When both sexes are combined, global life expectancy stands at about 73.5 years.

Today’s long lives would have been unimaginable to our ancestors. Around 1900, the global average life expectancy was just 32 years, largely because of high child mortality.

By 2021, it had more than doubled to 71 years, thanks to advancements in medicine, sanitation, vaccines and economic growth. The gains have occurred across all age groups: not only are children less likely to die young, but adults and the elderly are also surviving diseases that were once death sentences.

The rise has been remarkably consistent across continents. In 1800, no region had a life expectancy above 40 years. Today, even Africa, still the area with the shortest lifespans, has an average lifespan of over 60 years.

However, wide disparities remain. Nigeria’s life expectancy in 2021 was 30 years lower than Japan’s. Countries with lower averages also tend to have greater variation between rich and poor.

What drives longer lives?

The dramatic increase in life expectancy reflects public-health victories. Clean water, sanitation, vaccines and antibiotics have slashed deaths from infectious diseases. Improvements in maternal and newborn care mean more babies survive their first years.

Over the past half‑century, rising incomes and better nutrition have further extended life spans. Our World In Data emphasises that declines in mortality have been seen at all ages, not just among childrenourworldindata.org.

However, life expectancy stalled or even fell in some countries during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The World Health Organisation estimates that global life expectancy dropped by almost two years in 2020–2021 due to COVID‑19, reversing years of progress. Recovery has been uneven, with wealthier regions bouncing back faster than poorer ones.

Europe: 77.2 years

Europe boasts the highest life expectancy, with an average of 77.2 years. Countries like Spain, Italy, and Iceland have some of the highest life expectancies globally. This region is projected to approach 83 years by 2050.

Northern America: 76.9 years

Northern America, comprising the United States and Canada, has a life expectancy of 76.9 years. The United States has a life expectancy of 76.1 years, while Canada's is 81.1 years. By 2050, the continent is expected to be attaining 94 years.

Australia and New Zealand: 76.5 years

Australia and New Zealand have a combined life expectancy of 76.5 years. Australia's life expectancy is 75.6 years, while New Zealand's is 80.5 years. Australian and Oceanian elders are given a lifespan of 82.1 years in 2050.

Latin America and the Caribbean: 75.5 years

Latin America and the Caribbean have a life expectancy of 75.5 years. Countries like Chile, Costa Rica, and Cuba have made significant progress in increasing life expectancy. Interestingly, this region aims at 80.6 years by 2050.

Asia: 73.5 years

Asia's life expectancy is 73.5 years, with notable variations across countries. Japan has one of the highest life expectancies globally, at 87.2 years, while Afghanistan's is 64.1 years. By 2050, Asia's life expectancy is expected to approach 80 years.

Africa: 63.5 years

Africa has the lowest life expectancy, at 63.5 years. While some countries like Mauritius and Seychelles have made significant progress, others like the Central African Republic and Chad continue to face challenges. With the withdrawal of many health aids supported by USAID, the figures are likely to decline. The UN, however, sees a leap by 5 years in 2050.

This improvement reflects advancements in healthcare, education, and living standards throughout the continent.

The highest life expectancies are found in the southern regions, with Chile leading at 78.9 years, followed by the Falkland Islands at 78.6 years, and French Guiana at 77.2 years.

However, disparities remain, as Bolivia (63.6 years), Guyana (65.7 years), and Paraguay and Suriname (both 70.3 years) record the lowest life expectancies.

These figures highlight ongoing challenges related to healthcare access and economic development, particularly in more remote and less developed areas.