UPSC Prelims 2003 Q89: Geography – Population & Demography
Life expectancy is highest in the world in
- (a) Canada
- (b) Germany
- (c) Japan
- (d) Norway
Answer: (c) Japan
Explanation
Life expectancy highest in the world
| Country | Life expectancy (about 2002) |
|---|---|
| Japan | About 81 years, the highest |
| Canada | About 79 |
| Norway | About 79 |
| Germany | About 78 |
Japan had the highest life expectancy among the options and also in the world, at about 81 years, followed by the Scandinavian and other European countries.
Answer: (c) Japan.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Canada's life expectancy was lower.
- (b) Incorrect. Germany's life expectancy was lower.
- (c) CORRECT. Japan's was the highest.
- (d) Incorrect. Norway's life expectancy was lower.
Key point
Highest life expectancy: Japan, Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden.
Remember
Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Norway because of welfare.
- Mixing life expectancy with HDI rank.
- Forgetting that Hong Kong and Monaco are higher in some lists.
Exam tip
Japan leads the life expectancy tables of the world.
Sources
- United Nations Development Programme — Human Development Report 2002: Deepening Democracy in a Fragmented World
- World Health Organization — The World Health Report 2002: Reducing Risks, Promoting Healthy Life