Costa Rica vs Japan

Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators

Key Indicators

IndicatorCosta RicaJapanYear
GDP (nominal)$95.35B$4.03T2024
GDP per capita$18,587$32,4872024
Population5.1M124.0M2024
GDP growth rate4.32%0.10%2024
Inflation rate-0.41%2.74%2024
Unemployment rate6.84%2.45%2025
Life expectancy80.8 years84.0 years2023
Surface area (sq. km)51,100 km2377,969 km22023
Green highlighting indicates the stronger value for each indicator. Source: World Bank Open Data.

Costa Rica vs Japan: Analysis

Japan has a larger economy than Costa Rica, with a nominal GDP roughly 42.2 times greater based on 2024 data. Costa Rica recorded a GDP of $95.35B, while Japan stood at $4.03T.

In terms of GDP per capita, Japan leads over Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a per capita output of $18,587, compared to $32,487 for Japan.

Japan has a larger population than Costa Rica. Costa Rica is home to approximately 5.1M people, while Japan has about 124.0M.

By surface area, Japan is the larger country. Costa Rica covers 51,100 km2, and Japan spans 377,969 km2.

Life expectancy is higher in Japan: 80.8 years in Costa Rica versus 84.0 years in Japan. Japan has the lower unemployment rate (Costa Rica: 6.84%, Japan: 2.45%). Inflation stands at -0.41% in Costa Rica 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, Costa Rica or Japan?

Japan has the larger GDP. Costa Rica has a GDP of $95.35B (2024), while Japan has $4.03T (2024). Source: World Bank.

What is the population difference between Costa Rica and Japan?

The population difference is approximately 118.8M. Costa Rica has 5.1M people (2024), and Japan has 124.0M (2024). Source: World Bank.

Is Costa Rica richer than Japan?

By GDP per capita, Japan is wealthier. Costa Rica has a GDP per capita of $18,587 (2024), compared to $32,487 for Japan (2024). Source: World Bank.

Which country has higher life expectancy, Costa Rica or Japan?

Japan has higher life expectancy. Costa Rica: 80.8 years (2023), Japan: 84.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.

Which country is bigger, Costa Rica or Japan?

Japan is larger by area. Costa Rica covers 51,100 km2, while Japan covers 377,969 km2. Source: World Bank.