Icelanders now have a life expectancy two years higher than the average among countries polled by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
According to Statistics Iceland, the OECD average in 2007 was a lifespan of 79.1 years – a ten year increase from 1960. At the same time, the average Icelander born in 2007 can expect to live 81.2 years, placing Iceland in the top five for lifespans among OECD countries.
Icelandic men can expect to live 79.4 years, just behind Swiss men, who ranked highest. Icelandic women can expect to live 82.9 years, putting them in the 10th through 12th place slot with Austria and Norway. Japanese women hold the top slot, with an 86-year life expectancy.
In addition, coronary disease was cited as the most likely cause of death, responsible for 36% of deaths in OECD countries; 38% in Iceland. This was followed close behind by cancer.