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France vs Italy Population
France overtook Italy in 1985. In 1960 Italy stood at roughly 106% of France’s Population; today the figure is about 86%, and the pair was closest in 1985 (100%).
| Year | France | Italy | Italy as % of France |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 47,412,964 | 50,199,700 | 106% |
| 1970 | 52,007,169 | 53,821,850 | 103% |
| 1980 | 55,274,184 | 56,433,883 | 102% |
| 1990 | 58,261,012 | 56,719,240 | 97% |
| 2000 | 60,918,661 | 56,942,108 | 93% |
| 2010 | 65,026,211 | 59,819,407 | 92% |
| 2020 | 67,601,110 | 59,438,851 | 88% |
| 2025 | 68,720,337 | 58,915,656 | 86% |
Frequently asked questions
When did France pass Italy in Population?
In 1985. France’s published Population rose above Italy’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do France and Italy compare today?
France is ahead: 68,720,337 against 58,915,656 — the trailing economy stands at about 86% of the leader.
Are these Population figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — people — with no inflation restatement, no PPP conversion and no interpolation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: