Which country has the lowest life expectancy at birth?

The correct answer is Somalia, as it consistently reports very low life expectancy at birth due to several critical factors. Somalia has faced ongoing conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises which have severely impacted health care access and the overall quality of life for its citizens. The country has also dealt with epidemics, poverty, and malnutrition, all contributing to high mortality rates, particularly among infants and children.

When comparing Somalia to Afghanistan, Chad, and Zimbabwe, while all these countries face significant challenges impacting life expectancy, Somalia tends to have the lowest figures in recent statistics. Afghanistan experiences similar issues related to conflict and health care access, but its life expectancy, while low, is generally higher than that of Somalia. Chad, known for similar health issues, also has low life expectancy, but not as low as Somalia’s. Zimbabwe has experienced health crises, especially during economic decline, but its average life expectancy has improved in recent years, making it higher than Somalia’s.

This context illustrates why Somalia is recognized for having the lowest life expectancy at birth, highlighting the role of health systems, social conditions, and conflict in determining public health outcomes.