Norway vs Japan

Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators

Key Indicators

IndicatorNorwayJapanYear
GDP (nominal)$483.59B$4.03T2024
GDP per capita$86,785$32,4872024
Population5.6M124.0M2024
GDP growth rate2.10%0.10%2024
Inflation rate3.15%2.74%2024
Unemployment rate4.64%2.45%2025
Life expectancy83.1 years84.0 years2023
Surface area (sq. km)624,500 km2377,969 km22023
Green highlighting indicates the stronger value for each indicator. Source: World Bank Open Data.

Norway vs Japan: Analysis

Japan has a larger economy than Norway, with a nominal GDP roughly 8.3 times greater based on 2024 data. Norway recorded a GDP of $483.59B, while Japan stood at $4.03T.

In terms of GDP per capita, Norway leads over Japan. Norway has a per capita output of $86,785, compared to $32,487 for Japan.

Japan has a larger population than Norway. Norway is home to approximately 5.6M people, while Japan has about 124.0M.

By surface area, Norway is the larger country. Norway covers 624,500 km2, and Japan spans 377,969 km2.

Life expectancy is higher in Japan: 83.1 years in Norway versus 84.0 years in Japan. Japan has the lower unemployment rate (Norway: 4.64%, Japan: 2.45%). Inflation stands at 3.15% in Norway 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, Norway or Japan?

Japan has the larger GDP. Norway has a GDP of $483.59B (2024), while Japan has $4.03T (2024). Source: World Bank.

What is the population difference between Norway and Japan?

The population difference is approximately 118.4M. Norway has 5.6M people (2024), and Japan has 124.0M (2024). Source: World Bank.

Is Norway richer than Japan?

By GDP per capita, Norway is wealthier. Norway has a GDP per capita of $86,785 (2024), compared to $32,487 for Japan (2024). Source: World Bank.

Which country has higher life expectancy, Norway or Japan?

Japan has higher life expectancy. Norway: 83.1 years (2023), Japan: 84.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.

Which country is bigger, Norway or Japan?

Norway is larger by area. Norway covers 624,500 km2, while Japan covers 377,969 km2. Source: World Bank.

Norway vs Japan — Compare Economy & Statistics (2024)