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China vs UK Life expectancy
United Kingdom has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 China stood at roughly 47% of United Kingdom’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 96%, and the pair was closest in 2020 (97%).
| Year | China | United Kingdom | UK as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 71.13 | 33.42 | 47% |
| 1970 | 71.97 | 56.82 | 79% |
| 1980 | 73.68 | 64.24 | 87% |
| 1990 | 75.88 | 68.16 | 90% |
| 2000 | 77.74 | 72.29 | 93% |
| 2010 | 80.4 | 75.67 | 94% |
| 2020 | 80.33 | 78.02 | 97% |
| 2024 | 81.39 | 78.02 | 96% |
Frequently asked questions
When did United Kingdom pass China in Life expectancy?
It has not come to that. United Kingdom has posted the larger Life expectancy in every published year (1960–2024).
How do China and United Kingdom compare today?
United Kingdom is ahead: 81.39 against 78.02 — 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: