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Japan vs France Life expectancy
Japan overtook France in 1967. In 1960 France stood at roughly 103% of Japan’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 99%, and the pair was closest in 1966 (100%).
| Year | Japan | France | France as % of Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 67.7 | 69.87 | 103% |
| 1970 | 71.92 | 71.66 | 100% |
| 1980 | 75.99 | 74.05 | 97% |
| 1990 | 78.84 | 76.6 | 97% |
| 2000 | 81.08 | 79.06 | 98% |
| 2010 | 82.84 | 81.66 | 99% |
| 2020 | 84.56 | 82.18 | 97% |
| 2024 | 84.04 | 82.98 | 99% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Japan pass France in Life expectancy?
In 1967. Japan’s published Life expectancy rose above France’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Japan and France compare today?
Japan is ahead: 84.04 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: