Life expectancy, a critical metric for gauging the overall health and well-being of a population, is influenced by a myriad of factors, including living standards, diet, sanitation, education, and healthcare accessibility. In the Asia-Pacific region, life expectancy has seen a steady increase, reaching an average of approximately 74.2 years in 2019 compared to 68.6 years in 2000. In this article, we will delve into the life expectancy figures for Central Asian countries, highlighting the significant improvements in recent years.
Central Asia's Average Life Expectancy
As per the World Bank, the average life expectancy in Central Asia was 71.8 years in 2020. While this figure represents a significant improvement since the turbulent early 1990s, it still lags behind the average for Asia (74.2 years) and the world (79.7 years).
The early '90s were a challenging time for Central Asian countries as they transitioned from socialist to market economies. During this period, life expectancy declined due to economic crises, social instability, deteriorating living and healthcare conditions, and the spread of diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
KAZAKHSTAN
Kazakhstan, the largest and most economically advanced country in the region, achieved a historical milestone in 2022, with an average life expectancy of 74.4 years, as reported by the Ministry of Health. The Bureau of National Statistics in Kazakhstan revealed that the working-age population at the beginning of 2023 numbered 9.4 mn. Interestingly, the country has a gender disparity with 9,861,175 women and 9,324,840 men, which translates to 946 men for every 1,000 women.
KYRGYZSTAN
Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous country in Central Asia, boasts an average life expectancy of 74.2 years, with men averaging 70.7 years and women 77.3 years. At the start of 2023, the population in Kyrgyzstan reached over 627,000 citizens, making up 9% of the total population. Of this population, over 197,000 men (5.7% of the male population) and about 430,000 women (12.1% of the female population) were beyond working age. The total number of men in Kyrgyzstan stands at 3,480,000 (49.5%), while women number 3,557,000 (50.5%). It's worth noting that certain regions within Kyrgyzstan, such as Batken, Jalal-Abad, and Osh, have a higher male population due to a higher birth rate.
TURKMENISTAN
In Turkmenistan, the population is almost evenly split, with 3,526,421 men and 3,531,420 women. Data from the UN Foundation for Population Activities (UNFPA) indicate that life expectancy is around 66 years for men and 73 years for women.
UZBEKISTAN
Uzbekistan reports an average life expectancy of 74.3 years, with the number of permanent residents reaching 36.6 mn as of October 1, 2023. This population includes 18,423,000 men and 18,177,000 women. A significant proportion of the population is within the working-age range, accounting for 56.5%, while 32% are younger than working age, and 11.5% are older.
TAJIKISTAN
Tajikistan, a mountainous country in the heart of Central Asia, has seen a noteworthy increase in life expectancy, with an average of 71 years in 2023, which is 6.5 years higher than the global average. Over the past five years, Tajikistan has made remarkable progress in reducing maternal mortality by 1.8 times and nursery mortality by 2.7 times, attributed to improved healthcare quality and access to modern technologies.
AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan, while not part of the Central Asian region, shares some demographic data. As of November 6, 2023, Afghanistan's population was estimated at 42,631,992 people, with a life expectancy of 65.97 years. The population increase is attributed to positive natural growth and external migration, with a slight male population surplus.
The diversity in life expectancy across Central Asian countries reflects the complex interplay of socio-economic factors, healthcare access, and public health policies. Continued efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and living conditions are likely to drive further improvements in life expectancy across the region.
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