Japan vs India
Japan has a population of 123.2M, compared to India's 1.42B. India is 11.5 times more populous than Japan. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 1.0 times larger than India's ($3.91T). India covers 3,287,263 km², 8.7 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 12.0 years higher than India's 72.0 years.
JapanIndia| Population | -91.3%123.2M | +1050.5%1.42B |
| Area | -88.5%377,930 km² | +769.8%3,287,263 km² |
| GDP | +3.0%$4.03T | -2.9%$3.91T |
| GDP Per Capita | +1105.6%$32,487.078 | -91.7%$2,694.738 |
| Life Expectancy | +16.7%84.0 yrs | -14.3%72.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -92.7%1.8 | +1261.1%24.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -41.9%2.5% | +72.1%4.2% |
| Capital | Tokyo | New Delhi |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Japanese | English, Hindi, Tamil |
| Currencies | JPY (¥) | INR (₹) |
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
India is 11.5 times more populous than Japan, with 1.42B residents compared to 123.2M. Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense), while India averages 431 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Japan is classified as a high-income economy, while India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 1.0 times larger than India's ($3.91T). Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 12.1 times wealthier than those in India.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Japan is 84.0 years, compared to 72.0 years in India, a gap of 12.0 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while India (72.0 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 24.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, India's infant mortality is 1261% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
India (3,287,263 km²) is 8.7 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Japan shares borders with 0 countries, while India borders 6 countries. Japan spans 1 timezone, compared to India's 1 timezone. Both Japan and India are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Japan and India is in infant mortality: Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 compared to India's 24.5 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and India is in GDP per capita: Japan's $32,487.078 compared to India's $2,694.738 represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and India is in population: Japan's 123.2M compared to India's 1.42B represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Japan's high-income economy and India's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 12.1x that of India ($2,694.738). 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
India is 1.3x more densely populated than Japan (431 vs 326 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Japan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 12.0 years longer than those of India (84.0 vs 72.0 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
India's economy grew at 6.5% compared to Japan's 0.1%. India's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Japan or India by population?
India is larger by population, with 1.42B residents compared to Japan's 123.2M. India is 11.5 times more populous than Japan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Japan or India?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to India's $3.91T. Japan's economy is 1.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Japan and India?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to India's 72.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.0 years. Japan's life expectancy is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while India's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Japan or India?
India is larger by land area, covering 3,287,263 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². India is 8.7 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Japan and India?
Japan recognizes the following official language: Japanese. India recognizes: English, Hindi, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Japan or India?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to India's 5.0%. Japan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while India's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.