What do most people die of?
Worldwide, about 74% of deaths in 2019 were caused by chronic, non-communicable diseases, 18% by infections, maternal, newborn and nutritional conditions, and 8% by injuries. Among chronic diseases, heart disease and stroke cause the most deaths, followed by cancer, chronic lung disease and diabetes.
Causes of death change with age
- Ages 5–29: road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death worldwide. Other injuries and infections follow.
- Ages 30–69: heart disease, stroke and cancer take over. Worldwide in 2021, a man had about a 21% chance and a woman about 16% of dying of one of the four major chronic diseases between 30 and 70.
- 70 and over: heart disease and stroke remain first, while dementia, chronic lung disease and pneumonia become much more common.
How causes of death differ between countries
| Country | Chronic diseases | Infections & other | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 67.8% | 21.8% | 10.4% |
| United States | 88.2% | 5.1% | 6.7% |
| United Kingdom | 89% | 7.3% | 3.7% |
| Pakistan | 57.2% | 34.3% | 8.4% |
| Nigeria | 25.2% | 67.7% | 7.1% |
| Brazil | 74.5% | 14% | 11.5% |
| Japan | 84.1% | 11% | 4.9% |
| South Africa | 52.3% | 36% | 11.7% |
| World | 73.7% | 18.3% | 8% |
Share of all deaths in 2019, the last year before COVID-19 changed death patterns. “Infections & other” includes maternal, newborn and nutritional conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What do most people die of?
Chronic, non-communicable diseases. In 2019 they caused about 74% of all deaths worldwide. Heart disease and stroke are the biggest killers, followed by cancer, chronic lung disease and diabetes (WHO).
What is the most common cause of death for young people?
Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 worldwide (WHO). That’s why “accidents and injuries” ranks higher on this page if you are young.
Can this page tell me how I will die?
No. It shows the causes of death that are most common for people of your age in your country and which of them your habits make more likely. Any individual can die of something else entirely.
Why don’t you list suicide?
We leave it out on purpose. If you are having thoughts of ending your life, please reach out now — free, confidential help is available in your country at findahelpline.com (in India, call Tele-MANAS on 14416).
Sources
- World Bank, World Development Indicators: cause of death by group (SH.DTH.NCOM.ZS, SH.DTH.INJR.ZS), mortality from CVD, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease between 30 and 70 (SH.DYN.NCOM.MA.ZS, SH.DYN.NCOM.FE.ZS), road traffic mortality (SH.STA.TRAF.P5). Original estimates by WHO. Link
- World Health Organization fact sheets: Noncommunicable diseases, Road traffic injuries, Alcohol, Physical activity, Obesity and overweight, Diabetes.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health effects of cigarette smoking. Link
- Cappuccio FP, et al. Sleep duration and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Sleep. 2010;33(5):585–592. Link