Spain adds over 40 years to life expectancy, now leads global longevity rankings

Over the last hundred years, Spain’s average life expectancy increased by more than 40 years, a surge that was most pronounced before the early 2000s and briefly reversed by the 1918 influenza pandemic, the civil war, its aftermath, and the recent coronavirus crisis. Global comparisons reveal that African nations and some Asian countries continue to have the shortest lifespans, whereas all European states now record at least 80 years.

The United States leads in per-capita health expenditure yet lags behind in longevity. Women consistently outlive men, and gains have been greatest at younger ages. Regional analysis shows Mediterranean areas such as Madrid and Navarra among the most long-lived, while northern provinces like Bizkaia, Álava and Palencia have seen the largest improvements, adding about 12 years since the mid-20th century.