Country Profile: Japan

Japan is an island nation located in Eastern Asia, characterized by its rugged and mountainous terrain. With a population of approximately 123.2 million, Japan boasts one of the largest economies in the world, known for its advanced technology and strong industrial base. The country operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, where the emperor serves as a symbolic figure while elected officials govern. Japan faces economic challenges related to an aging population and public debt but continues to maintain a prominent position in the global economy.

Geography

Japan is an island chain situated between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula, comprising four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The country has a total area of 377,915 sq km, slightly smaller than California, and features a rugged landscape with many mountains and active volcanoes. The climate varies from tropical in the south to cool temperate in the north, contributing to its diverse ecosystems.

29,751 km of coastline.
68.3% of land area is forest.
12.6% of land used for agriculture (2023).

People and Society

Japan has a total population of 123,201,945 as of 2024, with a life expectancy of 85.2 years. The population is predominantly Japanese (97.5%), with a significant urban population that accounts for 92% of total residents. The country experiences a declining birth rate of 6.9 births/1,000 population and has a median age of 49.9 years. Shintoism and Buddhism are the two main religions practiced in Japan.

58.4% of the population is aged between 15-64 years.
0.95 male-to-female ratio in the total population (2024).
99.1% of the population has access to improved drinking water (2022).

Economy

Japan is the second-largest economy in East Asia, known for its trade-oriented and highly diversified economic structure. The 2024 Real GDP is estimated at $5.715 trillion, with a per capita GDP of $46,100. The economy faces challenges due to an aging workforce and high public debt levels, but tourism is rebounding strongly. The service sector dominates, contributing 69.8% to GDP.

2.6% unemployment rate (2024).
215.9% of GDP as public debt (2022).
22% of exports go to China, the largest trading partner (2023).

Government

Japan is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the emperor serving as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government. The current constitution, effective since 1947, mandates a bicameral legislature known as the National Diet. Japanese citizens have universal suffrage at age 18, and the government is characterized by a mix of civil law and native traditions.

47 prefectures make up the country's administrative divisions.
The most recent prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, took office in October 2025.
1.4% of GDP is allocated to military expenditures (2024).

Military and Security

Japan's military forces, known as the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF), are responsible for national defense, monitoring airspace, and conducting humanitarian missions. The JSDF comprises approximately 230,000 active personnel and maintains a range of equipment both domestically produced and imported. Japan is also committed to increasing its defense budget in line with NATO standards.

1.4% of GDP dedicated to military spending (2024).
14 operational nuclear reactors as of 2025.
200 personnel deployed in Djibouti for security cooperation (2024).

Energy

Japan relies heavily on imported energy due to a lack of domestic resources, with fossil fuels accounting for 65.8% of its electricity generation capacity. The country has made strides in renewable energy, particularly in solar power, which contributes 10.3% to its capacity. Japan's total electricity consumption reached 902.769 billion kWh in 2023.

100% electrification of the population (2022).
2.019 billion cubic meters of natural gas production (2023).
361.617 million kW of installed electricity generation capacity (2023).

Environment

Japan faces significant environmental challenges including air pollution, waste management issues, and ongoing cleanup efforts following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The country is actively involved in international agreements aimed at combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.

42.72 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).
11.5% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
960.23 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023).

Transportation

Japan has an extensive and advanced transportation network, including 27,311 km of railways and 280 airports. The country is known for its high-speed rail services, making transportation efficient and swift. The merchant marine fleet is substantial, with 5,229 vessels reported in 2023.

3,036 heliports as of 2025.
163 total ports, including 11 large ports (2024).
59.758 million fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).

Communications

Japan has a highly developed communication infrastructure, with a significant number of mobile and fixed-line telephone subscriptions. Approximately 87% of the population uses the internet, and broadband services are widely accessible throughout the country.

219 million mobile subscriptions (2023).
47.9 million fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
48 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants for fixed lines (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	123,201,945 (2024 est.)
Area	377,915 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$5.715 trillion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	2.6% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	6.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	85.2 years (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	129.504 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures (% of GDP)	1.4% (2024 est.)
Urban Population	92% (2023)
Total Renewable Water Resources	430 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)