China vs Japan
Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators
Key Indicators
| Indicator | China | Japan | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP (nominal) | $18.74T | $4.03T | 2024 |
| GDP per capita | $13,303 | $32,487 | 2024 |
| Population | 1.41B | 124.0M | 2024 |
| GDP growth rate | 4.98% | 0.10% | 2024 |
| Inflation rate | 0.22% | 2.74% | 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.62% | 2.45% | 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 78.0 years | 84.0 years | 2023 |
| Surface area (sq. km) | 9,562,910 km2 | 377,969 km2 | 2023 |
China vs Japan: Analysis
China has a larger economy than Japan, with a nominal GDP roughly 4.7 times greater based on 2024 data. China recorded a GDP of $18.74T, while Japan stood at $4.03T.
In terms of GDP per capita, Japan leads over China. China has a per capita output of $13,303, compared to $32,487 for Japan.
China has a larger population than Japan. China is home to approximately 1.41B people, while Japan has about 124.0M.
By surface area, China is the larger country. China covers 9,562,910 km2, and Japan spans 377,969 km2.
Life expectancy is higher in Japan: 78.0 years in China versus 84.0 years in Japan. Japan has the lower unemployment rate (China: 4.62%, Japan: 2.45%). Inflation stands at 0.22% in China and 2.74% in Japan.
These figures are drawn from World Bank Open Data and reflect the most recent available reporting year for each indicator. For historical trends and additional indicators, explore the individual country profiles on NationStat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has a larger GDP, China or Japan?
China has the larger GDP. China has a GDP of $18.74T (2024), while Japan has $4.03T (2024). Source: World Bank.
What is the population difference between China and Japan?
The population difference is approximately 1.28B. China has 1.41B people (2024), and Japan has 124.0M (2024). Source: World Bank.
Is China richer than Japan?
By GDP per capita, Japan is wealthier. China has a GDP per capita of $13,303 (2024), compared to $32,487 for Japan (2024). Source: World Bank.
Which country has higher life expectancy, China or Japan?
Japan has higher life expectancy. China: 78.0 years (2023), Japan: 84.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.
Which country is bigger, China or Japan?
China is larger by area. China covers 9,562,910 km2, while Japan covers 377,969 km2. Source: World Bank.