What is the average lifespan in Russia?

Oct 18, 2025 2 min read •

Demographics Healthy Aging

According to Statista, the total life expectancy at birth in Russia stood at 73.25 years in 2023, though other sources present slightly different figures. Understanding what is the average lifespan in Russia involves looking at regional variations, gender disparities, and historical trends that have shaped the country's health profile. This analysis is key to comprehending the challenges and successes in Russian public health.

Quick Summary

The average lifespan in Russia was approximately 73.25 years in 2023, though this national figure masks significant disparities. Key factors include high mortality rates among working-age men and regional differences in healthcare access and lifestyle habits, which create a notable gender gap in life expectancy.

Key Points

Recent Average Lifespan: As of 2023, the average life expectancy in Russia was approximately 73.25 years, a figure that shows recent improvements but remains below the global average.
Significant Gender Gap: A stark gender divide exists, with Russian women living significantly longer than men. In 2022, female life expectancy was nearly 78 years, while male life expectancy was around 68 years.
High Male Mortality: The lower male life expectancy is primarily driven by high mortality rates among working-age men, with key risk factors including excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and risky behaviors.
Key Health Issues: The main causes of death impacting longevity are cardiovascular diseases and injuries, exacerbated by lifestyle factors and, historically, by social and economic instability.
Regional Disparities: Life expectancy varies substantially by region, with some areas like the North Caucasus having longer lifespans, while others, particularly in the Far East, lag behind.
Historical Context: Russian longevity has faced severe fluctuations, including a significant drop after the Soviet collapse, but has shown a general upward trend since the mid-2000s due to public health efforts.

Current Life Expectancy in Russia

Russia's average life expectancy in 2023 was around 73.25 years, an increase from the previous year. This national average is influenced by several factors, including gender, location, and socio-economic conditions.

The Stark Gender Divide

Russia exhibits a notable difference in life expectancy between genders. Women generally live longer, with an average of 77.77 years in 2022, compared to men whose average was 67.57 years in the same year. This gap is partly attributed to higher mortality rates among working-age men from preventable causes, often linked to lifestyle choices.

Regional Variations

Life expectancy varies across Russia's vast territory. Regions like the North Caucasus tend to report higher figures, while areas in the Russian Far East have shown lower averages. These differences are connected to local economic conditions, healthcare access, and regional lifestyle practices. Major cities often have higher life expectancies than rural areas.

Factors Influencing Russian Longevity

Several elements contribute to the average lifespan in Russia.

Lifestyle and Health Issues

Significant factors include historical rates of alcohol and tobacco use, which are linked to various health problems like cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. The healthcare system's capacity to manage chronic conditions also plays a role, with access and quality varying geographically. The recent COVID-19 pandemic also impacted these health trends.

Socio-Economic Environment

Economic and social factors have historically influenced health outcomes in Russia, with periods of instability linked to changes in mortality rates. Access to quality medical services can also depend on economic resources available at regional and individual levels.

A Historical Perspective

Life expectancy in Russia has seen fluctuations over time. After increases, there were declines, notably after the Soviet Union's collapse, followed by an upward trend since the mid-2000s due to public health efforts. Recent national goals aim to increase this average. For historical context, further details are available from {Link: National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/}.

Comparison of Russian Life Expectancy (2022 Data)


Characteristic	Russia (Overall)	World Average	Russia (Female)	Russia (Male)
Life Expectancy (Years)	72.55	73.65	77.77	67.57
Difference from Female Life Expectancy	N/A	N/A	0.0	-10.2
Difference from World Average	-1.1	0.0	+4.12	-6.08

Prospects for Future Longevity

Improving the average lifespan in Russia faces ongoing challenges related to regional disparities, socio-economic factors, and the impact of geopolitical events. Future health initiatives will need to address these issues to achieve consistent progress.

Conclusion

Examining what is the average lifespan in Russia highlights a complex situation with recent improvements but significant internal disparities, particularly regarding gender and geography. These trends emphasize the importance of targeted health strategies and investment to improve longevity for all citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is a significant gender gap in Russia's average lifespan. As of 2022, females had a life expectancy of 77.77 years, while males had a life expectancy of 67.57 years. This difference is among the largest in the world.

The lower life expectancy for Russian men is often attributed to high mortality rates among working-age males from preventable causes. Key contributing factors include high rates of excessive alcohol consumption, heavy smoking, and a greater prevalence of risky behaviors such as accidents and violent crimes.

Russia's life expectancy has experienced a fluctuating history. After an increase post-World War II, it declined in the 1970s and 1980s. A notable mortality crisis occurred after the Soviet collapse in the early 1990s. Since the mid-2000s, however, it has been on a general upward trend, though with some recent setbacks.

Yes, there are substantial regional differences. Life expectancy tends to be higher in urban centers like Moscow and in certain regions like the North Caucasus. Conversely, it is often lower in remote and rural areas, such as parts of the Russian Far East.

Leading causes of death affecting Russian longevity include cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and stroke), cancer, and external causes such as injuries and violence. The impact of high alcohol and tobacco consumption on these conditions is a major public health concern.

In recent years, the Russian government has implemented various public health initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption. These efforts, combined with medical advancements and increased focus on chronic disease management, have contributed to an overall increase in life expectancy since the mid-2000s.

Recent geopolitical events and associated conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, can impact demographics and health. This includes the direct mortality of those involved in conflict and potential secondary effects, such as increased stress, migration, and disruptions to healthcare access, which may influence future life expectancy trends.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.