Suriname vs Japan
Suriname has a population of 617K, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 199.9 times more populous than Suriname. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 911.9 times larger than Suriname's ($4.4B). Japan covers 377,930 km², 2.3 times larger than Suriname's 163,820 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 10.4 years higher than Suriname's 73.6 years.
SurinameJapan| Population | -99.5%617K | +19885.4%123.2M |
| Area | -56.7%163,820 km² | +130.7%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -99.9%$4.4B | +91088.6%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -78.6%$6,961.79 | +366.6%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.4%73.6 yrs | +14.1%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +744.4%15.2 | -88.2%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +219.6%7.8% | -68.7%2.5% |
| Capital | Paramaribo | Tokyo |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Dutch | Japanese |
| Currencies | SRD ($) | 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 199.9 times more populous than Suriname, with 123.2M residents compared to 617K. Suriname is a nation of 617K people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Suriname averages 4 people per km² (sparse), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Suriname has grown at 1.01% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Suriname is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 911.9 times larger than Suriname's ($4.4B). Suriname's GDP per capita of $6,961.79 is 48% 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 4.7 times wealthier than those in Suriname.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Suriname is 73.6 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 10.4 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Suriname (73.6 years) is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 15.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Suriname's infant mortality is 744% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Japan (377,930 km²) is 2.3 times larger by land area than Suriname (163,820 km²). Suriname shares borders with 3 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Suriname spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Suriname lies in South America, while Japan is located in Asia. Suriname is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Suriname and Japan is in GDP: Suriname's $4.4B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Suriname and Japan is in population: Suriname's 617K compared to Japan's 123.2M represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Suriname and Japan is in infant mortality: Suriname's 15.2 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Suriname'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 4.7x that of Suriname ($6,961.79). 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 86.6x more densely populated than Suriname (326 vs 4 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Suriname's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 10.4 years longer than those of Suriname (84.0 vs 73.6 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
Suriname's economy grew at 1.7% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Travel Comparison
Suriname vs Japan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 15.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Suriname 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.
Suriname vs Japan for Budget Travelers
Suriname is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,961.79 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Suriname 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.
Suriname vs Japan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Suriname 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.
Suriname vs Japan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 4.7x that of Suriname, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Suriname offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Suriname can approach or exceed average costs in Japan's smaller cities.
Suriname vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Suriname and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Suriname spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Suriname'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, Suriname or Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Suriname's 617K. Japan is 199.9 times more populous than Suriname.
Which country has a higher GDP, Suriname or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Suriname's $4.4B. Japan's economy is 911.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Suriname and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Suriname's 73.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.4 years. Suriname's life expectancy is 1.6 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, Suriname or Japan?
Japan is larger by land area, covering 377,930 km² compared to Suriname's 163,820 km². Japan is 2.3 times larger than Suriname.
What languages are spoken in Suriname and Japan?
Suriname recognizes the following official language: Dutch. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Suriname or Japan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Suriname's 16.2%. Japan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Suriname's rate is severely elevated at 16.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Suriname or Japan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 15.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Suriname offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Suriname or Japan cheaper to visit?
Suriname is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,961.79 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Suriname can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in...
Is Suriname or Japan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Suriname may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Suriname or Japan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 4.7x that of Suriname, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Suriname offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Suriname or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Suriname and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Suriname spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Suriname's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...