Life expectancy is a compelling measure of a nation’s overall health and development. It reflects not only the quality of healthcare but also the lifestyle, diet, environment, and socio-economic conditions that collectively shape a population’s well-being.

As we explore the top 20 countries with the highest life expectancy, a few recurring themes emerge, such as strong healthcare systems, effective public health policies, and a focus on preventative care. In this article, we’ll examine the factors that contribute to the high life expectancy in these countries and the unique health practices that keep their citizens thriving.

Countries with the Highest Life Expectancy

As of 2024, the countries with the highest life expectancy at birth are:

Common Factors Across the Top Countries

While each of these countries has its unique attributes, several common themes emerge that contribute to their high life expectancy rates:

Environmental Quality: Many of these countries have clean environments, free from excessive pollution, which contributes to healthier respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Healthcare Quality: Efficient, universal healthcare systems with easy access to preventive care are crucial. These countries ensure early diagnosis, routine health checks, and affordable treatments.

Diet and Nutrition: Diet plays a pivotal role, especially those based on Mediterranean or Asian cuisines, which are low in processed foods and rich in fresh produce, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Physical Activity: An active lifestyle is common among these populations, where physical exercise is often a cultural norm.

Socio-Economic Stability: High life expectancy is also associated with high standards of living, economic security, and government support for health and wellness.

Global Life Expectancy

As of 2024, the global average life expectancy is approximately 73.33 years. This figure represents the average number of years a person born in 2024 is expected to live, assuming current mortality rates remain constant.

Life expectancy varies significantly across different regions and countries, influenced by factors such as healthcare quality, lifestyle, socio-economic conditions, and public health policies. For instance, Monaco boasts the highest life expectancy at 89.8 years, while Nigeria has one of the lowest at 54.64 years.

As of 2024, the countries with the lowest overall life expectancy are predominantly located in Africa.

The countries with the lowest life expectancy at birth: