Life expectancy at birth for women is, on average, 8.8 years longer than for men (77.2 years compared to 68.4 years). However, as people age, the gap narrows—to one and a half years or less for those over 75.
Judging by the consistent trend of recent years, the indicator shows slow but steady growth. According to NBS data, in 2024, the country’s average life expectancy increased by only 0.1 years, reaching 72 years. The increase in life expectancy in 2025 was driven by a decline in the number of deaths among both men and women.
In 2025, the overall mortality rate decreased by 0.5 deaths per 1,000 residents compared to the previous year, reaching 13.5 deaths per 1,000 residents, with differences by gender (15.5‰ for men and 11.7‰ for women).
The number of centenarians (citizens over 100 years of age) in the republic is growing significantly. By the end of 2025, their number had increased to 679 people (compared to 534 in 2022).
Depopulation continues
Natural population growth, however, remains negative. Despite rising life expectancy, the country continues to experience depopulation. In 2025, the birth rate fell by 6.6% (only 22,100 children were born), as a result of which the death rate continues to exceed the birth rate.
Life expectancy declines with age for both sexes, but it remains higher for women throughout their lives, although the gender gap narrows specifically among the elderly.
After analyzing data on mortality rates by age and sex, the largest gender gap in life expectancy can be observed among newborns (age 0) and in the age groups up to 35–39 years (8.8 and 8.1 years, respectively). After age 75, the gap is minimal.
EU Leaders in Life Expectancy
According to the latest official demographic reports from Eurostat, average life expectancy in the European Union has reached a historic high of 81.7 years. Specifically, life expectancy for women stands at 84.1 years, while for men it is 78.9 years.
There remains a significant gap in life expectancy between Western and Eastern Europe.
Southern and Northern European countries have the highest life expectancy rates, exceeding 84 years:
– Spain (~84.0 years) — holds the top spot in the EU. In certain regions of the country (for example, in Madrid), people live to an average age of 85.7 years.
– Italy (~84.1 years) — ranks among the top countries thanks to its advanced healthcare system and the Mediterranean diet.
– Sweden (~84.1 years) — has the highest life expectancy among the Scandinavian EU countries.
– France (~83.7 years) — consistently ranks among the European leaders.
– Malta (~83.5 years) — leads among the island nations of the Commonwealth.
At the same time, the lowest figures are recorded in Eastern European countries:
– Bulgaria (~75.9 years) — has the lowest life expectancy in the European Union.
– Romania (~76.6 years) — ranks second to last.
– Latvia (~76.7 years) — has the worst life expectancy among the Baltic states.
