Country Profile: Japan

Japan, located in Eastern Asia, is an island nation comprised of four main islands and numerous smaller ones. It boasts a population of approximately 123 million people, with a significant urban concentration in the Tokyo area. The country has a highly developed economy, known as the second-largest in East Asia, characterized by a diverse industrial base and high public debt levels. Governed as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, Japan experiences a unique blend of traditional and modern political practices, with an emperor as a symbol of national unity.

Geography

Japan is an archipelago situated between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula. The country is primarily mountainous and rugged, with its highest point being Mount Fuji at 3,776 m. Japan has a total land area of 377,915 sq km, slightly smaller than California, and a coastline extending 29,751 km. The country’s climate ranges from tropical in the south to cool temperate in the north.

0 km of land boundaries.
12 nm territorial sea claims.
Contains approximately 100,000 islands, of which 14,125 are officially recognized.
One-third of the population resides in and around Tokyo on the Kanto Plain.

People and Society

Japan has a population of 123,201,945 as of 2024, with a majority identifying as Japanese (97.5%). The country exhibits low population growth, with a birth rate of 6.9 births per 1,000 population. It has a notably high median age of 49.9 years and life expectancy at 85.2 years. Urbanization is significant, with around 92% of the population living in urban areas.

29.5% of the population is aged 65 years and over.
12.1% of the population is aged 0-14 years.
Approximately 4.3% of adults are classified as obese.
99.1% of the population has access to improved drinking water.

Economy

Japan's economy is trade-oriented and highly diversified, making it the second-largest in East Asia. Despite facing challenges such as an aging population and high public debt, it remains a global economic power. As of 2024, the real GDP stands at $5.715 trillion, with a growth rate projected at 0.1%. The nation’s economic sectors are primarily dominated by services, followed by industry and agriculture.

2.6% unemployment rate as of 2024.
69.8% of GDP comes from the service sector.
28.6% of GDP is produced by the industrial sector.
15.8% of household expenditures go on food.

Government

Japan is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a governance structure that includes a bicameral legislature known as the National Diet. The current Prime Minister, Shigeru ISHIBA, was elected in 2024. The citizenry enjoys universal suffrage starting at 18 years of age. The legal system is based on civil law, reflecting German and Anglo-American influences.

47 administrative divisions (prefectures).
465 members in the House of Representatives.
The emperor serves as the head of state while the Prime Minister is the head of government.

Military and Security

Japan's Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) comprise ground, maritime, and air components, with around 230-240,000 active personnel as of 2025. The country allocates about 1.4% of GDP to military expenditures and has partnerships with various nations, especially the US. Despite its pacifist constitution, Japan has allowed reinterpretations to permit collective self-defense.

The JSDF is equipped with both imported and domestically produced weapons.
Japan has 14 million operational nuclear reactors.
Military personnel includes an estimated 9% women in full-time roles.

Energy

Japan's energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, which account for 65.8% of its installed generating capacity. The country faces challenges due to its limited natural energy resources, leading to a high dependence on imports. Japan aims to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in the coming years.

100% electrification rate for total population.
902.769 billion kWh electricity consumption in 2023.
14 operational nuclear reactors planned for 2025.

Environment

Japan faces several environmental challenges, including air pollution and waste management issues stemming from industrial activities. The nation is committed to participating in various international environmental agreements aimed at combating climate change and protecting biodiversity.

68.4% of land is forested.
99.9% of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities.
Ongoing environmental cleanup efforts are still in response to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Transportation

Japan has an extensive transportation network including railways, highways, and air travel. With 280 airports and a vast railway system measuring 27,311 km, the country ensures efficient connectivity within and beyond its borders.

5,229 vessels in the merchant marine as of 2023.
163 total ports, with 11 large ports.
3,036 heliports by 2025.

Communications

Japan is technologically advanced, with high rates of mobile and internet penetration. Approximately 87% of the population are internet users, and the country boasts a comprehensive telecommunications infrastructure.

219 million mobile subscriptions as of 2023.
47.9 million fixed broadband subscriptions in 2023.
Total fixed telephone subscriptions reached 59.758 million in 2023.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	123,201,945	2024 estimate
Area	377,915 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$5.715 trillion	2024 estimated
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	6.9 births/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	85.2 years	2024 estimate
Urban Population	92%	2023 estimate
Energy Consumption	902.769 billion kWh	2023 estimate
Inflation Rate	2.7%	2024 estimate
Coal Production	27.657 million metric tons	2023 estimate