Madrid boasts the highest life expectancy of any region in Europe – residents of Spain’s capital now live well into their 80s

MADRID residents have the longest life expectancy in Europe according to new research.

The average lifespan in the Community of Madrid hit an astonishing 85.7 years in 2024, according to a Eurostat study – almost years higher than Spain’s national average of 84, and four years ahead of the EU’s 81.5.

Across the peninsula, the same study shows residents of Catalonia and the entire northern coastline are also clocking in past 84 – with the lone exception of Asturias, where life expectancy sits at 83.37.

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At the other end of the scale, Andalucia records the shortest lifespan in Spain at 82.88 – almost a year behind neighbours Extremadura, Murcia and the Valencian Community.

Spain, despite regional differences, still came in second in Eurostat rankings. Only Switzerland beat Spain, with an average life expectancy of 84.2 years.

Sweden (83,8), Italy (83.7), and Cyprus (83.5) are close behind Spain.

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At the bottom of the table, we find Romania, Latvia, and Bulgaria along with EU candidates Serbia Georgia and North Macedonia. All have life expectancies under 75 years, with Latvia trailing behind at 73.1.

The study highlights an EU-wide trend that has seen the life expectancy increase by two years in just a few short years.

In Spain, the rise is even more dramatic – up a remarkable 11% since 1980, when the average lifespan was just 75.5 years.

Women are leading the race to longevity, with an average lifespan of 5.2 years more than men.

Spanish women are the top of the charts with an incredible life expectancy rate of 86.5 years.

The Olive Press offers more Madrid News.