Top 25 Countries with the Lowest Life Expectancy

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Unveiling the World’s Shortest Lives: Top 25 Countries with the Lowest Life Expectancy in 2025

The stark reality of global health disparities continues to expose itself in 2025, with a list revealing the countries where life expectancy remains painfully low. With millions of lives cut short due to a mixture of poverty, inadequate healthcare, conflict, and other socio-economic challenges, these nations exemplify the urgent need for targeted interventions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 25 countries where people tend to live the shortest lives.

1. Nigeria – An African Powerhouse Facing Life Expectancy Challenges

Nigeria tops the list with an overall average life expectancy of just 54.6 years. Males have an average lifespan of 54.3 years, while females slightly edge them out at 54.9 years. Issues such as infectious diseases, high maternal mortality rates, and ongoing conflicts significantly contribute to these figures.

2. Chad – Struggling with Health Infrastructure and Poverty

Chad secures the second spot with a life expectancy of 55.2 years. Males live approximately 53.4 years while females average 57.2 years. Limited access to healthcare, malnutrition, and political instability hinder progress.

3. South Sudan – Battling Conflict and Healthcare Deficits

South Sudan’s residents have an average lifespan of 57.7 years. Males tend to live around 54.8 years, with females reaching about 60.8 years. Its ongoing civil conflicts and resulting displacement severely impact health outcomes.

4. Central African Republic – Endemic Instability and Disease

With a life expectancy of 57.7 years, the Central African Republic faces high rates of infectious diseases and ongoing political instability. Female life expectancy (59.6 years) still lags behind global averages.

5. Lesotho – A Fragile Healthcare System

Lesotho’s population lives an average of 57.8 years, with women living longer at 60.4 years. Malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, and limited medical facilities continue to threaten longevity.

6. Somalia – A Land of Challenges

At 59 years, Somalia’s life expectancy reflects persistent conflict, drought, and health issues. Males average 56.5 years, with females reaching about 61.5 years, highlighting gender disparities.

7. Mali – Battling Poverty and Disease

Mali’s residents have a median age of 60.7 years. Men live approximately 59.3 years, females 62.1. Malaria, limited healthcare infrastructure, and food insecurity contribute heavily.

8. Guinea – Facing Public Health Obstacles

Guinea’s life expectancy stands at 60.9 years. Both genders are affected equally at nearly 60 years, pointing to widespread health challenges and resource limitations.

9. Benin – A Growing but Vulnerable Population

Benin’s average lifespan is around 61 years. Women outlive men slightly at 62.4 years. Improving maternal health and combating infectious diseases remain priorities.

10. Burkina Faso – Endemic Diseases and Poverty

With a life expectancy of 61.3 years, Burkina Faso continues to struggle with high disease incidence, poverty, and limited healthcare access, especially in rural regions.

11. Niger – Struggling with Malnutrition and Healthcare

Niger records an average life expectancy of 61.4 years. The gap between male (60.5) and female (62.4) longevity underscores gender-specific health disparities.

12. Sierra Leone – Recovering from Civil War

Sierra Leone’s citizens live an average of 62 years. Males average 60.2 years, females 63.7. Despite improvements, health system recovery remains ongoing post-civil war.

13. Ivory Coast – Progress Amid Challenges

Average life expectancy is at 62.1 years. Males and females experience a ten-year difference, with women reaching 64.3 years, reflecting better maternal health.

14. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – Continual Struggles

With a 62.1-year average, DRC faces recurrent outbreaks of disease, conflict, and malnutrition, affecting both men and women.

15. Liberia – Post-Conflict Recovery

Liberia’s residents have an average expectancy of 62.3 years, with women living slightly longer at 63.6. Improving healthcare access is a critical goal.

16. Nauru – Small but Vulnerable Pacific Nation

Despite its small size, Nauru records a 62.3-year life expectancy. Gender disparities are evident, with women living longer than men.

17. Togo – Lingering Health Challenges

Togo’s population has a median lifespan of 62.9 years. Slight gender differences favor women, highlighting ongoing health issues.

18. Zimbabwe – Economic and Health System Strains

Zimbabwe’s residents live an average of 63.1 years, with women reaching 65.3 years. Economic instability and health access issues persist.

19. Kenya – Progress Amid Socioeconomic Hurdles

Kenya boasts a 63.8-year average lifespan, with females living approximately 66.1 years, reflecting improvements in maternal and child health.

20. Madagascar – Facing Multiple Public Health Challenges

Madagascar also totals a 63.8-year life expectancy. The country continues battling infectious diseases and poverty.

21. Burundi – Small Yet Disadvantaged

With a 63.8-year average lifespan, Burundi’s health system struggles with infectious diseases, malnutrition, and limited healthcare infrastructure.

22. Mozambique – Resilience Amid Hardships

Mozambique residents live around 63.8 years, with females outliving males by nearly 6 years, emphasizing gender disparities in health access.

23. Equatorial Guinea – Oil Wealth Not Translating to Longer Lives

Despite oil revenues, life expectancy remains at 63.9 years. Gender disparities mirror other nations at over 65 years for women.

24. Cameroon – Caught Between Development and Disease

Cameroon’s population reaches a life expectancy of 64 years. Public health initiatives continue to address infectious diseases.

25. Guinea-Bissau – Small but Struggling

The last on the list, Guinea-Bissau, records a life expectancy of 64.3 years. Limited healthcare infrastructure contributes to its ranking.

The data clearly illustrates that despite global progress, millions still face a fragile existence with life expectancy barely crossing 55-65 years. Addressing root causes—poverty, conflict, healthcare access—is crucial to ensuring longer, healthier lives for all.

Source: UN World Population Prospects 2025