GambiaJapan
Gambia has a population of 2.4M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 50.9 times more populous than Gambia. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 1674.8 times larger than Gambia's ($2.4B). Japan covers 377,930 km², 35.4 times larger than Gambia's 10,689 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 18.2 years higher than Gambia's 65.9 years.
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Metric
GambiaJapan| Population | 2.4M | 123.2M |
| Area | 10,689 km² | 377,930 km² |
| GDP | $2.4B | $4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | $871.34 | $32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | 65.9 yrs | 84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 33.8 | 1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 6.5% | 2.5% |
| Capital | Banjul | Tokyo |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Japanese |
| Currencies | GMD (D) | JPY (¥) |
Last updated: April 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 50.9 times more populous than Gambia, with 123.2M residents compared to 2.4M. Gambia is a nation of 2.4M people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Gambia averages 227 people per km² (dense), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Gambia has grown at 2.52% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Gambia is classified as a low-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 1674.8 times larger than Gambia's ($2.4B). Gambia's GDP per capita of $871.34 is 60% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 37.3 times wealthier than those in Gambia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Gambia is 65.9 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 18.2 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Gambia (65.9 years) is 6.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 33.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Gambia's infant mortality is 1778% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Japan (377,930 km²) is 35.4 times larger by land area than Gambia (10,689 km²). Gambia shares borders with 1 country, while Japan borders 0 countries. Gambia spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Gambia lies in Africa, while Japan is located in Asia. Gambia is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Gambia and Japan is in GDP: Gambia's $2.4B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Gambia and Japan is in population: Gambia's 2.4M compared to Japan's 123.2M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Gambia and Japan is in GDP per capita: Gambia's $871.34 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 97% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Gambia's low-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 37.3x that of Gambia ($871.34). 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 1.4x more densely populated than Gambia (326 vs 227 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Gambia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 18.2 years longer than those of Gambia (84.0 vs 65.9 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
Gambia's economy grew at 5.6% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Gambia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Gambia vs Japan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 33.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Gambia 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.
Gambia vs Japan for Budget Travelers
Gambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $871.34 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Gambia 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.
Gambia vs Japan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Gambia 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.
Gambia vs Japan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 37.3x that of Gambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Gambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Gambia can approach or exceed average costs in Japan's smaller cities.
Gambia vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Gambia and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Gambia spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Gambia'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, Gambia or Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Gambia's 2.4M. Japan is 50.9 times more populous than Gambia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Gambia or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Gambia's $2.4B. Japan's economy is 1674.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Gambia and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Gambia's 65.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 18.2 years. Gambia's life expectancy is 6.1 years below 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, Gambia or Japan?
Japan is larger by land area, covering 377,930 km² compared to Gambia's 10,689 km². Japan is 35.4 times larger than Gambia.
What languages are spoken in Gambia and Japan?
Gambia recognizes the following official language: English. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Gambia or Japan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Gambia's 11.6%. Japan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Gambia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.3 times the global median.
Is Gambia or Japan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 33.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Gambia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Gambia or Japan cheaper to visit?
Gambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $871.34 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Gambia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in speci...
Is Gambia or Japan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Gambia 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 Gambia or Japan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 37.3x that of Gambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Gambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by c...
Is Gambia or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Gambia and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Gambia spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Gambia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...