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Japan vs Switzerland Life expectancy
Switzerland overtook Japan in 1977. In 1960 Japan stood at roughly 95% of Switzerland’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 100%, and the pair was closest in 1977 (100%).
| Year | Japan | Switzerland | Switzerland as % of Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 71.31 | 67.7 | 95% |
| 1970 | 73.02 | 71.92 | 98% |
| 1980 | 75.46 | 75.99 | 101% |
| 1990 | 77.24 | 78.84 | 102% |
| 2000 | 79.68 | 81.08 | 102% |
| 2010 | 82.25 | 82.84 | 101% |
| 2020 | 83 | 84.56 | 102% |
| 2024 | 84.41 | 84.04 | 100% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Switzerland pass Japan in Life expectancy?
In 1977. Switzerland’s published Life expectancy rose above Japan’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Japan and Switzerland compare today?
Switzerland is ahead: 84.41 against 84.04 — the trailing economy stands at about 100% 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: