The table compares the average life expectancy of men and women in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and Sweden in 1900, 1950 and 1990.
Overall, life expectancy rose dramatically in all five countries over the 90-year period. In every year shown, females lived longer than males, and the gender gap generally widened over time.
In 1900, Sweden had the highest life expectancy for both genders, with men living 52.8 years and women 55.3 years on average. Denmark followed closely. By contrast, Austria recorded the lowest figures, particularly for males at only 37.8 years. Belgium and Germany occupied middle positions, with male life expectancy at 45.4 and 43.8 years respectively.
By 1950, substantial improvements had occurred in all nations. Male life expectancy increased to around the low-to-mid 60s in Austria, Belgium and Germany, while Denmark and Sweden remained slightly ahead at approximately 69-70 years. A similar pattern was observed among females, whose life expectancy ranged from 67 years in Austria to 72.6 years in Sweden.
In 1990, the upward trend continued, with Sweden again reporting the highest figures overall, especially for women at 80.7 years. Germany and Belgium showed almost identical results, with female life expectancy just above 80 years. Although Denmark had been among the leaders earlier, it recorded the lowest life expectancy in 1990 for both sexes