Bangladesh vs Japan
Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Bangladesh is 1.4 times more populous than Japan. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 8.9 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). Japan covers 377,930 km², 2.6 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 9.4 years higher than Bangladesh's 74.7 years.
BangladeshJapan| Population | +37.8%169.8M | -27.5%123.2M |
| Area | -61.0%147,570 km² | +156.1%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -88.8%$450.1B | +794.8%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -92.0%$2,593.416 | +1152.7%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -11.1%74.7 yrs | +12.5%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1255.6%24.4 | -92.6%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +54.1%3.8% | -35.1%2.5% |
| Capital | Dhaka | Tokyo |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Bengali | Japanese |
| Currencies | BDT (৳) | 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
Bangladesh is 1.4 times more populous than Japan, with 169.8M residents compared to 123.2M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 8.9 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% 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 12.5 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 9.4 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 1256% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Japan (377,930 km²) is 2.6 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Both Bangladesh and Japan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Japan is in infant mortality: Bangladesh's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Japan is in GDP per capita: Bangladesh's $2,593.416 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Japan is in GDP: Bangladesh's $450.1B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-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 12.5x that of Bangladesh ($2,593.416). 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
Bangladesh is 3.5x more densely populated than Japan (1151 vs 326 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Japan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 9.4 years longer than those of Bangladesh (84.0 vs 74.7 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
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Bangladesh or Japan by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Japan's 123.2M. Bangladesh is 1.4 times more populous than Japan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B. Japan's economy is 8.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Bangladesh's 74.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.4 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above 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, Bangladesh or Japan?
Japan is larger by land area, covering 377,930 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Japan is 2.6 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Japan?
Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Japan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Japan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.