Since the mid-20th century, the world has seen a remarkable transformation in how long people live. In 1965, the global average life expectancy was just 54 years, but that number had climbed 20 years by 2025. This progress is not just a matter of luck but the result of massive investments in medicine, clean water, and nutrition.
Many nations that once struggled with high rates of infant mortality have built modern healthcare systems and expanded vaccination programs. While every country on this list has made strides, some have seen their average lifespan nearly double in just six decades.
These stories of survival and growth highlight how significantly human health can improve when global efforts and local policies work together. In this gallery, we list places that have seen the biggest increase in life expectancy between 1965 and 2025. Click to get started.