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US vs France Life expectancy
France overtook United States in 1961. In 1960 United States stood at roughly 100% of France’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 95%, and the pair was closest in 1979 (100%).
| Year | United States | France | France as % of US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 69.87 | 69.77 | 100% |
| 1970 | 71.66 | 70.81 | 99% |
| 1980 | 74.05 | 73.61 | 99% |
| 1990 | 76.6 | 75.21 | 98% |
| 2000 | 79.06 | 76.64 | 97% |
| 2010 | 81.66 | 78.54 | 96% |
| 2020 | 82.18 | 76.98 | 94% |
| 2024 | 82.98 | 78.89 | 95% |
Frequently asked questions
When did France pass United States in Life expectancy?
In 1961. France’s published Life expectancy rose above United States’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do United States and France compare today?
France is ahead: 82.98 against 78.89 — the trailing economy stands at about 95% 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: