A new global visualization for 2025 reveals striking differences in life expectancy across countries, showing how geography continues to play a defining role in longevity.
According to United Nations projections, Western European nations lead the world, with most countries recording an average life expectancy above 80 years. In contrast, many African nations still fall below 60 years, underscoring ongoing health and developmental challenges.
Monaco is expected to top the global list, with an average life expectancy of about 87 years, followed closely by Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. These nations benefit from advanced healthcare systems, strong public health policies, and high living standards.
The data also highlights widening regional disparities. Europe and East Asia dominate the higher life expectancy ranges, while parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia continue to struggle due to limited access to quality healthcare, nutrition, and education.
However, experts caution that averages can mask internal inequalities—differences between urban and rural populations, income levels, and healthcare access. Life expectancy at birth remains a theoretical measure that assumes current mortality rates stay constant, which may shift with global health trends.
