Malaysia vs Japan
Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators
Key Indicators
| Indicator | Malaysia | Japan | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP (nominal) | $422.23B | $4.03T | 2024 |
| GDP per capita | $11,874 | $32,487 | 2024 |
| Population | 35.6M | 124.0M | 2024 |
| GDP growth rate | 5.11% | 0.10% | 2024 |
| Inflation rate | 1.83% | 2.74% | 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.76% | 2.45% | 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 76.7 years | 84.0 years | 2023 |
| Surface area (sq. km) | 330,411 km2 | 377,969 km2 | 2023 |
Malaysia vs Japan: Analysis
Japan has a larger economy than Malaysia, with a nominal GDP roughly 9.5 times greater based on 2024 data. Malaysia recorded a GDP of $422.23B, while Japan stood at $4.03T.
In terms of GDP per capita, Japan leads over Malaysia. Malaysia has a per capita output of $11,874, compared to $32,487 for Japan.
Japan has a larger population than Malaysia. Malaysia is home to approximately 35.6M people, while Japan has about 124.0M.
By surface area, Japan is the larger country. Malaysia covers 330,411 km2, and Japan spans 377,969 km2.
Life expectancy is higher in Japan: 76.7 years in Malaysia versus 84.0 years in Japan. Japan has the lower unemployment rate (Malaysia: 3.76%, Japan: 2.45%). Inflation stands at 1.83% in Malaysia 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, Malaysia or Japan?
Japan has the larger GDP. Malaysia has a GDP of $422.23B (2024), while Japan has $4.03T (2024). Source: World Bank.
What is the population difference between Malaysia and Japan?
The population difference is approximately 88.4M. Malaysia has 35.6M people (2024), and Japan has 124.0M (2024). Source: World Bank.
Is Malaysia richer than Japan?
By GDP per capita, Japan is wealthier. Malaysia has a GDP per capita of $11,874 (2024), compared to $32,487 for Japan (2024). Source: World Bank.
Which country has higher life expectancy, Malaysia or Japan?
Japan has higher life expectancy. Malaysia: 76.7 years (2023), Japan: 84.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.
Which country is bigger, Malaysia or Japan?
Japan is larger by area. Malaysia covers 330,411 km2, while Japan covers 377,969 km2. Source: World Bank.