Colombia vs Japan
Colombia has a population of 53.1M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 2.3 times more populous than Colombia. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 9.6 times larger than Colombia's ($418.8B). Colombia covers 1,141,748 km², 3.0 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 6.3 years higher than Colombia's 77.7 years.
ColombiaJapan| Population | -56.9%53.1M | +132.2%123.2M |
| Area | +202.1%1,141,748 km² | -66.9%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -89.6%$418.8B | +861.7%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -75.6%$7,919.209 | +310.2%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.5%77.7 yrs | +8.1%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +505.6%10.9 | -83.5%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +238.2%8.3% | -70.4%2.5% |
| Capital | Bogotá | Tokyo |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Japanese |
| Currencies | COP ($) | 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 2.3 times more populous than Colombia, with 123.2M residents compared to 53.1M. Colombia is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Colombia averages 46 people per km² (sparse), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Colombia has grown at 1.26% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Colombia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 9.6 times larger than Colombia's ($418.8B). Colombia's GDP per capita of $7,919.209 is 41% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 4.1 times wealthier than those in Colombia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Colombia is 77.7 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 6.3 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Colombia (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 10.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Colombia's infant mortality is 506% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Colombia (1,141,748 km²) is 3.0 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Colombia shares borders with 5 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Colombia spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Colombia lies in South America, while Japan is located in Asia. Colombia is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Colombia and Japan is in GDP: Colombia's $418.8B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Japan is in infant mortality: Colombia's 10.9 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Japan is in GDP per capita: Colombia's $7,919.209 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Colombia'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 4.1x that of Colombia ($7,919.209). 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 7.0x more densely populated than Colombia (326 vs 46 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Colombia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 6.3 years longer than those of Colombia (84.0 vs 77.7 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
Colombia's economy grew at 1.6% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Colombia or Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Colombia's 53.1M. Japan is 2.3 times more populous than Colombia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Colombia or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Colombia's $418.8B. Japan's economy is 9.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Colombia and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Colombia's 77.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.3 years. Colombia's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Colombia or Japan?
Colombia is larger by land area, covering 1,141,748 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Colombia is 3.0 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Colombia and Japan?
Colombia recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Colombia or Japan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Colombia's 6.6%. Japan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Colombia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 1.9 times the global median.