Japan — Fact Sheet

At a Glance

Official NameState of Japan

CapitalTokyo

Largest CityTokyo

GovernmentConstitutional Monarchy

EmperorNaruhito (since 2019)

CurrencyJapanese Yen (¥)

Official LanguageJapanese

Population

124M

~124 million people (2024 est.)

Density334 / km²

Urban Population~92%

Median Age48.7 years

Life Expectancy84.3 years

Geography

Total Area377,975 km²

Land Area364,485 km²

Coastline29,751 km

Main IslandsHonshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, Hokkaido

Highest PointMt. Fuji — 3,776 m

Active Volcanoes~110

Total Islands~14,125

Economy

GDP (nominal)~$4.2 trillion

World Rank4th largest

GDP per Capita~$33,800

Unemployment~2.6%

Major ExportsVehicles, electronics, machinery

Major PartnersChina, US, South Korea

Overview

Japan is an island nation in East Asia, situated in the Pacific Ocean to the east of the Korean Peninsula and China. An archipelago of over 14,000 islands, it is one of the world's most densely populated countries and home to a highly urbanized society. Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government, and maintains one of the largest and most technologically advanced economies on Earth. Known for its blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation, Japan is a global leader in manufacturing, robotics, and popular culture.

GDP by Sector

Services69%

Industry29%

Agriculture2%

Culture & Society

ReligionShinto, Buddhism

Literacy Rate~99%

UNESCO Sites25

National SportSumo

Calling Code+81

Internet TLD.jp

Historical Milestones

660 BC

Traditional founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu; beginning of the imperial line.

710

Nara established as Japan's first permanent capital; flourishing of Buddhist art and architecture.

1603

Tokugawa Ieyasu unifies Japan; Edo period begins, ushering in 250+ years of relative peace.

1868

Meiji Restoration — imperial rule restored, rapid modernization and industrialization begin.

1945

End of World War II; Japan adopts a new pacifist constitution in 1947.

1964

Tokyo hosts the Summer Olympics; Japan's "economic miracle" transforms it into a global power.

2019

Emperor Naruhito ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne, beginning the Reiwa era.

Notable Facts

World's oldest monarchy 3rd-largest auto industry ~80% mountainous terrain Bullet trains since 1964 Highest vending machine density Ramen has 4 regional styles Yakuza predates the modern state Cherry blossom viewing (Hanami) Home to 5 Nobel laureates in Physics (2000–2020) One of lowest crime rates globally Sumo, karate, judo origins ~70,000 centenarians