Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Japan
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a population of 3.4M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 36.0 times more populous than Bosnia and Herzegovina. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 136.0 times larger than Bosnia and Herzegovina's ($29.6B). Japan covers 377,930 km², 7.4 times larger than Bosnia and Herzegovina's 51,209 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 6.2 years higher than Bosnia and Herzegovina's 77.8 years.
Bosnia and HerzegovinaJapan| Population | -97.2%3.4M | +3500.5%123.2M |
| Area | -86.5%51,209 km² | +638.0%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -99.3%$29.6B | +13500.5%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -71.2%$9,358.788 | +247.1%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.4%77.8 yrs | +8.0%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +194.4%5.3 | -66.0%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +350.3%11.0% | -77.8%2.5% |
| Capital | Sarajevo | Tokyo |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian | Japanese |
| Currencies | BAM (KM) | 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 36.0 times more populous than Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 123.2M residents compared to 3.4M. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a nation of 3.4M people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Bosnia and Herzegovina averages 67 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
Bosnia and Herzegovina is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 136.0 times larger than Bosnia and Herzegovina's ($29.6B). Bosnia and Herzegovina's GDP per capita of $9,358.788 is 67% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 3.5 times wealthier than those in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 77.8 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 6.2 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bosnia and Herzegovina (77.8 years) is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years. At 5.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bosnia and Herzegovina's infant mortality is 194% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Japan (377,930 km²) is 7.4 times larger by land area than Bosnia and Herzegovina (51,209 km²). Bosnia and Herzegovina shares borders with 3 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Bosnia and Herzegovina spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Bosnia and Herzegovina lies in Europe, while Japan is located in Asia. Bosnia and Herzegovina is categorized within the Europe region (Southeast Europe), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan is in GDP: Bosnia and Herzegovina's $29.6B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan is in population: Bosnia and Herzegovina's 3.4M compared to Japan's 123.2M represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan is in land area: Bosnia and Herzegovina's 51,209 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km² represents a 86% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bosnia and Herzegovina'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 3.5x that of Bosnia and Herzegovina ($9,358.788). 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 4.9x more densely populated than Bosnia and Herzegovina (326 vs 67 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Bosnia and Herzegovina's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 6.2 years longer than those of Bosnia and Herzegovina (84.0 vs 77.8 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
Bosnia and Herzegovina's economy grew at 3.0% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bosnia and Herzegovina has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Japan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 5.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bosnia and Herzegovina 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.
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Japan for Budget Travelers
Bosnia and Herzegovina is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $9,358.788 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bosnia and Herzegovina 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.
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Japan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bosnia and Herzegovina 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.
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Japan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Bosnia and Herzegovina offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina can approach or exceed average costs in Japan's smaller cities.
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bosnia and Herzegovina spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Bosnia and Herzegovina'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, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Bosnia and Herzegovina's 3.4M. Japan is 36.0 times more populous than Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Bosnia and Herzegovina's $29.6B. Japan's economy is 136.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Bosnia and Herzegovina's 77.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.2 years. Bosnia and Herzegovina's life expectancy is 5.8 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, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Japan?
Japan is larger by land area, covering 377,930 km² compared to Bosnia and Herzegovina's 51,209 km². Japan is 7.4 times larger than Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What languages are spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan?
Bosnia and Herzegovina recognizes the following languages: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Japan?
Bosnia and Herzegovina has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to Japan's 2.7%. Bosnia and Herzegovina'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 Bosnia and Herzegovina or Japan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 5.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bosnia and Herzegovina offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. ...
Is Bosnia and Herzegovina or Japan cheaper to visit?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $9,358.788 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bosnia and Herzegovina can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Ja...
Is Bosnia and Herzegovina or Japan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bosnia and Herzegovina may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare ...
Is Bosnia and Herzegovina or Japan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Bosnia and Herzegovina offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of l...
Is Bosnia and Herzegovina or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bosnia and Herzegovina spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Bosnia and Herzegovina's lower cost of living makes...