From the Maldives to Malawi, discover the nations where life expectancy has jumped upwards thanks to medical advancements and more
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Back in 1965, the average life expectancy globally was 54. As of 2025, that number has risen by around 20 years, thanks to a combination of public health advancements, medical breakthroughs and improved living standards.
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But where in the world has life expectancy increased the most? Read on to find out the top ten countries, in reverse order, based on data from Our World in Data and the UN…
10) Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s life expectancy has jumped from 48 in 1965 to 80 in 2025. In particular, the nation’s health reforms under Vision 2030 – a strategic framework launched in 2016 to improve Saudi Arabia’s economy and society – have contributed to improved public health outcomes. These reforms include broader access to healthcare, expanded early screening, healthy lifestyle campaigns and nutrition policies (such as reducing harmful ingredients from food).
The nation has also seen a decrease in deaths from preventable causes. The most recent data from the World Bank shows infant mortality is at around five to six deaths per 1,000 live births, much lower than a few decades ago. Reports also note a substantial decrease in road traffic fatalities – 60 per cent decline since 2016 – which reduces early adult mortality in Saudi Arabia.
9) Malawi
In Malawi, life expectancy has increased from 36 in 1965 to 68 in 2025. Major advances in HIV treatment in the nation are one factor – by the end of 2022, around 93 per cent of people living with HIV in Malawi were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Higher ART coverage reduces AIDS-related deaths, boosting average life expectancy.
In addition, according to WHO health data reports, life expectancy at birth and healthy life expectancy have both increased as deaths from communicable diseases have declined in recent years.
8) Iran
Iran’s life expectancy has rocketed from 46 to 78 between 1965 and 2025.
Significant steps have been taken to reduce maternal mortality in the nation, through health policies, free antenatal care and expanded health networks. According to the Healthy Newborn Network, the nation’s maternal mortality ratio has fallen dramatically to around 22 deaths per 100,000 live births.
As well as this, studies and analyses point toward steady investment in Iran in vaccination campaigns, sanitation and public health, all of which combine to boost life expectancy.
7) Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s average life expectancy has soared from 35 to 67 between 1965 and 2025. Such an uptick reflects long-term improvements in health conditions, even though recent years show fluctuations.
Although Afghanistan’s healthcare system remains fragile, there are certain projects being undertaken by UNICEF and the Ministry of Public Health to build primary healthcare systems, train health workers and expand vaccination programmes – all of which are vital for a high life expectancy.
Still, millions in Afghanistan require health assistance due to limited access to care and outbreaks, which slows life expectancy gains.
6) Timor-Leste
At number six is Timor-Leste, whose life expectancy has increased from 35 to 68 between 1965 and 2025. Better maternal care, immunisation and preventative health services are key drivers of rising life expectancy in the country.
The nation has also made significant progress in eliminating major infectious diseases, such as polio, measles and maternal/neonatal tetanus, from its population. Timor-Leste’s health system has benefitted from partnerships with WHO, UNICEF and other UN agencies that provide technical assistance and immunisation support.
5) Yemen
Life expectancy in Yemen is shaped by a complex mix of progress with ongoing challenges. There, life expectancy has increased from 36 to 70 between 1965 and 2025.
UNICEF data shows improvements in key child health outcomes in the nation. For example, the infant mortality rate is estimated at around 35 per 1,000 live births – much lower than in earlier decades.
There have also been some improvements in health services and public health interventions in Yemen, despite the backdrop of conflict-driven crises and food insecurity in the nation.
However, ultimately, ongoing war and limited healthcare access have slowed improvements, and in some years even reversed gains.
4) Algeria
At number four is Algeria, whose life expectancy has soared from 43 to 77 between 1965 and 2025. Such a high life expectancy far exceeds many sub-Saharan African countries and places it closer to global averages.
Since 1965, Algeria has invested heavily in expanded public health services and universal health care access, which tends to improve survival across all age groups.
In addition, the nation has also benefitted from long-term development in education, nutrition and income levels, playing a role in reducing disease and premature death.
3) Bhutan
In Bhutan, life expectancy was around 74 years old in 2025. Back in 1965, that figure was just 38.
Women tend to live longer than men in Bhutan. In 2023, female life expectancy was about 74.97 years, while male life expectancy was about 71.31 years.
A combination of health, social and demographic improvements explains the uptick in Bhutan’s life expectancy. Its infant mortality rate is now relatively low – around 19 per 1,000 live births – and under-five mortality rates have fallen sharply compared to earlier decades. The nation has also expanded its childhood vaccination and preventive health services.
According to UNICEF, major progress in maternal health – for example providing access to care at a much greater level – is reducing mortality rates.
2) Oman
Oman’s life expectancy has increased dramatically from the mid-20th century, rising from 41 in 1965 to 81 in 2025. The nation has strengthened its healthcare infrastructure, providing better treatment of infections, chronic conditions and injuries.
Infant and child mortality have steadily declined due to better immunisation programmes, maternal and newborn care and broader health coverage.
Oman’s healthcare system is also based on free or widely accessible primary care, a factor linked globally with a longer life expectancy.
1) Maldives
Today, Maldives’ life expectancy sits at 82 years old, double the figure back in 1965. Across the past decades, the country has invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to essential services such as vaccinations, maternal and child healthcare and treatment of common diseases.
Improvements in living standards, education, nutrition and sanitation have also supported the development of healthier individuals with lower mortality.
