Life expectancy across Europe – where does Croatia stand?

Europe’s latest life expectancy figures are in, and they paint an interesting picture of health and longevity across the continent.

According to Eurostat’s estimates, Switzerland tops the list with an average life expectancy of 84.3 years, closely followed by Spain at 84 years.

Other countries aren’t far behind. Italy and Malta both clock in at 83.5 years, while Iceland and Cyprus hit 83.4. Sweden matches that 83.4 figure, Norway reaches 83.1, and France rounds out the top tier at 83 years.

The Scandinavian countries, in particular, shine when it comes to health and longevity. Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland all boast averages above 81 years, HRT writes.

Elsewhere, Ireland (82.9), Portugal (82.5), Luxembourg, and Belgium (both 81.9) also enjoy impressive lifespans.

At the lower end of the scale, Bulgaria records the shortest average at 75.8 years, with Lithuania and Latvia close behind at 75.6. Romania (76.4), Hungary, and Serbia (both 76.2) also lag.

Outside the EU, Turkey sits at 77.3 years, while North Macedonia and Albania record 76.4 and 77.6 years, respectively.

Croatia

So, where does Croatia fit into all this? With an average life expectancy of 78.6 years, it lands in the lower half of Europe’s ranking.

It’s on par with Slovakia and Poland but trails behind its neighbour Slovenia, where people live to 82 on average. While 78.6 years isn’t the lowest, it suggests there’s room for improvement in health and lifestyle factors for Croatians.

In Croatia, life expectancy at birth varied by region. People living along the Adriatic coast had a higher life expectancy than those in continental areas.

Coastal Croatia: 79.4 years
Continental Croatia: 77.4 years
Northern Croatia: 78.2 years