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Japan vs France GDP per capita
France overtook Japan in 1978. In 1960 Japan stood at roughly 40% of France’s GDP per capita; today the figure is about 73%, and the pair was closest in 2009 (100%).
| Year | Japan | France | France as % of Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1,306.8 | 519.42 | 40% |
| 1970 | 2,832.55 | 2,144.99 | 76% |
| 1980 | 12,565.16 | 9,872.35 | 79% |
| 1990 | 21,586.47 | 26,344.73 | 122% |
| 2000 | 22,340.59 | 39,752.94 | 178% |
| 2010 | 40,694.82 | 45,378.14 | 112% |
| 2020 | 39,169.86 | 41,098.97 | 105% |
| 2025 | 48,985.73 | 35,951.04 | 73% |
Frequently asked questions
When did France pass Japan in GDP per capita?
In 1978. France’s published GDP per capita rose above Japan’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Japan and France compare today?
France is ahead: 48,985.73 against 35,951.04 — the trailing economy stands at about 73% of the leader.
Are these GDP per capita figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — current US$ — 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: