Morocco vs Japan
Morocco has a population of 36.8M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 3.3 times more populous than Morocco. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 25.1 times larger than Morocco's ($160.6B). Morocco covers 446,550 km², 1.2 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 8.7 years higher than Morocco's 75.3 years.
MoroccoJapan| Population | -70.1%36.8M | +234.6%123.2M |
| Area | +18.2%446,550 km² | -15.4%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -96.0%$160.6B | +2407.7%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -87.2%$4,153.194 | +682.2%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.4%75.3 yrs | +11.6%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +761.1%15.5 | -88.4%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +267.2%9.0% | -72.8%2.5% |
| Capital | Rabat | Tokyo |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Berber | Japanese |
| Currencies | MAD (د.م.) | 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 3.3 times more populous than Morocco, with 123.2M residents compared to 36.8M. Morocco is a nation of 36.8M people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Morocco averages 82 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
Morocco is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 25.1 times larger than Morocco's ($160.6B). Morocco's GDP per capita of $4,153.194 is 89% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 7.8 times wealthier than those in Morocco.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Morocco is 75.3 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 8.7 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Morocco (75.3 years) is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years. At 15.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Morocco's infant mortality is 761% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Morocco (446,550 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Morocco shares borders with 3 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Morocco spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Morocco lies in Africa, while Japan is located in Asia. Morocco is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Japan belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Morocco and Japan is in GDP: Morocco's $160.6B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Japan is in infant mortality: Morocco's 15.5 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Japan is in GDP per capita: Morocco's $4,153.194 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Morocco'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 7.8x that of Morocco ($4,153.194). 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 4.0x more densely populated than Morocco (326 vs 82 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Morocco's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Japan live an average of 8.7 years longer than those of Morocco (84.0 vs 75.3 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
Morocco's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Japan's 0.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Morocco has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Morocco vs Japan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 15.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Morocco offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
Morocco vs Japan for Budget Travelers
Morocco is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,153.194 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Morocco 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.
Morocco vs Japan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Morocco 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.
Morocco vs Japan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 7.8x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Morocco offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Morocco can approach or exceed average costs in Japan's smaller cities.
Morocco vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Morocco'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, Morocco or Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Morocco's 36.8M. Japan is 3.3 times more populous than Morocco.
Which country has a higher GDP, Morocco or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Morocco's $160.6B. Japan's economy is 25.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Morocco and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Morocco's 75.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.7 years. Morocco's life expectancy is 3.3 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, Morocco or Japan?
Morocco is larger by land area, covering 446,550 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Morocco is 1.2 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Morocco and Japan?
Morocco recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Berber. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Morocco or Japan?
Morocco has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Japan's 2.7%. Morocco'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 Morocco or Japan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 15.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Morocco offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Morocco or Japan cheaper to visit?
Morocco is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,153.194 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Morocco can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in ...
Is Morocco or Japan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Morocco 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 Morocco or Japan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 7.8x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Morocco offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Morocco or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Morocco's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...