Life expectancy at birth represents the average length of life of a notional generation which for its entire life would be subject to the mortality conditions of the year in question. As far as life expectancy at age x is concerned, it represents the average number of years left to live from age x subject to the mortality conditions per age of the year in question.
Life expectancy at birth in Switzerland is currently one of the highest in the world, resulting from a significant rise during the 20th century. It has almost doubled since 1900: From 46.2 to 80.2 for men and from 48.9 to 84.6 for women. Nevertheless a gradual slowing-down of this trend can be observed. The difference between the two sexes has been decreasing since the nineties and in 2010 was 4.4 years.
