Average number of years that a
newborn is expected to live if current mortality rates continue
to apply [WHO].
Life expectancy at birth reflects the overall mortality level of
a population and summarizes the mortality pattern that prevails
across all age groups - children and adolescents, adults and the
elderly.
Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy
at birth is the average number of years newborn babies can be
expected to live if health conditions stay the same. It reflects
the health of a country's people and the quality of care they
receive when they are sick. Countries with low life expectancy
at birth tend to be located in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of
Asia. Countries with high life expectancy at birth tend to be
located in Europe, North America and parts of Asia and Latin
America [UNESCO].
