Life expectancy at birth: totalNumber of years, 2003

Life expectancy at birth remains one of the most frequently quoted indicators of health status. Gains in life expectancy in OECD countries in recent decades have been due to a number of important factors affecting mortality rates, including rising living standards, improved lifestyle and better education, as well as advances in access to care. Other factors, such as better nutrition, sanitation and housing also played a role, particularly in countries with developing economies. Higher national income is generally associated with higher life expectancy at birth across OECD countries, although the relationship is less pronounced at higher levels of income. Foreign-born persons with tertiary educationAs a percentage of all residents with tertiary education, circa 2000 n In many countries, foreign-born persons represent a significant percentage of persons with tertiary education. Many OECD countries “gain” more than they “lose” from migration of the highly educated. The table shows foreign-born persons with tertiary