<ARTICLE>                                           7
<LEGEND>
               EXHIBIT 27
           FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
</LEGEND>
<CIK>                         0000744455
<NAME>                        GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
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<CURRENCY>                                                          U.S.
                                                                     
                                                           
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<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                             DEC-31-1997
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<PERIOD-END>                                                  DEC-31-1997
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<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                               22077715
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