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Germany vs UK Life expectancy
United Kingdom overtook Germany in 1998. In 1960 Germany stood at roughly 97% of United Kingdom’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 99%, and the pair was closest in 2004 (100%).
| Year | Germany | United Kingdom | UK as % of Germany |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 71.13 | 69.06 | 97% |
| 1970 | 71.97 | 70.45 | 98% |
| 1980 | 73.68 | 72.8 | 99% |
| 1990 | 75.88 | 75.09 | 99% |
| 2000 | 77.74 | 77.93 | 100% |
| 2010 | 80.4 | 79.99 | 99% |
| 2020 | 80.33 | 81.04 | 101% |
| 2024 | 81.39 | 80.79 | 99% |
Frequently asked questions
When did United Kingdom pass Germany in Life expectancy?
In 1998. United Kingdom’s published Life expectancy rose above Germany’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Germany and United Kingdom compare today?
United Kingdom is ahead: 81.39 against 80.79 — 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: