An Econometric Investigation into Variations in Life Expectancy at Birth across Countries

Life expectancy at birth has garnered prominent attention among policymakers and researchers worldwide due to its pivotal role associated with the degree of social and economic development among the countries worldwide. World Bank and United Nations have time and again asserted its significance and as such, economists have, over the years, studied the impact of different socio-economic factors on life expectancy using various econometric modelling techniques. These studies bear importance in the sense that they work as guidelines for setting out policies which have bearings on the overall well-being of an economy. The present study envisages to examine the impact of economy, human development, demography, health, education and environment on the life expectancy at birth across 40 nations using a linear and a double-log regression model. The observations indicate several expected relationships between the variables, with a few unexpected results. The results, in general, traces out empirical observations that have been experienced in this field of study and solidifies their stance vis-�-vis international policymaking efforts.