GLOBAL EDGE

THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF a population can reveal more than just who’s genetically blessed, who eats the best and who’s got access to the best doctors. Average life spans can also shed light on the devastating realities of war and epidemic—things that take people before their time. Here’s a glimpse, according to the CIA World Factbook, of how different countries stack up.

MONACO

89.6 years

This tiny principality has the longest life expectancy on the planet, thanks in part to diet, lifestyle, wealth and abundant health care.

UNITED STATES

79.6 YEARS

Living to nearly 80 may seem like a long time, but compared with other countries, the U.S. ranks 42nd in terms of longevity.

ARGENTINA

77.5 YEARS

There is a more-than-six-year gap between life expectancy for men and women. Here, the ladies live longer.

SWITZERLAND

82.4 YEARS

A good economy, low obesity rates and excellent health care contribute to this being the oldest-living European country.

JAPAN

84.5 YEARS

The Japanese work longer, live longer and eat more vegetables than almost any other people in the world. A robust health system helps too.

CHAD

49.4 YEARS

Chad has the lowest life expectancy in the world. High maternal and infant mortality, poor sanitation and limited health care are factors.

SOUTH AFRICA

49.6 YEARS

South Africa’s HIV/AIDS epidemic in part accounts for its very short life expectancy.

AFGHANISTAN

50.5 YEARS

Ongoing war and instability in the region keep the average life expectancy low.

HONG KONG

82.8 YEARS

Life expectancy in Hong Kong has increased dramatically in recent decades, thanks in part to modern health care, lifestyle and diet.