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China vs Russia Life expectancy
China overtook Russia in 1991. In 1960 Russia stood at roughly 202% of China’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 94%, and the pair was closest in 1991 (100%).
| Year | China | Russia | Russia as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 33.42 | 67.53 | 202% |
| 1970 | 56.82 | 68.13 | 120% |
| 1980 | 64.24 | 67.03 | 104% |
| 1990 | 68.16 | 68.89 | 101% |
| 2000 | 72.29 | 65.48 | 91% |
| 2010 | 75.67 | 68.84 | 91% |
| 2020 | 78.02 | 71.34 | 91% |
| 2024 | 78.02 | 73.44 | 94% |
Frequently asked questions
When did China pass Russia in Life expectancy?
In 1991. China’s published Life expectancy rose above Russia’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do China and Russian Federation compare today?
China is ahead: 78.02 against 73.44 — the trailing economy stands at about 94% 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: