Shocking truth bomb! Some people’s lifespans are cut short by DECADES—and these 10 countries have terrifyingly low life expectancy. You’ll never guess what’s behind it.
TOP 10. Malawi (51.55 years)
This tiny African nation is totally dependent on farming and super poor—its healthcare system has been in shambles for years. There’s some good news: Fewer kids are dying young, and HIV rates have dropped a little. But big issues still linger: Maternal death rates are through the roof, and female genital mutilation is still rampant.
TOP 9. Angola (49.62 years)
Angola is Africa’s 7th biggest country, and its economy is blowing up—but most people still live in extreme poverty. Its life expectancy and infant mortality rates are some of the worst globally. Diseases like cholera, malaria, rabies, hemorrhagic fever, and TB are running amok, killing tons of people.
TOP 8. Mali (49.99 years)
Home to around 15 million people, Mali is hit with a triple whammy: poverty, malnutrition, and a total lack of basic hygiene facilities. Its health and development stats are dead last globally. Hospitals and meds are severely scarce, and about 90% of girls and women undergo female genital mutilation—something that often ends in death.
TOP 7. Chad (48.52 years)
Chad is drowning in political violence and failed coups—it’s one of the poorest and most corrupt countries on Earth. Cities have basically zero proper infrastructure: Only 48% of urban folks have access to clean water, and just 2% have basic sanitation. Rural areas are even worse, where people often go hungry and can’t get daily essentials.
TOP 6. Eswatini (47.36 years)
This small developing country in Southern Africa has two major killers: HIV and TB. It has the HIGHEST HIV infection rate worldwide—about 26% of adults have this deadly disease. TB is less common, but it’s still lethal, with an 18% mortality rate.
TOP 5. Afghanistan (47.32 years)
Afghanistan is one of the most war-ravaged places on the planet. Years of conflict have totally destroyed its healthcare system—maternal and infant death rates are among the highest globally. To make matters worse, around 80,000 people have lost limbs to landmines and other weapons.
TOP 4. Zambia (46.93 years)
Zambia used to be doing pretty well, but it crashed into poverty in the 1970s when global copper prices plummeted. Since then, it’s been stuck dealing with HIV outbreaks, a shortage of hospitals and clinics, and terrible access to clean water and sanitation. Nearly 70% of people live below the poverty line—they can’t even afford basic medical care.
TOP 3. Zimbabwe (46.59 years)
Zimbabwe is loaded with natural resources, but things went south fast during Robert Mugabe’s rule. His violent policies and social chaos destroyed the country. The healthcare system totally collapsed—people can’t get basic medical help and often die from plagues, HIV, cholera, and other diseases.
TOP 2. Lesotho (46.02 years)
Lesotho is completely landlocked by South Africa and has around 2 million people. HIV is its biggest health nightmare—about 50% of women under 40 in cities are infected. But here’s the silver lining: Things are getting better! Life expectancy has jumped from 42 years in 2006 to over 46 years now.
TOP 1. Central African Republic (45.91 years)
The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries on the globe. Back in 2014, it ranked 187th out of 188 countries in human development. People here are plagued by all kinds of health issues: measles, malaria, HIV, and female genital mutilation. Right now, its life expectancy is under 46 years—that’s the LOWEST in the world.