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France vs Spain Life expectancy
Spain overtook France in 1966. In 1960 France stood at roughly 101% of Spain’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 99%, and the pair was closest in 1965 (100%).
| Year | France | Spain | Spain as % of France |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 69.11 | 69.87 | 101% |
| 1970 | 72.03 | 71.66 | 99% |
| 1980 | 75.35 | 74.05 | 98% |
| 1990 | 76.84 | 76.6 | 100% |
| 2000 | 78.97 | 79.06 | 100% |
| 2010 | 81.63 | 81.66 | 100% |
| 2020 | 82.23 | 82.18 | 100% |
| 2024 | 83.89 | 82.98 | 99% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Spain pass France in Life expectancy?
In 1966. Spain’s published Life expectancy rose above France’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do France and Spain compare today?
Spain is ahead: 83.89 against 82.98 — 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: