In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 countries with the highest death rates. If you wish to learn about more, head straight to the 30 Countries with the Highest Death Rates.
5. Romania
Total Deaths per 1000 Population: 14.9
Romania’s healthcare system faces challenges with high death rates. Lung cancer tops the list of mortality causes, followed by colorectal and breast cancer. In 2020, COVID-19 alone resulted in around 16,000 deaths, comprising 5% of all deaths in the country. The COVID-19 mortality rate reached approximately 1,790 per million population by August 2021, surpassing the EU average. Additionally, Romania recorded 358 preventable deaths per 100,000 inhabitants and 235 deaths from treatable causes per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020, significantly higher than EU averages.
4. Hungary
Total Deaths per 1000 Population: 15
Hungary stands fourth among the countries with the highest death rates, with fluctuations over the years and a recent increase in the past decade. In 2020, around 141 thousand people died, a significant rise compared to previous years. The death rate increased by 1.6 deaths per 1,000 inhabitants from 2011 to 2021. Malignant neoplasms (cancer) and ischaemic heart diseases are the most common causes of death, highlighting significant health challenges for the population.
3. Serbia
Total Deaths per 1000 Population: 15.1
Serbia faces a significant death rate of 14.55 deaths per 1,000 persons, ranking among the countries with most deaths globally. Chronic non-communicable diseases are the leading causes of death, with cardiovascular diseases responsible for 51.8% of deaths and neoplasms at 21.7%. Accidents, suicides, and homicides were the main causes of violence-related deaths.
2. Lithuania
Total Deaths per 1000 Population: 15.2
Lithuania has seen a significant rise in its death rate, with 47.7 thousand deaths recorded in 2021, marking a 9.6% increase from the previous year. Approximately 77.7% of deaths are among individuals aged 65 and older. In 2020, Lithuania’s population was around 2.8 million, with a GDP per capita of US$19,554 in 2019. Health expenditure accounted for 7% of GDP in 2019. The crude death rate was 14.539 per 1000 people in 2024, and Lithuania’s mortality rate was lower than the EU average.
1. Ukraine
Total Deaths per 1000 Population: 19.8
Ukraine faces a significant death toll primarily due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, resulting in approximately 500,000 casualties among Ukrainian and Russian troops, making Ukraine stand first among the countries with the highest death rates. Civilian casualties, totaling 10,582 as of February 15, 2024, also contribute to the mortality rate. Additionally, common health issues impact Ukraine’s death rate, influenced by factors like access to healthcare and lifestyle-related diseases.
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