Women in Japan and men in San Marino have the longest life expectancies in the world, according to the World Health Organization.
Life expectancies are 86 years for Japanese women and 81 years for men in San Marino. On the other end of the scale, men in Sierra Leone are expected to live only 39 years, while women in Afghanistan live to an average age of 42 years, the Associated Press reported.
The figures are based on statistics from 2007. While some countries, such as Angola, Eritrea and Liberia have made great progress in increasing life expectancy, countries such as Botswana, Kenya and Lesotho have experienced a decrease in life expectancy since 1990, the WHO said.
The life expectancy statistics were among more than 100 health trends released Thursday by the Geneva-based body, the AP reported.