Germany vs Japan

Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators

Key Indicators

IndicatorGermanyJapanYear
GDP (nominal)$4.69T$4.03T2024
GDP per capita$56,104$32,4872024
Population83.5M124.0M2024
GDP growth rate-0.50%0.10%2024
Inflation rate2.26%2.74%2024
Unemployment rate3.71%2.45%2025
Life expectancy80.5 years84.0 years2023
Surface area (sq. km)357,680 km2377,969 km22023
Green highlighting indicates the stronger value for each indicator. Source: World Bank Open Data.

Germany vs Japan: Analysis

Germany has a larger economy than Japan, with a nominal GDP roughly 1.2 times greater based on 2024 data. Germany recorded a GDP of $4.69T, while Japan stood at $4.03T.

In terms of GDP per capita, Germany leads over Japan. Germany has a per capita output of $56,104, compared to $32,487 for Japan.

Japan has a larger population than Germany. Germany is home to approximately 83.5M people, while Japan has about 124.0M.

By surface area, Japan is the larger country. Germany covers 357,680 km2, and Japan spans 377,969 km2.

Life expectancy is higher in Japan: 80.5 years in Germany versus 84.0 years in Japan. Japan has the lower unemployment rate (Germany: 3.71%, Japan: 2.45%). Inflation stands at 2.26% in Germany 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, Germany or Japan?

Germany has the larger GDP. Germany has a GDP of $4.69T (2024), while Japan has $4.03T (2024). Source: World Bank.

What is the population difference between Germany and Japan?

The population difference is approximately 40.5M. Germany has 83.5M people (2024), and Japan has 124.0M (2024). Source: World Bank.

Is Germany richer than Japan?

By GDP per capita, Germany is wealthier. Germany has a GDP per capita of $56,104 (2024), compared to $32,487 for Japan (2024). Source: World Bank.

Which country has higher life expectancy, Germany or Japan?

Japan has higher life expectancy. Germany: 80.5 years (2023), Japan: 84.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.

Which country is bigger, Germany or Japan?

Japan is larger by area. Germany covers 357,680 km2, while Japan covers 377,969 km2. Source: World Bank.