5 Countries with Lowest Life Expectancy in the World

In this piece, we will take a look at the 5 countries with lowest life expectancy in the world. For more countries, head on over to 30 countries with lowest life expectancy in the world.

5. South Sudan

Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 55.0

South Sudan has been home to a major healthcare workers shortage, which combined with poor healthcare infrastructure and health service utilizations ensures it is one of the nations with the lowest life expectancy in the world. It also has really high infant and child mortality rates which further contribute to a lower life expectancy.

4. Central African Republic

Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 53.9

While life expectancy for Central African Republic has improved slightly year over year, a lot more still needs to be done to improve standards of living and quality of life in this country of around 5 million people.

3. Lesotho

Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 53.1

Lesotho has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world, while it is also home to plenty of natural disasters, all of which contribute to it being one of the countries with the lowest life expectancy in the world.

2. Nigeria

Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 52.7

It may become the third most populated country in the world by 2050 but that’s mainly because of a high birth rate, not a high life expectancy. Influenza and pneumonia are among the leading causes of death in the nation.

1. Chad

Life expectancy at birth in 2021: 52.5

Topping the list of the 30 countries with the lowest life expectancy is Chad, where average life expectancy at birth is closer to what the global average was in the 1960s, thus showing that barely any improvements have been made in this country since. Civil war and natural disasters have deeply affected the economy of an already poor nation.