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China vs Saudi Arabia Life expectancy
Saudi Arabia overtook China in 1962. In 1960 China stood at roughly 74% of Saudi Arabia’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 99%, and the pair was closest in 1987 (100%).
| Year | China | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 45.31 | 33.42 | 74% |
| 1970 | 52.73 | 56.82 | 108% |
| 1980 | 62.44 | 64.24 | 103% |
| 1990 | 68.87 | 68.16 | 99% |
| 2000 | 72.61 | 72.29 | 100% |
| 2010 | 75.62 | 75.67 | 100% |
| 2020 | 77.6 | 78.02 | 101% |
| 2024 | 78.98 | 78.02 | 99% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Saudi Arabia pass China in Life expectancy?
In 1962. Saudi Arabia’s published Life expectancy rose above China’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do China and Saudi Arabia compare today?
Saudi Arabia is ahead: 78.98 against 78.02 — the trailing economy stands at about 99% 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: