Life’s story is determined by its uncertainty. Nobody knows how long they will live, and while the destination is unavoidable, the timing is a complete mystery.
At the center of this enigmatic story is the concept of life expectancy, a strong indicator that provides insight into a population’s general health and well-being.
It acts as a compass, leading us through the waters of existence by calculating the average number of years a person born in a particular place may anticipate to live under current conditions. Importantly, while being limited to certain countries, increases in life expectancy are a significant indicator of development.
Consider Africa, where life expectancy has climbed by 10 years on average over the last two decades, according to the United Nations. The substantial increase during the period reflects the region’s drive to promote population health and well-being.
According to the intergovernmental organization’s World Population Prospect for 2022, a newborn in Algeria is anticipated to live for more than 77 years. Cabo Verde, Tunisia, and Mauritius were next, with a 76-year life expectancy.
According to the United Nations, the following are the ten African countries with the highest life expectancy:
| Rank | Country | Life expectancy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Algeria | 77 years |
| 2 | Capo Verde | 76 years |
| 3 | Tunisia | 76 years |
| 4 | Morocco | 75 years |
| 5 | Mauritius | 75 years |
| 6 | Seychelles | 75 years |
| 7 | Libya | 73 years |
| 8 | Western Sahara | 71 years |
| 9 | Egypt | 70 years |
| 10 | Senegal | 69 years |