South Africa Life Expectancy
Life expectancy at birth, total SP.DYN.LE00.IN
South Africa's life expectancy was 65.1 in 2025, ranked 190th globally. This represents a 1.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's life expectancy stood at 65.1 in 2025, a decline of +1.0 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 65.1 by 2025. South Africa ranked 190th globally.
South Africa's life expectancy, at 65.14 years as of 2025, ranks 190 globally, indicating a relatively low standing among its peers, including Angola with a life expectancy of 65.30 years. Since 1960, the country's life expectancy has shown a moderate increase, rising from 52.58 years, its all-time trough, to 66.14 years in 2023, its all-time peak. This improvement reflects advancements in healthcare and living standards, although the pace of progress has been uneven. Notably, South Africa's life expectancy remains below that of its peer countries, such as West Bank and Gaza, which boasts a life expectancy of 65.46 years. The country's life expectancy has been impacted by various factors, including high rates of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. To reverse the trend, South Africa would need to sustain and expand investments in healthcare infrastructure and human resources, as well as address the root causes of poor health outcomes, such as poverty and inequality.
Data & projection
| Year | Life Expectancy | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 65.2 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 65.1 | - | - |
| 2025 | 65.1 | −1.0 | #190 |
| 2023 | 66.1 | +0.7 | #181 |
| 2022 | 65.5 | +3.4 | #182 |
| 2021 | 62.0 | −3.1 | #190 |
| 2020 | 65.2 | −0.9 | #178 |
| 2019 | 66.1 | +0.3 | #174 |
| 2018 | 65.7 | +0.3 | #176 |
| 2017 | 65.4 | +0.7 | #174 |
| 2016 | 64.7 | +0.7 | #175 |
| 2015 | 64.1 | +0.9 | #176 |
| 2014 | 63.2 | +0.8 | #180 |
| 2013 | 62.4 | +0.7 | #182 |
| 2012 | 61.7 | +1.1 | #183 |
| 2011 | 60.6 | +1.7 | #187 |
| 2010 | 58.9 | +1.5 | #189 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw life expectancy improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
The global patient handling equipment market's expansion, driven by population aging, indicates an increasing need for specialized care infrastructure worldwide. With South Africa's life expectancy at 65.1 years, its
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's life expectancy was 65.1 in 2025. Ranked 190th globally. This represents a 1.5% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's life expectancy peaked at 66.1 in 2023.
The lowest life expectancy in South Africa was 52.6 in 1960.
South Africa ranks 190th globally in life expectancy as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's life expectancy is projected to reach 65.1 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The life expectancy of South Africa in 2025 was 65.1. This ranks 190th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_life-expectancy,
title = {South Africa Life Expectancy},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/life-expectancy/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}