JapanMyanmar
Japan has a population of 123.2M, compared to Myanmar's 51.3M. Japan is 2.4 times more populous than Myanmar. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 54.4 times larger than Myanmar's ($74.1B). Myanmar covers 676,578 km², 1.8 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 17.2 years higher than Myanmar's 66.9 years.
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Metric
JapanMyanmar| Population | 123.2M | 51.3M |
| Area | 377,930 km² | 676,578 km² |
| GDP | $4.03T | $74.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | $32,487.078 | $1,359.05 |
| Life Expectancy | 84.0 yrs | 66.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 1.8 | 34.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.5% | 3.0% |
| Capital | Tokyo | Naypyidaw |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Japanese | Burmese |
| Currencies | JPY (¥) | MMK (Ks) |
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 2.4 times more populous than Myanmar, with 123.2M residents compared to 51.3M. Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Myanmar is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense), while Myanmar averages 76 people per km² (moderate). Myanmar has grown at 0.74% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Japan is classified as a high-income economy, while Myanmar is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 54.4 times larger than Myanmar's ($74.1B). Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Myanmar's GDP per capita of $1,359.05 is 88% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 23.9 times wealthier than those in Myanmar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Japan is 84.0 years, compared to 66.9 years in Myanmar, a gap of 17.2 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Myanmar (66.9 years) is 5.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Myanmar's infant mortality is 1794% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Myanmar (676,578 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Japan shares borders with 0 countries, while Myanmar borders 5 countries. Japan spans 1 timezone, compared to Myanmar's 1 timezone. Both Japan and Myanmar are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Japan and Myanmar is in GDP: Japan's $4.03T compared to Myanmar's $74.1B represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Myanmar is in GDP per capita: Japan's $32,487.078 compared to Myanmar's $1,359.05 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Myanmar is in infant mortality: Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 compared to Myanmar's 34.1 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Japan's high-income economy and Myanmar'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 23.9x that of Myanmar ($1,359.05). 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 4.3x more densely populated than Myanmar (326 vs 76 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Myanmar's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 17.2 years longer than those of Myanmar (84.0 vs 66.9 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
Japan's economy grew at 0.1% compared to Myanmar's -1.0%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Myanmar's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Japan vs Myanmar for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 34.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Myanmar offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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 Myanmar for Budget Travelers
Myanmar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,359.05 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Myanmar 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 Myanmar for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Myanmar 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 Myanmar Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 23.9x that of Myanmar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Myanmar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Myanmar can approach or exceed average costs in Japan's smaller cities.
Japan vs Myanmar for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Myanmar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Myanmar covers 1. Myanmar'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 Myanmar by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Myanmar's 51.3M. Japan is 2.4 times more populous than Myanmar.
Which country has a higher GDP, Japan or Myanmar?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Myanmar's $74.1B. Japan's economy is 54.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Japan and Myanmar?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Myanmar's 66.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.2 years. Japan's life expectancy is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Myanmar's is 5.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Japan or Myanmar?
Myanmar is larger by land area, covering 676,578 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Myanmar is 1.8 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Japan and Myanmar?
Japan recognizes the following official language: Japanese. Myanmar recognizes: Burmese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Japan or Myanmar?
Inflation data is not available for Myanmar. Japan's inflation rate is 2.7%.
Is Japan or Myanmar better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 34.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Myanmar offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Japan or Myanmar cheaper to visit?
Myanmar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,359.05 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Myanmar can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in s...
Is Japan or Myanmar better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Myanmar 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 Myanmar more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 23.9x that of Myanmar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Myanmar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by...
Is Japan or Myanmar better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Myanmar, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Myanmar covers 1. Myanmar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...