Life expectancy is a fundamental indicator of public health and socioeconomic development, providing a likelihood of how long, on average, individuals are expected to live in different parts of the world. Basically, it tells us how well we, as a society, are addressing health and lifestyle issues. Even though we are entering the final few months of 2025, with all the chaos unfolding in the world, I thought it was essential that we discuss lifespan to better understand patterns in longevity, as these trends reflect the impact of healthcare, living conditions, and global events. Recent developments and advancements in medical care make the latest global life expectancy data particularly relevant.
According to the most recent data from the WHO and UN, global life expectancy in 2025 is estimated to be approximately 73.4 years, reflecting a slight recovery from the declines seen during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The upward trend in longevity has generally resumed, though the rate of increase has slowed compared to previous decades. While the gap between higher and lower-income countries continues, targeted health interventions and international cooperation have contributed to improvements in several parts of the world. Life expectancy gains are particularly significant in East Asia, parts of Latin America, and some African nations, where improvements in public health infrastructure, disease prevention, and maternal-child care have produced results. However, regions affected by conflict, political instability, or persistent health crises, such as parts of sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, continue to face challenges that limit progress.
Ranking Countries by Life Expectancy in 2025
Countries with the Highest Life Expectancy
Monaco: According to the CIA World Factbook, Monaco leads global rankings with an average life expectancy of approximately 89.4 years in 2025, a figure attributed to its high standard of living, quality healthcare, and favorable environmental conditions.
Japan: Remains one of the top countries, with an average life expectancy above 85 years, thanks to a quality healthcare system, a healthy diet, and strong social connections.
Switzerland: Consistently ranks high due to excellent medical care, high living standards, and a strong emphasis on preventative health.
Singapore: Ranks among the best with a life expectancy of around 84 years, attributed to efficient healthcare and healthy living habits.
Spain: Seen as a global leader in longevity, with life expectancy above 83 years, supported by the Mediterranean diet and accessible healthcare.
Australia: Frequently appears in the top ten, with life expectancy nearing 83 years, benefiting from a universal healthcare system and a high standard of living.
Countries with the Lowest Life Expectancy
Central African Republic: Among the lowest globally, with life expectancy below 55 years, primarily due to instability, infectious diseases, and limited healthcare.
Chad: Also reports life expectancy under 55 years, affected by poverty, malnutrition, and health infrastructure challenges.
Nigeria: Life expectancy in the high 50s, with progress hampered by communicable diseases and health disparities.
Somalia: Continues to struggle with life expectancy below 60 years, largely due to conflict and precarious living conditions.
Sierra Leone: Rounds out the lowest rankings, facing ongoing health and socioeconomic challenges.
Unfortunately, the United States ranks poorly when compared to Western European and East Asian countries. In 2025, U.S. life expectancy was estimated at approximately 79 years. This placed the U.S. outside the global top ten, closer to 40th in the world ranking. Contributing factors include higher rates of chronic disease, health disparities, and access issues despite significant healthcare expenditure. Recent events such as the opioid crisis and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have also influenced these outcomes.
Several key factors shape life expectancy outcomes across countries and regions. Access to quality healthcare, including preventive services and advanced treatments, remains a primary determinant. Countries with quality universal health coverage, effective vaccination programs, and strong public health systems tend to achieve higher average lifespans.
Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, tobacco, and alcohol use also play a significant role. For instance, countries with low rates of smoking and high consumption of fruits and vegetables, like Japan and Norway, often report longer lifespans. Socioeconomic conditions, including education, income, and housing stability, further influence health outcomes by creating opportunities for healthy choices and access to care.
Environmental factors, such as air quality, water safety, and exposure to infectious diseases, are also major factors affecting longevity. Additionally, government policies on health, social welfare, and environmental protection contribute significantly to national differences in life expectancy.
While everyone is sick of talking about it, the fact is that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound, though uneven, impact on global life expectancy. In 2020 and 2021, many countries experienced temporary declines due to increased mortality, particularly among older adults and vulnerable populations. By 2025, most high- and middle-income countries are expected to have largely rebounded. However, some lower-income countries continue to deal with the long-term effects, including disruptions to routine healthcare and ongoing economic challenges.
In addition to the pandemic, new research on non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes) has influenced public health strategies worldwide. Advances in medical technology, early detection, and treatment protocols have contributed to improvements in survival rates, especially in countries with strong healthcare infrastructure.
Global initiatives, such as the WHO’s efforts to combat malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis, have also played a role in shaping recent longevity trends. The continued focus on maternal and child health, nutrition, and access to clean water and sanitation remains critical for continued progress, particularly in low-income areas.
To further improve life expectancy in the United States, expanding access to preventive care and addressing health disparities are essential. Promoting healthier lifestyles, such as increased physical activity, better nutrition, and reduced tobacco and alcohol use, could potentially make a huge difference. Strengthening public health initiatives, investing in mental health services, and enhancing environmental protections will also support longer, healthier lives.
