Humans live longer now than we ever have in our history. Advancements in technology and health, coupled with reductions in poverty, have raised life expectancy in every single country since 1950.
This animated map charts those gains from 1950 through 2021 using information from Our World in Data. In this map, life expectancy is defined as follows:
“The average number of years a newborn would live if age-specific mortality rates in the current year were to stay the same throughout its life.”
The map uses modern borders and country names to show trends in life expectancy. The video begins in 1950, and countries on the map gradually turn brighter colors as life expectancy grows. While there are periods when average life expectancy dips, it grows by nearly 25 years between 1950 and 2021.
Along the way, the map spotlights extreme highs and lows, such as Japan becoming the first country to reach 80 years in 1996. The final comparison between 1950 and 2021 shows the magnitude and extent of the gains.
You can also see echoes of significant world events. There is evidence of armed conflicts in places like North Korea and Rwanda. You can also see the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as it reduces average global life expectancy.
While this map celebrates progress, it highlights the inequities that still exist today. A rising tide does generally lift all boats. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to be done to address the remaining gaps.
By the Numbers
Here are the 10 countries with the highest life expectancy in 2021.
| Country | Life Expectancy |
|---|---|
| Monaco | 85.9 years |
| Japan | 84.8 years |
| Australia | 84.5 years |
| Switzerland | 84 years |
| Malta | 83.8 years |
| South Korea | 83.7 years |
| Liechtenstein | 83.3 years |
| Norway | 83.2 years |
| Spain | 83 years |
| Sweden | 83 years |
Here are the 10 countries with the lowest life expectancy in 2021.
| Country | Life Expectancy |
|---|---|
| Chad | 52.5 years |
| Nigeria | 52.7 years |
| Lesotho | 53.1 years |
| Central African Republic | 53.9 years |
| South Sudan | 55 years |
| Somalia | 55.3 years |
| Eswatini | 57.1 years |
| Cote d’Ivoire | 58.6 years |
| Guinea | 58.9 years |
| Mali | 58.9 years |
