WHO European health information at your fingertips.

Data set notes

European Health for All database

Indicators: 565

Updated: 18 October 2024

Contact: Data and Digital Health Unit (DDH)

The following abbreviations are used in the indicator titles:

• SDR: age-standardized death rates (see HFA-DB user manual/Technical notes, page 13, for details)

• FTE: full-time equivalent

• PP: physical persons

• PPP$: purchasing power parities expressed in US $, an internationally comparable scale reflecting the relative domestic purchasing powers of currencies.

More information: http://www.euro.who.int/en/data-and-evidence/databases/european-health-for-all-database-hfa-db

Indicator notes

Life expectancy at birth (years), females
Indicator code: E060101.F This indicator shares the definition with the parent indicator \"Life expectancy at birth (years)\".

Calculated by WHO/EURO for all countries which report detailed mortality data to WHO, using Wiesler's method. Age disaggregation of mortality data: 0, 1-4, 5-9,10-14, etc, 80-84, 85+.

Unfortunately, some countries are not able to ensure complete registration of all death cases and births. Therefore, life expectancy calculated using incomplete mortality data is higher than it actualy is. In some cases under-registration of deaths may reach 20% and this has to be kept in mind when making comparisons between countries. Particularly high levels of mortality under-registration are observed in countries which were affected by armed conflicts during 1990's, e.g. Georgia, Albania, Tajikistan and some other countries of former USSR and ex-Yugoslavia . In case of Georgia this problem is further aggravated by missing sufficiently accurate population estimates used as denominator._

Country/Area notes

Albania

Life expectancy is much higher than in reality due to the under-registration of death cases.
The sharp increase in 2001 is caused by the sharp change in population age structure based on the
2001 population census.

Armenia

January 2003: The 2002 population is based on the population census and is significantly lower than
estimates for previous years. This also effects the calculation of all rates and other indicators,
like life expectancy which show sharp changes between 2001 and 2002, purely because of the change in
the denominator. Indicators prior to 2002 will be recalculated if the retroactvely adjusted
population figures are received from the Central Statistical Office of Armenia.

Georgia

Data from 1995 onwards are estimates of the State Statisitcs Department made to adjust for
under-registration of deaths. They may be inconsistent with some other mortality-related indicators
which have been calculated using reported data on registered deaths.

Türkiye

Source: TURKSTAT (Turkish Statistical Institute).
Data are based on mid-year estimations of national population projections and indirect estimations.

General notes

What is Life Expectancy at Birth (Years), Females?

Life expectancy at birth for females is a critical demographic indicator that measures the average number of years a newborn female is expected to live under current mortality levels. This statistic is not merely a measure of longevity but also a mirror reflecting the health and social conditions prevailing in a country. It is calculated based on the mortality rates at different ages, and any improvement in these rates can significantly extend the expected life span. This indicator is essential for government policy makers, health professionals, and researchers to evaluate and improve the health standards and quality of life for women across different regions.

Importance of Life Expectancy at Birth (Years), Females

Understanding the life expectancy of females at birth is crucial for assessing the overall health and development of a society. This indicator helps identify health disparities between genders and across different geographic and socio-economic groups. Governments and health organizations use this data to allocate resources more effectively, targeting areas where women's health needs are greatest. Additionally, trends in female life expectancy can indicate broader social issues, such as access to healthcare, nutritional standards, and the impact of public health policies. Thus, it serves as a fundamental measure for social progress and gender equality.

Strengths and Limitations of Life Expectancy at Birth (Years), Females

While life expectancy at birth is a valuable indicator, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations that need to be considered when interpreting the data.

Strengths

One of the primary strengths of this indicator is its ability to provide a snapshot of the overall health and longevity of a population, specifically females, at a glance. It is widely used internationally, allowing for comparisons across different countries and time periods. This comparability makes it an essential tool for global health assessments and for monitoring changes in health outcomes over time. Furthermore, life expectancy figures are instrumental in planning and implementing public health strategies, as they highlight the successes and failures of health policies and interventions.

Limitations

However, the calculation of life expectancy at birth also faces several limitations. The accuracy of this measure heavily depends on the quality of mortality data, which can vary significantly between regions and over time. In countries where record-keeping is poor, estimates may be less reliable. Additionally, life expectancy does not account for the quality of life or disparities in health that might exist within the average lifespan. It also does not reflect the impact of temporary but significant events, such as pandemics or natural disasters, which can temporarily alter mortality rates. Moreover, this indicator does not provide insights into the causes of death, which are crucial for targeted health interventions.

In conclusion, while life expectancy at birth for females is a powerful tool for understanding and improving women's health globally, it must be used judiciously and interpreted in the context of its limitations. By combining this indicator with other health metrics and qualitative assessments, a more comprehensive understanding of women's health and well-being can be achieved.