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Spain vs South Korea CO2 per capita
South Korea overtook Spain in 1988. In 1970 Spain stood at roughly 218% of Korea, Rep.’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 40%, and the pair was closest in 1988 (98%).
| Year | Spain | South Korea | South Korea as % of Spain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1.93 | 4.22 | 218% |
| 1970 | 1.93 | 4.22 | 218% |
| 1980 | 3.71 | 5.68 | 153% |
| 1990 | 6.07 | 5.9 | 97% |
| 2000 | 9.92 | 7.65 | 77% |
| 2010 | 12.37 | 6.18 | 50% |
| 2020 | 11.91 | 4.53 | 38% |
| 2024 | 11.36 | 4.51 | 40% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass Spain in CO2 per capita?
In 1988. South Korea’s published CO2 per capita rose above Spain’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Spain and Korea, Rep. compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 11.36 against 4.51 — the trailing economy stands at about 40% 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: