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Germany vs France Life expectancy
France has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 Germany stood at roughly 99% of France’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 97%, and the pair was closest in 1964 (100%).
| Year | Germany | France | France as % of Germany |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 69.87 | 69.06 | 99% |
| 1970 | 71.66 | 70.45 | 98% |
| 1980 | 74.05 | 72.8 | 98% |
| 1990 | 76.6 | 75.09 | 98% |
| 2000 | 79.06 | 77.93 | 99% |
| 2010 | 81.66 | 79.99 | 98% |
| 2020 | 82.18 | 81.04 | 99% |
| 2024 | 82.98 | 80.79 | 97% |
Frequently asked questions
When did France pass Germany in Life expectancy?
It has not come to that. France has posted the larger Life expectancy in every published year (1960–2024).
How do Germany and France compare today?
France is ahead: 82.98 against 80.79 — the trailing economy stands at about 97% 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: