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Flag of JapanEastern Asia

Japan

日本

Japan is a country or territory in Eastern Asia. Its capital is Tokyo.

Eastern AsiaAsia47 divisions
Population
124.0M328 /km²
Surface area
377,969 km²
GDP
$4.03T$32K per capita
Capital
Tokyo

Japan is located in Eastern Asia, and its capital is Tokyo. It has a population of approximately 123,975,371 and covers an area of about 377,969 km². Its official currency is the Japanese yen (JPY).

What stands out

People & place

328 /km² across 377,969 km²

Japan has a recorded population of 123,975,371 and a reported surface area of 377,969 km².

Economic snapshot

$4.03 trillion nominal GDP

Nominal GDP is recorded at $4.03 trillion and GDP per capita at $32,487 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.

Practical reference

Japanese yen (JPY)

Japan uses Japanese yen (JPY), calling code +81, internet domain .jp.

About Japan

Japan, an island nation where ancient traditions meet cutting‑edge technology, captivates visitors with its harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and urban dynamism.

Stretching over 3,000 kilometers from the sub‑arctic north to the subtropical south, Japan consists of four main islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—and thousands of smaller isles, featuring towering volcanoes like Mount Fuji, lush bamboo forests, and a jagged coastline indented by numerous bays and fjords.

Renowned for its tea ceremonies, kimono attire, and seasonal festivals such as cherry‑blossom viewing, Japan also boasts a culinary heritage that spans sushi, ramen, and kaiseki, while its pop culture—including anime, manga, and video games—has achieved global influence.

A pivotal moment in Japanese history came in 1868 with the Meiji Restoration, when the nation rapidly modernized and opened to the world, transforming from a feudal shogunate into an industrial power within a few decades.

Key facts

  • Japan is home to 47 prefectures, each with its own distinct identity.
  • The country has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, averaging over 84 years.
  • More than 70% of Japan's land area is mountainous, limiting arable land to just 12%.

This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.

Country data & reference

Capital

Tokyo

Population

123,975,371 (328 /km²)

Surface Area

377,969 km²

GDP

$4.03 trillion (2024)

GDP per Capita

$32,487 (2024)

Region / Subregion

Asia / Eastern Asia

Native Name

日本

Nationality

Japanese

Phone Code

+81

Top-Level Domain

.jp

ISO Codes

JP / JPN

Coordinates

36, 138

Time zones

  • Asia/Tokyo (UTC+09:00)

Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.

Japan: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Japan?

The capital of Japan is Tokyo.

What is the population of Japan?

Japan has a recorded population of approximately 123,975,371 people.

How big is Japan?

Japan covers an area of about 377,969 km².

What is the population density of Japan?

Japan has a population density of roughly 328 /km² (people per square kilometre).

What is the GDP of Japan?

Japan has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $4.03 trillion as of 2024.

What is the GDP per capita of Japan?

Japan has a GDP per capita of approximately $32,487.

What currency is used in Japan?

Japan uses the Japanese yen (JPY), with the symbol ¥.

Where is Japan located?

Japan is located in Eastern Asia, Asia.

What is the native name of Japan?

The native name of Japan is 日本.

What are people from Japan called?

People from Japan are referred to as Japanese.

What is the phone calling code for Japan?

The international dialing code for Japan is +81.

What is the internet domain for Japan?

The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Japan is .jp.

What time zone is Japan in?

Japan uses the Asia/Tokyo time zone.

What is Japan known for?

Japan, an island nation where ancient traditions meet cutting‑edge technology, captivates visitors with its harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and urban dynamism.