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Italy vs South Korea Population
Italy has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 South Korea stood at roughly 50% of Italy’s Population; today the figure is about 88%, and the pair was closest in 2024 (88%).
| Year | Italy | South Korea | South Korea as % of Italy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 50,199,700 | 25,012,374 | 50% |
| 1970 | 53,821,850 | 32,240,827 | 60% |
| 1980 | 56,433,883 | 38,123,775 | 68% |
| 1990 | 56,719,240 | 42,869,283 | 76% |
| 2000 | 56,942,108 | 47,008,111 | 83% |
| 2010 | 59,819,407 | 49,554,112 | 83% |
| 2020 | 59,438,851 | 51,836,239 | 87% |
| 2025 | 58,915,656 | 51,684,564 | 88% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Italy pass South Korea in Population?
It has not come to that. Italy has posted the larger Population in every published year (1960–2025).
How do Italy and Korea, Rep. compare today?
Italy is ahead: 58,915,656 against 51,684,564 — the trailing economy stands at about 88% of the leader.
Are these Population figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — people — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: