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UK vs Italy Life expectancy
Italy overtook United Kingdom in 1974. In 1960 United Kingdom stood at roughly 103% of Italy’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 97%, and the pair was closest in 1972 (100%).
| Year | United Kingdom | Italy | Italy as % of UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 69.12 | 71.13 | 103% |
| 1970 | 71.56 | 71.97 | 101% |
| 1980 | 73.94 | 73.68 | 100% |
| 1990 | 76.97 | 75.88 | 99% |
| 2000 | 79.78 | 77.74 | 97% |
| 2010 | 82.04 | 80.4 | 98% |
| 2020 | 82.2 | 80.33 | 98% |
| 2024 | 83.95 | 81.39 | 97% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Italy pass United Kingdom in Life expectancy?
In 1974. Italy’s published Life expectancy rose above United Kingdom’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do United Kingdom and Italy compare today?
Italy is ahead: 83.95 against 81.39 — the trailing economy stands at about 97% 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: