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UK vs France Life expectancy
France overtook United Kingdom in 1973. In 1960 United Kingdom stood at roughly 102% of France’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 98%, and the pair was closest in 1972 (100%).
| Year | United Kingdom | France | France as % of UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 69.87 | 71.13 | 102% |
| 1970 | 71.66 | 71.97 | 100% |
| 1980 | 74.05 | 73.68 | 99% |
| 1990 | 76.6 | 75.88 | 99% |
| 2000 | 79.06 | 77.74 | 98% |
| 2010 | 81.66 | 80.4 | 98% |
| 2020 | 82.18 | 80.33 | 98% |
| 2024 | 82.98 | 81.39 | 98% |
Frequently asked questions
When did France pass United Kingdom in Life expectancy?
In 1973. France’s published Life expectancy rose above United Kingdom’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do United Kingdom and France compare today?
France is ahead: 82.98 against 81.39 — the trailing economy stands at about 98% 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: