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China vs India Life expectancy
China overtook India in 1962. In 1960 India stood at roughly 136% of China’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 93%.
| Year | China | India | India as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 33.42 | 45.61 | 136% |
| 1970 | 56.82 | 48.59 | 86% |
| 1980 | 64.24 | 53.59 | 83% |
| 1990 | 68.16 | 58.62 | 86% |
| 2000 | 72.29 | 62.75 | 87% |
| 2010 | 75.67 | 67.16 | 89% |
| 2020 | 78.02 | 70.16 | 90% |
| 2024 | 78.02 | 72.24 | 93% |
Frequently asked questions
When did China pass India in Life expectancy?
In 1962. China’s published Life expectancy rose above India’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do China and India compare today?
China is ahead: 78.02 against 72.24 — the trailing economy stands at about 93% 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: