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