Despite being the largest economy in the world, Americans have shorter life expectancies compared to residents of many other affluent nations.
For instance, people in Japan, the fourth-largest economy globally, live about five years longer on average. Similarly, individuals in countries like France and Italy outlive Americans by approximately four years.
This infographic, sourced from Visual Capitalist’s Dorothy Neufeld, illustrates life expectancy by country among the world’s top 30 economies, using data from the United Nations.
GDP data was obtained from the International Monetary Fund.
A Detailed Examination of Life Expectancy by Country
Below, we present a ranking of countries based on GDP in 2025, along with their life expectancies at birth:
With an average life expectancy of 80 years, Americans have shorter lifespans compared to many other major economies. Various factors contribute to this disparity, including limited healthcare access, high obesity rates, and elevated homicide rates.
It is noteworthy that the U.S. is the sole G10 country lacking universal healthcare. Moreover, it bears one of the highest healthcare costs among wealthy nations, amounting to $14,885 per person, roughly twice the OECD average.
China, the world’s second-largest economy, has an average life expectancy of 79 years, up from 68 in 1990. Recent national initiatives have aimed at enhancing disease prevention and expanding medical insurance coverage.
India’s life expectancy stands at 73 years, ranking among the lowest within the top 30 economies by GDP. Additionally, life expectancy varies significantly by caste, with lower-caste individuals living approximately four years less on average than those in higher castes.
Nonetheless, India has witnessed some of the most significant improvements in life expectancy globally over the past six decades. Since 1965, the average lifespan has surged by 27 years, reflecting advancements in healthcare, reduced child mortality, and improved nutrition, bolstered by robust economic growth.
For further insights on this subject, explore this visual representation depicting countries with the lengthiest life expectancies.
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