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UK vs France Population
United Kingdom overtook France in 1985. In 1960 France stood at roughly 90% of United Kingdom’s Population; today the figure is about 99%, and the pair was closest in 1984 (100%).
| Year | United Kingdom | France | France as % of UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 52,400,000 | 47,412,964 | 90% |
| 1970 | 55,663,250 | 52,007,169 | 93% |
| 1980 | 56,314,216 | 55,274,184 | 98% |
| 1990 | 57,247,586 | 58,261,012 | 102% |
| 2000 | 58,892,514 | 60,918,661 | 103% |
| 2010 | 62,766,365 | 65,026,211 | 104% |
| 2020 | 66,740,000 | 67,601,110 | 101% |
| 2025 | 69,487,000 | 68,720,337 | 99% |
Frequently asked questions
When did United Kingdom pass France in Population?
In 1985. United Kingdom’s published Population rose above France’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do United Kingdom and France compare today?
United Kingdom is ahead: 69,487,000 against 68,720,337 — the trailing economy stands at about 99% of the leader.
Are these Population figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — people — with no inflation restatement, no PPP conversion and no interpolation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: