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US vs Switzerland Life expectancy
Switzerland has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 United States stood at roughly 98% of Switzerland’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 93%, and the pair was closest in 1962 (98%).
| Year | United States | Switzerland | Switzerland as % of US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 71.31 | 69.77 | 98% |
| 1970 | 73.02 | 70.81 | 97% |
| 1980 | 75.46 | 73.61 | 98% |
| 1990 | 77.24 | 75.21 | 97% |
| 2000 | 79.68 | 76.64 | 96% |
| 2010 | 82.25 | 78.54 | 95% |
| 2020 | 83 | 76.98 | 93% |
| 2024 | 84.41 | 78.89 | 93% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Switzerland pass United States in Life expectancy?
It has not come to that. Switzerland has posted the larger Life expectancy in every published year (1960–2024).
How do United States and Switzerland compare today?
Switzerland is ahead: 84.41 against 78.89 — the trailing economy stands at about 93% 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: