Turkmenistan vs Japan
Turkmenistan has a population of 7.1M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 17.5 times more populous than Turkmenistan. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 78.4 times larger than Turkmenistan's ($51.4B). Turkmenistan covers 488,100 km², 1.3 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 14.0 years higher than Turkmenistan's 70.1 years.
TurkmenistanJapan| Population | -94.3%7.1M | +1645.7%123.2M |
| Area | +29.2%488,100 km² | -22.6%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -98.7%$51.4B | +7737.7%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -78.9%$6,856.658 | +373.8%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -16.6%70.1 yrs | +19.9%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1633.3%31.2 | -94.2%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +74.1%4.3% | -42.6%2.5% |
| Capital | Ashgabat | Tokyo |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Russian, Turkmen | Japanese |
| Currencies | TMT (m) | JPY (¥) |
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 17.5 times more populous than Turkmenistan, with 123.2M residents compared to 7.1M. Turkmenistan is a nation of 7.1M people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Turkmenistan averages 14 people per km² (sparse), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Turkmenistan has grown at 2.17% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Turkmenistan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 78.4 times larger than Turkmenistan's ($51.4B). Turkmenistan's GDP per capita of $6,856.658 is 39% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 4.7 times wealthier than those in Turkmenistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkmenistan is 70.1 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 14.0 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Turkmenistan (70.1 years) is 1.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 31.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Turkmenistan's infant mortality is 1633% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Turkmenistan (488,100 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Turkmenistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Turkmenistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Both Turkmenistan and Japan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Central Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkmenistan and Japan is in GDP: Turkmenistan's $51.4B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Turkmenistan and Japan is in population: Turkmenistan's 7.1M compared to Japan's 123.2M represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Turkmenistan and Japan is in infant mortality: Turkmenistan's 31.2 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkmenistan's upper-middle-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 4.7x that of Turkmenistan ($6,856.658). 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 22.5x more densely populated than Turkmenistan (326 vs 14 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Turkmenistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 14.0 years longer than those of Turkmenistan (84.0 vs 70.1 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
Turkmenistan's economy grew at 6.3% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Turkmenistan's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Turkmenistan vs Japan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 31.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkmenistan 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.
Turkmenistan vs Japan for Budget Travelers
Turkmenistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,856.658 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkmenistan 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.
Turkmenistan vs Japan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkmenistan 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.
Turkmenistan vs Japan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 4.7x that of Turkmenistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Turkmenistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Turkmenistan can approach or exceed average costs in Japan's smaller cities.
Turkmenistan vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkmenistan and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkmenistan spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Turkmenistan'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, Turkmenistan or Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Turkmenistan's 7.1M. Japan is 17.5 times more populous than Turkmenistan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkmenistan or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Turkmenistan's $51.4B. Japan's economy is 78.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkmenistan and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Turkmenistan's 70.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.0 years. Turkmenistan's life expectancy is 1.9 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, Turkmenistan or Japan?
Turkmenistan is larger by land area, covering 488,100 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Turkmenistan is 1.3 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Turkmenistan and Japan?
Turkmenistan recognizes the following languages: Russian, Turkmen. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkmenistan or Japan?
Inflation data is not available for Turkmenistan. Japan's inflation rate is 2.7%.
Is Turkmenistan or Japan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 31.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkmenistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Turkmenistan or Japan cheaper to visit?
Turkmenistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,856.658 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkmenistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better...
Is Turkmenistan or Japan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkmenistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Turkmenistan or Japan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 4.7x that of Turkmenistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Turkmenistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Turkmenistan or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkmenistan and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkmenistan spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Turkmenistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...