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China vs Mexico Life expectancy
China overtook Mexico in 1981. In 1960 Mexico stood at roughly 160% of China’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 96%, and the pair was closest in 1982 (100%).
| Year | China | Mexico | Mexico as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 33.42 | 53.57 | 160% |
| 1970 | 56.82 | 58.89 | 104% |
| 1980 | 64.24 | 64.28 | 100% |
| 1990 | 68.16 | 69.03 | 101% |
| 2000 | 72.29 | 72.56 | 100% |
| 2010 | 75.67 | 73.72 | 97% |
| 2020 | 78.02 | 70.45 | 90% |
| 2024 | 78.02 | 75.26 | 96% |
Frequently asked questions
When did China pass Mexico in Life expectancy?
In 1981. China’s published Life expectancy rose above Mexico’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do China and Mexico compare today?
China is ahead: 78.02 against 75.26 — the trailing economy stands at about 96% 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: