Overview of Japan

Profile

An island nation composed of four main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu) and over 10,000 smaller islands stretching in an arc across the North Pacific Ocean. With an area of approximately 378,000 km², about 75% of the land is mountainous. One of the world's largest metropolitan areas is centered around the capital, Tokyo, while diverse traditional culture and natural landscapes remain throughout various regions. Under constitutional monarchy with parliamentary democracy, Japan ranks fourth in nominal GDP globally, demonstrating international presence in technological development, manufacturing, and content industries. Distinct four seasons and north-south climate zones create region-specific characteristics in food culture, festivals, and landscapes. While possessing advanced infrastructure and universal health insurance, the country also faces social challenges including declining birthrates, aging population, and regional disparities.

Official name

Japan

Common name

Japan

Numeric code

392

Alpha-3 code

JPN

Alpha-2 code

JP

Population

124 million (2024)

Population density

approximately 329 people/km²

Primary languages

Japanese

Major religions

Shinto, Buddhism

National anthem

Kimigayo

Calling code

+81

Internet TLD

.jp

History

Developed from the Yamato dynasty formed around the beginning of the Common Era through samurai governments, the Meiji Restoration, and post-war recovery into the current constitutional state.

In ancient times, the Nara and Heian periods saw the flourishing of a ritsuryo state and indigenous culture. In medieval times, samurai held power through the Kamakura, Muromachi, and Warring States periods until the Edo shogunate unified the nation. After mid-19th-century opening, the Meiji Restoration modernized the nation, achieving victories in the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars. Following World War II defeat and Allied occupation, the 1947 Constitution was promulgated. The country became an economic powerhouse during the high-growth period, expanding influence through advanced technology and pop culture from the late 1970s onward. The 21st century continues innovation and cultural dissemination while addressing both population decline and international cooperation challenges.

Geography & climate

The Japanese Alps run through the center, with volcanic zones and fault basins forming complex terrain. Coastal areas feature major cities and rias coastlines, while inland areas contain plateaus and rural landscapes.

Primarily temperate humid, ranging from subarctic in the north to subtropical in the south

Area

Asia / 377975.64 km²

Capital

Tokyo

Largest city

Tokyo

Coastal status

Yes

Major lakes

Lake Biwa, Lake Kasumigaura, Lake Saroma

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy (Parliamentary democracy)

Economy

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)

GDP (nominal): 4.4 trillion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 5.6 trillion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Japanese

Time zone: Japan Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Yamato, Ryukyuan, Ainu, Korean residents in Japan, Chinese residents in Japan, Japanese Brazilians

Life expectancy

Men 81.1 years, Women 87.3 years (2023)

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Sumo, Baseball, Soccer, Judo, Kendo, Karate, Rugby

Flag

Emblem