Japan

The population of Japan is approximately 123M (2024).

The capital of Japan is Tokyo.

Japan's GDP per capita is $32.6K (2024).

Life expectancy in Japan is 84.04 years (2024).

Japan covers 377,930 km² (145,920 sq mi).

Japan is densely populated, with 325 people per km² — above the global average of 60.

Japan's population is shrinking at 0.4% per year — one of the few countries seeing sustained decline.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, Japan falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $32.6K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Japan reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 0.2 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.

The official language of Japan is Japanese.

Japan uses the Japanese yen (¥) as its sole official currency.

Japan is an island nation and shares no land borders.

The best months to visit Japan are May, June, October, November, based on climate data for the capital.

The population of Japan is approximately 123 million people, according to the latest estimates. Recent data indicates an annual growth rate of -0.44%, reflecting a trend of population decline. Japan currently holds the 12th position globally in population size and ranks 2nd within the Eastern Asia subregion.

Japan possesses the 4th largest nominal GDP in the world and the 2nd largest in Asia. The latest figures show a GDP per capita of $32,555, which ranks 50th globally. The economy is primarily driven by advanced manufacturing, automotive exports, and a massive services sector centered in Tokyo.

Recent estimates indicate an unemployment rate of 2.45% in Japan. This low rate places the country 163rd out of 186 nations when ranked from the largest unemployment rate to the smallest. The labor market is characterized by high demand for skilled workers and a tradition of long-term employment stability.

Approximately 85.5% of the Japanese population are internet users, supported by some of the world's most advanced fiber-optic and mobile networks. This level of penetration ranks Japan 84th globally. The nation is a major hub for digital innovation, with high connectivity essential for its tech-heavy economy and highly urbanized society.

Japan has a current estimated population density of 337 people per km² (873 people per sq mi). Because approximately 92.2% of the population is urban, most residents live in high-density metropolitan areas along the coast. This leaves much of the mountainous interior, which covers most of the 377,930 km² (145,919 sq mi) area, sparsely populated.

Japan holds the global rank of 12th out of 215 countries and territories according to the latest available data. Regionally, it ranks 6th in Asia and 2nd in Eastern Asia. Despite its ongoing population contraction, it remains one of the world's most significant demographic centers.

The current estimated population density in Japan is 337.1 people per km² (873 per sq mi). This places Japan 34th worldwide for density. Because about 70% of the land is mountainous and unsuitable for habitation, the population is heavily concentrated in coastal plains and urban corridors.

Japan's population is decreasing at an annual rate of -0.44%. Current daily estimates show a net loss of approximately 1,480 people. This decline is driven by a natural decrease, as the estimated 4,517 daily deaths significantly outnumber the estimated 1,936 daily births.

The fertility rate in Japan is currently 1.15 births per woman according to the latest estimates. This is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population size. This low rate has contributed to Japan ranking 201st out of 215 countries for fertility.

Japan is highly urbanized, with 92.2% of the population living in urban areas according to recent data. This places the country 26th globally for urbanization. Most residents live in massive metropolitan clusters, with the Greater Tokyo Area alone housing more than 37 million people.