.264 Year Old for 2016. Taiwan Life Expectancy: Female: Age 80 data is updated yearly, averaging 9.191 Year Old from Dec 1993 (Median) to 2017, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.523 Year Old in 2015 and a record low of 7.430 Year Old in 1994. Taiwan Life Expectancy: Female: Age 80 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of the Interior. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Taiwan – Table TW.G006: Vital Statistics.

Ukraine UA: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data was reported at 71.476 Year in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 71.190 Year for 2015. Ukraine UA: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 69.253 Year from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 71.476 Year in 2016 and a record low of 66.888 Year in 1996. Ukraine UA: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ukraine – Table UA.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision, or derived from male and female life expectancy at birth from sources such as: (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;