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China vs Germany Life expectancy
Germany has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 China stood at roughly 48% of Germany’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 97%, and the pair was closest in 2022 (97%).
| Year | China | Germany | Germany as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 69.06 | 33.42 | 48% |
| 1970 | 70.45 | 56.82 | 81% |
| 1980 | 72.8 | 64.24 | 88% |
| 1990 | 75.09 | 68.16 | 91% |
| 2000 | 77.93 | 72.29 | 93% |
| 2010 | 79.99 | 75.67 | 95% |
| 2020 | 81.04 | 78.02 | 96% |
| 2024 | 80.79 | 78.02 | 97% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Germany pass China in Life expectancy?
It has not come to that. Germany has posted the larger Life expectancy in every published year (1960–2024).
How do China and Germany compare today?
Germany is ahead: 80.79 against 78.02 — the trailing economy stands at about 97% of the leader.
Are these Life expectancy figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — years — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: