India vs Japan
India has a population of 1.42B, compared to Japan's 123.2M. India is 11.5 times more populous than Japan. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 1.0 times larger than India's ($3.91T). India covers 3,287,263 km², 8.7 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 12.0 years higher than India's 72.0 years.
IndiaJapan| Population | +1050.5%1.42B | -91.3%123.2M |
| Area | +769.8%3,287,263 km² | -88.5%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -2.9%$3.91T | +3.0%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -91.7%$2,694.738 | +1105.6%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -14.3%72.0 yrs | +16.7%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1261.1%24.5 | -92.7%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +72.1%4.2% | -41.9%2.5% |
| Capital | New Delhi | Tokyo |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Hindi, Tamil | Japanese |
| Currencies | INR (₹) | 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
India is 11.5 times more populous than Japan, with 1.42B residents compared to 123.2M. India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, India averages 431 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
India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 1.0 times larger than India's ($3.91T). India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% 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 12.1 times wealthier than those in India.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in India is 72.0 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 12.0 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while India (72.0 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 24.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, India's infant mortality is 1261% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
India (3,287,263 km²) is 8.7 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). India shares borders with 6 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. India spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Both India 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 India and Japan is in infant mortality: India's 24.5 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between India and Japan is in GDP per capita: India's $2,694.738 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between India and Japan is in population: India's 1.42B compared to Japan's 123.2M represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between India'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 12.1x that of India ($2,694.738). 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
India is 1.3x more densely populated than Japan (431 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 12.0 years longer than those of India (84.0 vs 72.0 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
India's economy grew at 6.5% compared to Japan's 0.1%. India's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, India or Japan by population?
India is larger by population, with 1.42B residents compared to Japan's 123.2M. India is 11.5 times more populous than Japan.
Which country has a higher GDP, India or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to India's $3.91T. Japan's economy is 1.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between India and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to India's 72.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.0 years. India's life expectancy is at 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, India or Japan?
India is larger by land area, covering 3,287,263 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². India is 8.7 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in India and Japan?
India recognizes the following languages: English, Hindi, Tamil. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, India or Japan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to India's 5.0%. Japan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while India's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.