Life expectancy across the European Union has rebounded strongly after the COVID-19 pandemic, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 2023. However, Croatia continues to lag behind the EU average, according to the latest data from Eurostat.
Life expectancy at birth in Croatia reached 78.9 years in 2024, remaining significantly lower than the EU average of 81.5 years.
While the figures show gradual improvement, the gap highlights ongoing health and socio-economic challenges in the country compared with many developed EU nations.
In addition to shorter overall life expectancy, Croatians also experience fewer years in good health, Večernji list writes.
On average, citizens in Croatia can expect to live around 61 years in good health, placing the country below the EU average. Experts say that under such circumstances it is difficult to discuss extending the working life of the population until Croatia moves closer to developed European countries in both life expectancy and healthy life years.
Strong regional differences within Croatia
Significant regional disparities also remain within the country.
People living along the coast and in the capital tend to live longer and healthier lives, while eastern parts of the country face poorer outcomes.
According to the latest data:
• City of Zagreb: 80.2 years
• Adriatic Croatia: 79.9 years
• Northern Croatia: 78.5 years
• Pannonian Croatia: 77.2 years
Eastern Croatia, particularly Slavonia, continues to face the most challenging situation.
A 2024 OECD study noted that although quality of life in Croatia has improved over the past decade, large geographical disparities persist. Residents of coastal counties and Zagreb generally live longer and healthier lives than those in Pannonian Croatia, the region with the lowest GDP per capita and a significantly higher risk of poverty and poorer health outcomes.
Across Europe, the longest life expectancies are still recorded in southern countries.
In 2024, the highest national life expectancy at birth in the EU was recorded in:
• Spain – 84 years
• Sweden – 83.8 years
• Italy – 83.7 years
• Cyprus – 83.5 years
• Luxembourg – 83.2 years
Outside the EU, Switzerland reported an even higher figure of 84.2 years.
Researchers attribute longer lifespans in countries such as Spain and Italy partly to Mediterranean diets, lifestyle factors, accessible healthcare and favourable climates. Sweden’s strong social welfare system, high incomes and quality healthcare also contribute to longevity.
At the regional level, life expectancy exceeded 85 years in several European regions including the Community of Madrid, the Autonomous Province of Trento, Bolzano–South Tyrol, and the Stockholm region.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest life expectancy figures were recorded in three regions of Bulgaria:
• Northwest region: 73.9 years
• North Central region: 74.9 years
• Northeast region: 75.4 years
Women continue to live longer than men
Across the EU, women continue to live significantly longer than men.
In 2024:
• Women in the EU: 84.1 years
• Men in the EU: 78.9 years
In Croatia, the difference is similar:
• Women: 81.8 years
• Men: 76 years
The smallest gender gaps in life expectancy were recorded in the Netherlands (2.8 years), Sweden (3.1 years) and Ireland (3.4 years).
The largest gap was found in Latvia, where women are expected to live almost 10 years longer than men.
Pandemic impact reversed
Life expectancy across the EU had been steadily increasing for decades, rising by more than two years per decade since the 1960s. Improvements have been driven by higher living standards, better lifestyles, reduced infant mortality and advances in medicine and science.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary decline in 2020 and 2021.
By 2023, life expectancy across the EU had already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, signalling a strong recovery.
Experts say that differences in life expectancy between countries and regions are largely influenced by lifestyle choices, socio-economic conditions, healthcare quality and environmental factors.
