Determinants of Life Expectancy: A Cross- Country Analysis

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effects of socio-economic factors on life expectancy. Using multiple regression analysis, the paper shows that there is a positive strong correlation between life expectancy as an independent variable and per capita income, health expenditures, literacy rate and daily calorie intake. Also, it shows that there is a negative strong correlation between life expectancy and number of people per doctor. Using dummy variables, the paper shows that there exist some unrecognized or recognized but not quantifiable factors which affect life expectancy in African countries. Finally the paper concludes that human development requires an increasing investment in the socioeconomic sectors.