Malawi Life Expectancy
Life expectancy at birth, total SP.DYN.LE00.IN
Malawi's life expectancy was 67.9 in 2025, ranked 169th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Malawi's life expectancy stood at 67.9 in 2025, a rise of +0.5 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 67.9 by 2025. Malawi ranked 169th globally.
Malawi’s life expectancy has risen dramatically over the 65‑year span covered by World Bank data, climbing from a trough of 34.99 years in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 67.89 years in 2025, placing the country 169th globally. The increase reflects sustained improvements in public health infrastructure, expanded access to antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS, and higher immunisation coverage, yet the figure remains marginally below that of nearby peers such as Zambia (67.57 years) and Micronesia, Federated States of (67.71 years). While the upward trajectory is evident, the pace of gains has slowed in recent years, suggesting that further reductions in maternal and child mortality, as well as continued investment in primary health care, will be crucial to push Malawi beyond its current ceiling and narrow the gap with higher‑ranking neighbours.
Data & projection
| Year | Life Expectancy | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 68.4 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 67.9 | - | - |
| 2025 | 67.9 | +0.5 | #169 |
| 2023 | 67.4 | +1.3 | #170 |
| 2022 | 66.0 | +1.3 | #178 |
| 2021 | 64.8 | −0.4 | #174 |
| 2020 | 65.2 | +0.2 | #176 |
| 2019 | 65.0 | +0.5 | #181 |
| 2018 | 64.5 | +0.5 | #182 |
| 2017 | 63.9 | +0.8 | #182 |
| 2016 | 63.2 | +0.8 | #187 |
| 2015 | 62.3 | +0.7 | #187 |
| 2014 | 61.7 | +0.8 | #189 |
| 2013 | 60.8 | +0.9 | #189 |
| 2012 | 59.9 | +1.0 | #190 |
| 2011 | 58.9 | +1.1 | #191 |
| 2010 | 57.8 | +1.1 | #192 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malawi matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2016. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw life expectancy improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malawi's life expectancy was 67.9 in 2025. Ranked 169th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from the previous year.
Malawi's life expectancy peaked at 67.9 in 2025.
The lowest life expectancy in Malawi was 35.0 in 1960.
Malawi ranks 169th globally in life expectancy as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malawi's life expectancy is projected to reach 67.9 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The life expectancy of Malawi in 2025 was 67.9. This ranks 169th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malawi_life-expectancy,
title = {Malawi Life Expectancy},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malawi/life-expectancy/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}