South Africa vs Japan
Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators
Key Indicators
| Indicator | South Africa | Japan | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP (nominal) | $401.14B | $4.03T | 2024 |
| GDP per capita | $6,267 | $32,487 | 2024 |
| Population | 64.0M | 124.0M | 2024 |
| GDP growth rate | 0.53% | 0.10% | 2024 |
| Inflation rate | 4.36% | 2.74% | 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 32.39% | 2.45% | 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 66.1 years | 84.0 years | 2023 |
| Surface area (sq. km) | 1,219,090 km2 | 377,969 km2 | 2023 |
South Africa vs Japan: Analysis
Japan has a larger economy than South Africa, with a nominal GDP roughly 10.0 times greater based on 2024 data. South Africa recorded a GDP of $401.14B, while Japan stood at $4.03T.
In terms of GDP per capita, Japan leads over South Africa. South Africa has a per capita output of $6,267, compared to $32,487 for Japan.
Japan has a larger population than South Africa. South Africa is home to approximately 64.0M people, while Japan has about 124.0M.
By surface area, South Africa is the larger country. South Africa covers 1,219,090 km2, and Japan spans 377,969 km2.
Life expectancy is higher in Japan: 66.1 years in South Africa versus 84.0 years in Japan. Japan has the lower unemployment rate (South Africa: 32.39%, Japan: 2.45%). Inflation stands at 4.36% in South Africa 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, South Africa or Japan?
Japan has the larger GDP. South Africa has a GDP of $401.14B (2024), while Japan has $4.03T (2024). Source: World Bank.
What is the population difference between South Africa and Japan?
The population difference is approximately 60.0M. South Africa has 64.0M people (2024), and Japan has 124.0M (2024). Source: World Bank.
Is South Africa richer than Japan?
By GDP per capita, Japan is wealthier. South Africa has a GDP per capita of $6,267 (2024), compared to $32,487 for Japan (2024). Source: World Bank.
Which country has higher life expectancy, South Africa or Japan?
Japan has higher life expectancy. South Africa: 66.1 years (2023), Japan: 84.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.
Which country is bigger, South Africa or Japan?
South Africa is larger by area. South Africa covers 1,219,090 km2, while Japan covers 377,969 km2. Source: World Bank.