Benin vs Japan
Benin has a population of 13.2M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. 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.
BeninJapan| Population | -89.3%13.2M | +831.7%123.2M |
| Area | -70.2%112,622 km² | +235.6%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -99.5%$21.5B | +18648.1%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -95.4%$1,485.38 | +2087.1%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -27.7%60.8 yrs | +38.3%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +2477.8%46.4 | -96.1%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -35.2%1.6% | +54.2%2.5% |
| Capital | Porto-Novo | Tokyo |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French | Japanese |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | 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 9.3 times more populous than Benin, with 123.2M residents compared to 13.2M. Benin is a nation of 13.2M people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 187.5 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 21.9 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Benin is 60.8 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, 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). Benin shares borders with 4 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Benin spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Benin lies in Africa, while Japan is located in Asia. Benin is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Benin and Japan is in GDP: Benin's $21.5B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Japan is in infant mortality: Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Japan is in GDP per capita: Benin's $1,485.38 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Benin'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 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
Benin vs Japan 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.
Benin vs Japan 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.
Benin vs Japan 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.
Benin vs Japan 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.
Benin vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Japan 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, Benin or Japan 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, Benin or Japan?
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 Benin and Japan?
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. Benin's life expectancy is 11.2 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, Benin or Japan?
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 Benin and Japan?
Benin recognizes the following official language: French. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Benin or Japan?
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 Benin or Japan 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 Benin or Japan 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 Benin or Japan 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 Benin or Japan 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 Benin or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...