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UK vs Italy Population
United Kingdom overtook Italy in 1979. In 1960 Italy stood at roughly 96% of United Kingdom’s Population; today the figure is about 85%, and the pair was closest in 1978 (100%).
| Year | United Kingdom | Italy | Italy as % of UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 52,400,000 | 50,199,700 | 96% |
| 1970 | 55,663,250 | 53,821,850 | 97% |
| 1980 | 56,314,216 | 56,433,883 | 100% |
| 1990 | 57,247,586 | 56,719,240 | 99% |
| 2000 | 58,892,514 | 56,942,108 | 97% |
| 2010 | 62,766,365 | 59,819,407 | 95% |
| 2020 | 66,740,000 | 59,438,851 | 89% |
| 2025 | 69,487,000 | 58,915,656 | 85% |
Frequently asked questions
When did United Kingdom pass Italy in Population?
In 1979. United Kingdom’s published Population rose above Italy’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do United Kingdom and Italy compare today?
United Kingdom is ahead: 69,487,000 against 58,915,656 — the trailing economy stands at about 85% 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: