Dominican Republic vs Japan
Dominican Republic has a population of 10.8M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 11.4 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 32.4 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Japan covers 377,930 km², 7.8 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 10.3 years higher than Dominican Republic's 73.7 years.
Dominican RepublicJapan| Population | -91.3%10.8M | +1043.9%123.2M |
| Area | -87.1%48,671 km² | +676.5%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -96.9%$124.3B | +3140.7%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -66.5%$10,875.662 | +198.7%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.3%73.7 yrs | +14.0%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1477.8%28.4 | -93.7%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +107.8%5.1% | -51.9%2.5% |
| Capital | Santo Domingo | Tokyo |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Japanese |
| Currencies | DOP ($) | JPY (¥) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Japan is 11.4 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 123.2M residents compared to 10.8M. Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 32.4 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 3.0 times wealthier than those in Dominican Republic.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Dominican Republic is 73.7 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 10.3 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 1478% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Japan (377,930 km²) is 7.8 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Dominican Republic shares borders with 1 country, while Japan borders 0 countries. Dominican Republic spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Dominican Republic lies in North America, while Japan is located in Asia. Dominican Republic is categorized within the Americas region (Caribbean), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Dominican Republic and Japan is in GDP: Dominican Republic's $124.3B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Dominican Republic and Japan is in infant mortality: Dominican Republic's 28.4 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Dominican Republic and Japan is in population: Dominican Republic's 10.8M compared to Japan's 123.2M represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy and Japan's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 3.0x that of Dominican Republic ($10,875.662). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Japan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Japan is 1.5x more densely populated than Dominican Republic (326 vs 221 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Dominican Republic's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 10.3 years longer than those of Dominican Republic (84.0 vs 73.7 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Dominican Republic vs Japan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Dominican Republic vs Japan for Budget Travelers
Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Dominican Republic vs Japan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Dominican Republic vs Japan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 3.0x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Dominican Republic can approach or exceed average costs in Japan's smaller cities.
Dominican Republic vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Dominican Republic and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Dominican Republic spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Dominican Republic's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Dominican Republic or Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Japan is 11.4 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Dominican Republic or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B. Japan's economy is 32.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Dominican Republic and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Dominican Republic's 73.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.3 years. Dominican Republic's life expectancy is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Japan's is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Dominican Republic or Japan?
Japan is larger by land area, covering 377,930 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Japan is 7.8 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Dominican Republic and Japan?
Dominican Republic recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Dominican Republic or Japan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Dominican Republic's 3.3%. Japan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Dominican Republic's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Dominican Republic or Japan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Bot...
Is Dominican Republic or Japan cheaper to visit?
Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may...
Is Dominican Republic or Japan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acce...
Is Dominican Republic or Japan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 3.0x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living va...
Is Dominican Republic or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Dominican Republic and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Dominican Republic spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Dominican Republic's lower cost of living makes it attracti...