Home / Comparisons / South Korea vs Mexico CO2 per capita
South Korea vs Mexico CO2 per capita
South Korea overtook Mexico in 1977. In 1970 Mexico stood at roughly 123% of Korea, Rep.’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 32%, and the pair was closest in 1981 (99%).
| Year | South Korea | Mexico | Mexico as % of South Korea |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1.93 | 2.38 | 123% |
| 1970 | 1.93 | 2.38 | 123% |
| 1980 | 3.71 | 3.58 | 97% |
| 1990 | 6.07 | 3.5 | 58% |
| 2000 | 9.92 | 4.02 | 41% |
| 2010 | 12.37 | 4.2 | 34% |
| 2020 | 11.91 | 3.46 | 29% |
| 2024 | 11.36 | 3.64 | 32% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass Mexico in CO2 per capita?
In 1977. South Korea’s published CO2 per capita rose above Mexico’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Korea, Rep. and Mexico compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 11.36 against 3.64 — the trailing economy stands at about 32% of the leader.
Are these CO2 per capita figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — metric tons per capita — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: