May 11 (BTA) - The average life expectancy at birth of Bulgaria's population decreased by 0.3 years to an estimated 74.6 years for the 2018-2020 period, compared to 2017-2019, the National Statistical Institute said on Tuesday.

The average life expectancy for men and women is 71.1 years and 78.2 years, respectively.

Between 2010 and 2020, the average life expectancy for men increased by 1.1 years, and for women by 1.0 year.

The average life expectancy of the urban population is 2.9 years higher at 75.5 years, compared to 72.6 years of the rural population. Compared to 2010, the average life expectancy of the urban population increased by 1.5 years, and of the rural population, by 0.3 years.

For people who have reached 65 years of age, the estimated average life expectancy is 15.8 years, or 13.6 years and 17.5 years respectively for men and women. Compared to 2010, the average life expectancy of people aged 65 increased by 0.4 years.

Life expectancy at birth varies from 71.8 years in Vidin Region to 76.7 years in Kurdjali Region. Seven regions have higher than the country average life expectancy. Women live longer than men in all regions. The largest life expectancy gap between the sexes is in Kyustendil Region, 8.8 years, while the smallest difference is in Kurdjali Region, 6.0 years. RI/ZH
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