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Spain vs South Korea Life expectancy
Spain overtook South Korea in 2020. In 1960 South Korea stood at roughly 78% of Spain’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 100%.
| Year | Spain | South Korea | South Korea as % of Spain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 69.11 | 53.8 | 78% |
| 1970 | 72.03 | 62.16 | 86% |
| 1980 | 75.35 | 66.05 | 88% |
| 1990 | 76.84 | 71.6 | 93% |
| 2000 | 78.97 | 75.91 | 96% |
| 2010 | 81.63 | 80.12 | 98% |
| 2020 | 82.23 | 83.43 | 101% |
| 2024 | 83.89 | 83.63 | 100% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Spain pass South Korea in Life expectancy?
In 2020. Spain’s published Life expectancy rose above South Korea’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Spain and Korea, Rep. compare today?
Spain is ahead: 83.89 against 83.63 — 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: