Understanding Life Expectancy in Spain

Spain consistently ranks among the countries with the highest life expectancy in the world. In 2022, the average life expectancy in Spain was 82.55 years, with 85.8 years for females and 80.3 years for males. 

However, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, life expectancy for both males and females fell below the existing trend line, which had been steadily increasing based on data from 2007 to 2022.

Based on data from the Ministry of Health and its annual reports "Esperanzas de vidaen España" (Life Expectancy in Spain), the average life expectancy in Spain for the period 2007-2022 is 85.5 years for females and 79.7 years for males. 

This data highlights the significant gender gap in life expectancy, with females consistently living longer than males.

Despite some fluctuations, such as the decrease in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic (beginning marked with 😷), Spain maintains a high average life expectancy, placing it among the top countries in the world in terms of longevity.

Spain has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, ranking 10th in the world according to United Nations data ( See Chart 1 ) and 9th according to the World Bank Group for 2022 ( See Chart 2 ).

With an average life expectancy of 85.5 years for women and 79.7 years for men, Spain is ahead of countries such as France and Italy, but slightly behind leading nations such as Japan and Switzerland. 

This consistently high ranking highlights Spain's strong healthcare system, healthy lifestyle and favorable climate, all of which contribute to its impressive longevity rates.

Chart 1 

Chart 2

Spain has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, thanks to several key factors that promote a long and healthy life. 

• The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, seafood, and fresh produce, plays an important role in reducing heart disease and inflammation while providing essential nutrients that support overall health. 

• In addition, Spain's more than 300 days of sunshine per year not only improves mood and boosts vitamin D levels, but also encourages a more active lifestyle. 

• Finally, Spain's universal healthcare system ensures that its citizens receive high-quality preventive care and advanced treatments, further contributing to the country's impressive longevity.

Yes, life expectancy in Spain has generally been increasing over the years, as shown by the data from 2007 to 2022.

For females, life expectancy rose from 84.3 years in 2007 to a peak of 86.6 years in 2019, before experiencing a slight drop to 85.0 years in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2022, it recovered to 85.8 years. 

Similarly, for males, life expectancy increased from 77.8 years in 2007 to 80.9 years in 2019, before falling to 79.5 years in 2020 due to the pandemic, and stabilizing at 80.3 years by 2022.

Overall, despite the temporary decline caused by the pandemic, the long-term trend shows an upward trajectory in life expectancy for both genders, with Spain's average life expectancy steadily improving over time. 

This increase is attributed to factors such as improved healthcare, a healthy Mediterranean diet, and a generally high standard of living.

The leading causes of death in Spain highlight the impact of chronic diseases and lifestyle-related conditions on public health. 

Ischaemic heart disease tops the list with a rate of 104.6 deaths per 100,000 population, highlighting the continuing burden of cardiovascular problems. 

Alzheimer's disease and other dementias follow closely with 83.3 deaths, reflecting Spain's ageing population and the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases. 

Stroke ranks third with 60 deaths, further highlighting the challenges of cardiovascular health.

Other major causes include cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lung with 48.1 deaths, linked to smoking and environmental factors, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with 36.6 deaths, often caused by long-term exposure to harmful particles such as cigarette smoke. 

Cancer of the colon and rectum contributes to 36.4 deaths, reflecting lifestyle and dietary factors, while lower respiratory infections (27.5 deaths) affect vulnerable groups, especially the elderly. 

Kidney disease (22.8 deaths), hypertensive heart disease (17.7 deaths) and diabetes mellitus (16.4 deaths) round off the list, highlighting the growing concern about chronic diseases linked to lifestyle and age. 

These figures, released by the World Health Organization in 2019, underscore the importance of preventive health care and lifestyle changes in reducing mortality rates from these common conditions.