JordanJapan
Jordan has a population of 11.7M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 10.5 times more populous than Jordan. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 75.5 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Japan covers 377,930 km², 4.2 times larger than Jordan's 89,342 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 6.2 years higher than Jordan's 77.8 years.
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Japan wins
Metric
JordanJapan| Population | 11.7M | 123.2M |
| Area | 89,342 km² | 377,930 km² |
| GDP | $53.4B | $4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,618.096 | $32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | 77.8 yrs | 84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 12.2 | 1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 16.5% | 2.5% |
| Capital | Amman | Tokyo |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Japanese |
| Currencies | JOD (د.ا) | JPY (¥) |
Last updated: April 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 10.5 times more populous than Jordan, with 123.2M residents compared to 11.7M. Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Jordan has grown at 3.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 75.5 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% 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 7.0 times wealthier than those in Jordan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Jordan 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 Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years. At 12.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Jordan's infant mortality is 578% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Japan (377,930 km²) is 4.2 times larger by land area than Jordan (89,342 km²). Jordan shares borders with 5 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Jordan spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Both Jordan and Japan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Jordan and Japan is in GDP: Jordan's $53.4B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Jordan and Japan is in population: Jordan's 11.7M compared to Japan's 123.2M represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Jordan and Japan is in GDP per capita: Jordan's $4,618.096 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 86% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Jordan'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 7.0x that of Jordan ($4,618.096). 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 2.5x more densely populated than Jordan (326 vs 131 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Jordan'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 Jordan (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
Jordan's economy grew at 2.5% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Jordan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Jordan vs Japan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 12.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Jordan 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.
Jordan vs Japan for Budget Travelers
Jordan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,618.096 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Jordan 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.
Jordan vs Japan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Jordan 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.
Jordan vs Japan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 7.0x that of Jordan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Jordan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Jordan can approach or exceed average costs in Japan's smaller cities.
Jordan vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Jordan and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Jordan spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Jordan'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, Jordan or Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Japan is 10.5 times more populous than Jordan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Jordan or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Jordan's $53.4B. Japan's economy is 75.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Jordan and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Jordan's 77.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.2 years. Jordan'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, Jordan or Japan?
Japan is larger by land area, covering 377,930 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km². Japan is 4.2 times larger than Jordan.
What languages are spoken in Jordan and Japan?
Jordan recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Jordan or Japan?
Jordan has lower inflation at 1.6%, compared to Japan's 2.7%. Jordan'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 Jordan or Japan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 12.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Jordan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Jordan or Japan cheaper to visit?
Jordan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,618.096 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Jordan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in sp...
Is Jordan or Japan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Jordan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate ...
Is Jordan or Japan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 7.0x that of Jordan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Jordan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Jordan or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Jordan and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Jordan spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Jordan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...