Japan vs Burundi
Japan has a population of 123.2M, compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Japan is 10.0 times more populous than Burundi. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 1306.6 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Japan covers 377,930 km², 13.6 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 20.4 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
JapanBurundi| Population | +899.0%123.2M | -90.0%12.3M |
| Area | +1257.8%377,930 km² | -92.6%27,834 km² |
| GDP | +130562.9%$4.03T | -99.9%$3.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +14705.6%$32,487.078 | -99.3%$219.425 |
| Life Expectancy | +32.0%84.0 yrs | -24.3%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -94.3%1.8 | +1650.0%31.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +165.8%2.5% | -62.4%0.9% |
| Capital | Tokyo | Gitega |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Japanese | French, Kirundi |
| Currencies | JPY (¥) | BIF (Fr) |
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 10.0 times more populous than Burundi, with 123.2M residents compared to 12.3M. Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people. In terms of population density, Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense), while Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense). Burundi has grown at 2.75% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Japan is classified as a high-income economy, while Burundi is classified as a low-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 1306.6 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Burundi's GDP per capita of $219.425 is 90% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 148.1 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Japan is 84.0 years, compared to 63.7 years in Burundi, a gap of 20.4 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Burundi (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 31.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Burundi's infant mortality is 1650% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Japan (377,930 km²) is 13.6 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Japan shares borders with 0 countries, while Burundi borders 3 countries. Japan spans 1 timezone, compared to Burundi's 1 timezone. Japan lies in Asia, while Burundi is located in Africa. Japan is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Burundi belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Japan and Burundi is in GDP: Japan's $4.03T compared to Burundi's $3.1B represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Burundi is in GDP per capita: Japan's $32,487.078 compared to Burundi's $219.425 represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Burundi is in infant mortality: Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 compared to Burundi's 31.5 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Japan's high-income economy and Burundi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 148.1x that of Burundi ($219.425). 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
Burundi is 1.4x more densely populated than Japan (443 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 20.4 years longer than those of Burundi (84.0 vs 63.7 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
Burundi's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burundi has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Japan vs Burundi for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi 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.
Japan vs Burundi for Budget Travelers
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi 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.
Japan vs Burundi for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi 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.
Japan vs Burundi Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 148.1x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Burundi can approach or exceed average costs in Japan's smaller cities.
Japan vs Burundi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi'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, Japan or Burundi by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Japan is 10.0 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Japan or Burundi?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Japan's economy is 1306.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Japan and Burundi?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 20.4 years. Japan's life expectancy is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Burundi's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Japan or Burundi?
Japan is larger by land area, covering 377,930 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Japan is 13.6 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Japan and Burundi?
Japan recognizes the following official language: Japanese. Burundi recognizes: French, Kirundi. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Japan or Burundi?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Burundi's 20.2%. Japan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Burundi's rate is severely elevated at 20.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Japan or Burundi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Japan or Burundi cheaper to visit?
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in sp...
Is Japan or Burundi better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Japan or Burundi more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 148.1x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Japan or Burundi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...