Japan vs Benin
Japan has a population of 123.2M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Japan is 9.3 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 187.5 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Japan covers 377,930 km², 3.4 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 23.3 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
JapanBenin| Population | +831.7%123.2M | -89.3%13.2M |
| Area | +235.6%377,930 km² | -70.2%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +18648.1%$4.03T | -99.5%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2087.1%$32,487.078 | -95.4%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +38.3%84.0 yrs | -27.7%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -96.1%1.8 | +2477.8%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +54.2%2.5% | -35.2%1.6% |
| Capital | Tokyo | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Japanese | French |
| Currencies | JPY (¥) | XOF (Fr) |
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 9.3 times more populous than Benin, with 123.2M residents compared to 13.2M. Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Japan is classified as a high-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 187.5 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 21.9 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Japan is 84.0 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 23.3 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 2478% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Japan (377,930 km²) is 3.4 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Japan shares borders with 0 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Japan spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Japan lies in Asia, while Benin is located in Africa. Japan is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Benin belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Japan and Benin is in GDP: Japan's $4.03T compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Benin is in infant mortality: Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 compared to Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Benin is in GDP per capita: Japan's $32,487.078 compared to Benin's $1,485.38 represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Japan's high-income economy and Benin'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 21.9x that of Benin ($1,485.38). 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 2.8x more densely populated than Benin (326 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Benin's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 23.3 years longer than those of Benin (84.0 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Japan vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin 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.
Japan vs Benin for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin 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 Benin for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Benin Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 21.9x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Japan's smaller cities.
Japan vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin'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 Benin by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Japan is 9.3 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Japan or Benin?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Japan's economy is 187.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Japan and Benin?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 23.3 years. Japan's life expectancy is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Japan or Benin?
Japan is larger by land area, covering 377,930 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Japan is 3.4 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Japan and Benin?
Japan recognizes the following official language: Japanese. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Japan or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Japan's 2.7%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Japan's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Japan or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Japan or Benin cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in speci...
Is Japan or Benin better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Japan or Benin more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 21.9x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by cit...
Is Japan or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...