Havana, July 22 (RHC) –- Cuba’s life expectancy climbed to 78.45 years during the 2011 through 2013 period, 0.48 years higher than in the 2005-2007 period, according to figures issued by the National Information and Statistics Office (ONEI).

A study called “Life Expectancy 2011-2013” revealed that women generally live longer (80.4 years) than men, for whom the average is 76.5 years.

The study findings indicated that during the period in question there had been a significant decrease in the rate of infant mortality which, at 4.2 for every thousand live births was a decrease from the 1987 rate of 13.3.

Results for all other age groups were also positive in comparison with statistics from 2005-07, with improvements extended to the over 60 age group, which until now had declined somewhat.

Because of differences that exist between masculine and feminine mortality trends, females have a higher life expectancy from birth in all Cuban provinces.

It is in the eastern provinces of Las Tunas and Holguin where, at an average of 79.5 years, these indicators are most positive and Villa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Guantanamo and Pinar del Rio province rates all surpass 79 years.

The lowest life expectancy rate is recorded in Havana province (77.3 years) followed by Artemisa, Mayabeque, Matanzas and Santiago de Cuba.

All provinces, with the exception of Santiago de Cuba, also showed a slight increase in life expectancy rates for men.