Mexico vs Japan
Mexico has a population of 130.6M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Mexico is 1.1 times more populous than Japan. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 2.2 times larger than Mexico's ($1.86T). Mexico covers 1,964,375 km², 5.2 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 9.0 years higher than Mexico's 75.1 years.
MexicoJapan| Population | +6.0%130.6M | -5.6%123.2M |
| Area | +419.8%1,964,375 km² | -80.8%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -53.9%$1.86T | +117.0%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -56.3%$14,185.781 | +129.0%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.7%75.1 yrs | +12.0%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +500.0%10.8 | -83.3%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | 95.9% | — |
| Unemployment | +9.1%2.7% | -8.3%2.5% |
| Capital | Mexico City | Tokyo |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Japanese |
| Currencies | MXN ($) | 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
Mexico is 1.1 times more populous than Japan, with 130.6M residents compared to 123.2M. Mexico is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Mexico averages 66 people per km² (moderate), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). Mexico has grown at 0.92% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Japan.
Economy Comparison
Mexico is classified as a high-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 2.2 times larger than Mexico's ($1.86T). Mexico's GDP per capita of $14,185.781 is 5% above 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 2.3 times wealthier than those in Mexico.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mexico is 75.1 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 9.0 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Mexico (75.1 years) is 3.1 years above the global average of 72 years. At 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mexico's infant mortality is 500% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Mexico (1,964,375 km²) is 5.2 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Mexico shares borders with 3 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Mexico spans 3 timezones, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Mexico lies in North America, while Japan is located in Asia. Mexico is categorized within the Americas region (North America), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mexico and Japan is in infant mortality: Mexico's 10.8 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Mexico and Japan is in land area: Mexico's 1,964,375 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Mexico and Japan is in GDP per capita: Mexico's $14,185.781 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 56% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mexico's high-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 2.3x that of Mexico ($14,185.781). 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 Mexico (326 vs 66 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mexico's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 9.0 years longer than those of Mexico (84.0 vs 75.1 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
Mexico's economy grew at 1.4% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Mexico or Japan by population?
Mexico is larger by population, with 130.6M residents compared to Japan's 123.2M. Mexico is 1.1 times more populous than Japan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mexico or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Mexico's $1.86T. Japan's economy is 2.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mexico and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Mexico's 75.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.0 years. Mexico's life expectancy is 3.1 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, Mexico or Japan?
Mexico is larger by land area, covering 1,964,375 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Mexico is 5.2 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Mexico and Japan?
Mexico recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mexico or Japan?
Japan has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Mexico's 4.7%. Japan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Mexico's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.