Loading…
Photo: JurriaanH · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Japan
Japan places highest on Economic Complexity Index (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on World Risk Index (bottom 8%).
Japan in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
124,370,947
people
since 1950
Land area
364,500
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
48,283
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
84.71
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.925
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
2.451
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia, lying in the Pacific Ocean off the eastern coast of the Asian mainland. Its four main islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku, surrounded by thousands of smaller ones. The land is mountainous and volcanic, with Mount Fuji its highest and best-known peak, and most people live on the narrow coastal plains. Earthquakes are frequent. The climate ranges from cold, snowy winters in the north to subtropical conditions in the southern islands. Tokyo is the capital, and Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto and Sapporo are major cities. Japanese is the national language.
Japan’s imperial line has a long history, and for centuries the country was governed in practice by military rulers known as shoguns. After the Meiji Restoration of 1868 it modernised rapidly, and its post-war constitution took effect in 1947. The country is known for its temples and shrines, many of them in Kyoto and Nara, for its gardens, tea ceremony, cuisine, anime and manga, and for its high-speed railways. Its economy is built on advanced manufacturing, including cars and electronics, together with technology and services.
Key facts about Japan
- Capital
- Tokyo
- Official language
- Japanese
- Currency
- yen (JPY)
- ISO code
- JPN · JP
- Domain · dialling
- .jp · +81
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Japan’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
2ndof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
2ndof 176
From 4 of 4 key statistics
6thof 200
From 3 of 4 key statistics
joint9thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint10thof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
10thof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
12thof 177
From 4 of 4 key statistics
15thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
18thof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
47thof 175
From 2 of 4 key statistics
joint57thof 159
From 2 of 2 key statistics
70thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
79thof 193
From 3 of 3 key statistics
118thof 183
From 4 of 4 key statistics
161stof 181
From 3 of 3 key statistics
No standing — Japan holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Japan’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Japan in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Japan stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Japan sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Japan does best20
In the top third of all countries measured. 20 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1st
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 1st
- 2nd
Position · derived 2nd of 179 · 83.21 · 2025
world median 35.95 (better)
- 2ndGovernment Effectivenesstop 1%
Position · derived 2nd of 209 · 2.041 · 2025
world median 0.101 (better) · ▲ 6 pts since 2015
- 2ndPISA Science Performancetop 1%
Position · derived 2nd of 79 · 546.63 · 2022
world median 446.93 (better) · ▲ 2 pts since 2012
- 3rd
- 3rdPISA Reading Performancetop 3%
Position · derived 3rd of 79 · 515.85 · 2022
world median 440.35 (better)
- 4thInfant Mortality Ratetop 2%
Position · derived 197th of 200 · 1 = worst · 1.817 · 2024
world median 12.26 (better)
- 4th
Position · derived 4th of 172 · 11.74 · 2020
world median 7.941 (better)
- 4thLife Expectancy at Birthtop 1%
Position · derived 4th of 222 · 84.71 · 2023
world median 74.63 (better)
- 4th
Position · derived 4th of 222 · 22.49 · 2023
world median 16.39 (better)
- 4thGlobal Violent Deathstop 3%
Position · derived 203rd of 206 · 1 = worst · 0.26 · 2021
world median 4.02 (better)
- 5thHarmonized Test Scorestop 2%
Position · derived 5th of 172 · 537.72 · 2020
world median 414.32 (better)
- 5th
Position · derived 5th of 79 · 535.58 · 2022
world median 442.09 (better) · ▲ 3 pts since 2012
- 6th
Position · derived 6th of 84 · 3.441 · 2023
world median 0.814 (better) · ▼ 3 pts since 2013
- 7thLearning Povertytop 5%
Position · derived 119th of 125 · 1 = worst · 3.595 · 2023
world median 34.02 (better)
- 8th
- 9th
Position · derived 192nd of 200 · 1 = worst · 2.434 · 2024
world median 14.54 (better)
- 10th
Position · derived 10th of 176 · 1.904 · 2025
world median 1.023 (better) · ▲ 4 pts since 2015
Where Japan struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured.
- World Risk Indexbottom 8%
Position · derived 17th of 193 · 1 = worst · 24.81 · 2025
world median 4.17 (worse)
- CO₂ Emissions per Capitabottom 16%
Position · derived 35th of 210 · 1 = worst · 7.772 · 2024
world median 3.21 (worse) · ▲ 3 pts since 2014
- Internal Displacements by Disasterbottom 17%
Position · derived 28th of 160 · 1 = worst · 110,000 · 2024
world median 4,750 (worse) · ▲ 11 pts since 2014
Position · derived 31st of 174 · 1 = worst · 10.1 · 2025
world median 4.456 (worse)
- GDP Growthbottom 18%
Position · derived 153rd of 186 · 1.193 · 2025
world median 3.396 (worse) · ▼ 16 pts since 2015
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Japan can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
7th
of 141 · 1990
23rd
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
17th
of 173 · 2012
18th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
7th
of 79 · 1990
22nd
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
13th
of 132 · 2022
12th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
1st
of 140 · 1995
1st
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
13th
of 172 · 2020
14th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Japan has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- RISE Renewable Energy Policy Score+45 pts since 2013
- Women's Political Empowerment Index+21 pts since 2015
- ICT Services Exports+21 pts since 2014
Losing ground
Where Japan has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Crop Production Index-56 pts since 2012
- Food Production Index-40 pts since 2012
- Women, Business and the Law-16 pts since 2014
05In context
Japan and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Japan has no land border with another country.
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Eastern Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).
- 14
South Korea - 23Japan
- =51
China - 73
Mongolia - —
Hong Kongnot placed - —
Macaunot placed - —
North Koreanot placed - —
Taiwannot placed
06Places
Landmarks of Japan
Mount Fuji
Stratovolcano on Honshu and the highest mountain in Japan.
Photo: 名古屋太郎, (edited by Hannes_24 ) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Himeji Castle
Hilltop castle complex in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, completed in the early seventeenth century.
Photo: Nikos Kitsakis · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Kinkaku-ji
Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto with a pavilion covered in gold leaf.
Photo: Basile Morin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Itsukushima Shrine
Shinto shrine on Miyajima island, known for its gate standing in the sea.
Photo: JordyMeow · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Tokyo Skytree
Broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo, completed in 2012.
Photo: Akonnchiroll · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
07The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Japan
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions22
Central Bank Independence Indexbottom 36%0.53CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
bottom 36% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
Japan 0.53 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Civic Space Ratings20th of 198position · derived87.72Civic space score (0–100)2025
top 10% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Japan 87.72 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)13th of 192rank0.667ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
top 6% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
Japan 0.667 · world median 0.387 (better)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Completeness of Birth Registrationtop 14%100Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
top 14% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Japan 100 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption22nd of 211position · derived1.455Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 10% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
Japan 1.455 · world median -0.197 (better)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index18th of 181rank71CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 10% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Japan 71 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index14th of 195rank72.24AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 7% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Japan 72.24 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
No real change since 2020
Government Effectiveness2nd of 209position · derived2.041Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
top 1% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Japan 2.041 · world median 0.101 (better)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
GovTech Maturity Index24th of 196position · derived0.905GTMI score (0–1)2025
top 12% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
Japan 0.905 · world median 0.63 (better)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index33rd of 175position · derived0.881Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
top 18% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Japan 0.881 · world median 0.676 (better)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index24th of 176position · derived0.734Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
top 13% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
Japan 0.734 · world median 0.353 (better)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Open Data Inventory46th of 168rank71ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
top 27% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Japan 71 · world median 59 (better)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2016
Political Corruption Index159th of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.05Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
top 10% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
Japan 0.05 · world median 0.518 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Regulatory Quality20th of 209position · derived1.221Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 9% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Japan 1.221 · world median -0.093 (better)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Rule of Law17th of 211position · derived1.542Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 8% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Japan 1.542 · world median -0.102 (better)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators11th of 188position · derived90.99SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 5% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Japan 90.99 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density68th of 139position · derived16.8Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
top 49% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Japan 16.8 · world median 16.68 (better)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index24th of 176position · derived0.819Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
top 13% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Japan 0.819 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability31st of 206position · derived1.107Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 15% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Japan 1.107 · world median -0.022 (better)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
No real change since 2015
Women, Business and the Law109th of 190position · derived78.75WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
bottom 42% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Japan 78.75 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation23
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution13th of 139position · derived98.52Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 9% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Japan 98.52 · world median 72.83 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Adjusted Net Savings83rd of 118position · derived3.551Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
bottom 30% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
Japan 3.551 · world median 8.389 (worse)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2011
Container Port Traffic9th of 103position · derived21,886,683Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
top 8% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
Japan 21,886,683 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index152nd of 195position · derived94.6Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 22% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Japan 94.6 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -56 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports29th of 170position · derived52.9Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
top 17% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
Japan 52.9 · world median 25.42 (better)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Economic Complexity Index1st of 145rank1.729ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
top 1% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Japan 1.729 · world median 0.131 (better)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
No real change since 2014
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit2nd of 179position · derived83.21Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
top 1% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Japan 83.21 · world median 35.95 (better)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index142nd of 195position · derived100.27Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 27% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Japan 100.27 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -40 percentile points since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowsbottom 14%0.336FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
bottom 14% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
Japan 0.336 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
GDP Growth153rd of 186position · derived1.193GDP growth (annual %)2025
bottom 18% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Japan 1.193 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)35th of 185position · derived48,283GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 18% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Japan 48,283 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Global Innovation Index12th of 139rank53.56GII score (0–100)2025
top 8% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Japan 53.56 · world median 28.52 (better)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
No real change since 2022
Gross Savings (% of GDP)26th of 146position · derived32.06Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
top 17% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Japan 32.06 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
ICT Goods Exports21st of 119position · derived7.64ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
top 17% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
Japan 7.64 · world median 0.975 (better)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
No real change since 2014
ICT Services Exports79th of 118position · derived4.713ICT services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 33% of 118 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT services exports (% of services exports)
Japan 4.713 · world median 7.474 (worse)
Best in the world 56.25 (Ireland)
▲ +21 percentile points since 2014
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index8th of 175rank415.71LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 4% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Japan 415.71 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
No real change since 2016
Livestock Production Index107th of 194position · derived104.84Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 45% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Japan 104.84 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index13th of 139rank3.9LPI score (1–5)2023
top 10% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Japan 3.9 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
Research and Development Spending6th of 84position · derived3.441Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)2023
top 6% of 84 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)
Japan 3.441 · world median 0.814 (better)
Best in the world 6.346 (Israel)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Researchers per Million Inhabitants19th of 145position · derived5,609Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)2024
top 13% of 145 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)
Japan 5,609 · world median 701.95 (better)
Best in the world 18,130 (Liechtenstein)
No earlier reading to compare
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Productsbottom 34%1.64Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)2022
bottom 34% of 143 countries measured
World Bank Group · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)
Japan 1.64 · world median 3.66
Highest 29.52 (Bermuda)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2012
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)157th of 180position · derived0.047Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
bottom 20% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Japan 0.047 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2011
World Energy Trilemma Index23rd of 99rank75Trilemma score (0–100)2023
top 24% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Japan 75 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour16
Average Weekly Hours Worked162nd of 182position · derived31.1Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
bottom 11% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Japan 31.1 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture144th of 182position · derived2.814Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 21% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Japan 2.814 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry52nd of 182position · derived23.23Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
top 28% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Japan 23.23 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services41st of 182position · derived73.96Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 22% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Japan 73.96 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio57th of 182position · derived61.89Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 31% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Japan 61.89 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2015
Fatal Occupational Injuriestop 29%1.32Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers2023
top 29% of 52 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers
Japan 1.32 · world median 2.005 (better)
Best in the world 0.12 (Belgium)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2016
Female Labour Force Participation Rate75th of 182position · derived55.91Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 41% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Japan 55.91 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager143rd of 179position · derived9.625Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
bottom 20% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Japan 9.625 · world median 19.16 (worse)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed42nd of 168position · derived87,888GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
top 25% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Japan 87,888 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate79th of 182position · derived63.45Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 43% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Japan 63.45 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked40th of 182position · derived52.71Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
top 22% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Japan 52.71 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate166th of 182position · derived9.051Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
bottom 9% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Japan 9.051 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate159th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst2.451Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 13% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Japan 2.451 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment160th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst7.487Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
top 12% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Japan 7.487 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate164th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst3.898Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 10% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Japan 3.898 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge12
Academic Freedom Index62nd of 176position · derived0.76Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
top 35% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
Japan 0.76 · world median 0.619 (better)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2015
Expected Years of Schooling55th of 195position · derived15.51Expected years of schooling2023
top 28% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Japan 15.51 · world median 13.34 (better)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Female Share of Researchersbottom 10%18.48Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)2024
bottom 10% of 153 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)
Japan 18.48 · world median 38.17
Highest 76.54 (Myanmar)
No earlier reading to compare
Harmonized Test Scores5th of 172position · derived537.72Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
top 2% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
Japan 537.72 · world median 414.32 (better)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
No real change since 2010
Learning Poverty119th of 125position · derived · 1 = worst3.59510-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)2023
top 5% of 125 countries measured
World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)
Japan 3.595 · world median 34.02 (better)
Best in the world 2.331 (Ireland)
No earlier reading to compare
Learning-Adjusted Years of School4th of 172position · derived11.74Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
top 2% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
Japan 11.74 · world median 7.941 (better)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
No real change since 2010
Mean Years of Schooling28th of 193position · derived12.68Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
top 14% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Japan 12.68 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiarybottom 6%0.864Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)2023
bottom 6% of 117 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)
Japan 0.864 · world median 5.279
Highest 1,724 (Cook Islands)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
PISA Mathematics Performance5th of 79position · derived535.58Mean mathematics score2022
top 5% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
Japan 535.58 · world median 442.09 (better)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2012
PISA Reading Performance3rd of 79position · derived515.85Mean reading score2022
top 3% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
Japan 515.85 · world median 440.35 (better)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
No real change since 2012
PISA Science Performance2nd of 79position · derived546.63Mean science score2022
top 1% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
Japan 546.63 · world median 446.93 (better)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2012
Primary Completion Rate1st of 165position · derived100Primary completion rate (%)2025
top 1% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Japan 100 · world median 97.43 (better)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Health & Wellbeing13
Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff12th of 86position · derived99.9Births attended by skilled health staff (%)2019
top 18% of 86 countries measured
UNICEF · Births attended by skilled health staff (%)
Japan 99.9 · world median 98.8 (better)
Best in the world 100 (11 countries tied)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2009
Gender Inequality Index22nd of 172rank0.059GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
top 12% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Japan 0.059 · world median 0.351 (better)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Global Violent Deaths203rd of 206position · derived · 1 = worst0.26Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
top 3% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Japan 0.26 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
No real change since 2011
Human Capital Index3rd of 172position · derived0.805HCI score (0–1)2020
top 1% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Japan 0.805 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
No real change since 2010
Human Development Index23rd of 193rank0.925HDI score (0–1)2023
top 11% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Japan 0.925 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate197th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst1.817Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 2% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
Japan 1.817 · world median 12.26 (better)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Life Expectancy at Age 654th of 222position · derived22.49Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
top 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
Japan 22.49 · world median 16.39 (better)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth4th of 222position · derived84.71Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
top 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Japan 84.71 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio183rd of 195position · derived · 1 = worst3.08Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 6% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Japan 3.08 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare29th of 178position · derived10.06Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
top 16% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Japan 10.06 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity113th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst1.1Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
top 14% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Japan 1.1 · world median 4.7 (better)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five121st of 162position · derived · 1 = worst7.1Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
top 25% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Japan 7.1 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate192nd of 200position · derived · 1 = worst2.434Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 4% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Japan 2.434 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Development & Human Capital6
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Japan 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Cereal Yield24th of 179position · derived6,245Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
top 13% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Japan 6,245 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Coefficient of Human Inequality138th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst8.474Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
top 18% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Japan 8.474 · world median 17.05 (better)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Gender Development Index89th of 184position · derived0.97Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
top 48% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Japan 0.97 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index20th of 169position · derived0.845IHDI (0–1)2023
top 11% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Japan 0.845 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI14th of 156position · derived0.785PHDI (0–1)2023
top 9% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Japan 0.785 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Environment & Sustainability23
Agricultural Emissions38th of 193position · derived44,050Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
top 19% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Japan 44,050 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Agricultural Irrigated Land8th of 121position · derived32.3Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
top 6% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Japan 32.3 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Agricultural Land171st of 209position · derived12.64Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
bottom 18% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Japan 12.64 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Arable Land per Person157th of 206position · derived0.032Arable land (hectares per person)2023
bottom 24% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Japan 0.032 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity93rd of 193position · derived · 1 = worst483.58Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
bottom 48% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
Japan 483.58 · world median 468.81 (worse)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)29th of 190rank0.353ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
top 15% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
Japan 0.353 · world median 0.45 (better)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita35th of 210position · derived · 1 = worst7.772Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
bottom 16% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Japan 7.772 · world median 3.21 (worse)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Ecological Footprint37th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst3.936Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
bottom 29% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Japan 3.936 · world median 2.296 (worse)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)bottom 45%2.949Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
bottom 45% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
Japan 2.949 · world median 2.738 (worse)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare34th of 188position · derived202.84Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 17% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Japan 202.84 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
No real change since 2013
Forest Area19th of 210position · derived68.4Forest area (% of land area)2023
top 8% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Japan 68.4 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster28th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst110,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
bottom 17% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Japan 110,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2014
Land Under Cereal Production60th of 179position · derived1,841,210Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
top 33% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Japan 1,841,210 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Density21st of 188position · derived1.96Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
top 11% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Japan 1.96 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation106th of 190position · derived31.29Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 45% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
Japan 31.29 · world median 35.66 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index17th of 190rank65.72ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
top 9% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
Japan 65.72 · world median 47.44 (better)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area87th of 150position · derived0.48Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
bottom 45% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Japan 0.48 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita77th of 181position · derived3,437Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
top 42% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Japan 3,437 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation114th of 190position · derived22.93Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 41% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Japan 22.93 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Water Stress45th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst35.4Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
bottom 25% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Japan 35.4 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector81st of 171position · derived66.67Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
top 47% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Japan 66.67 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationtop 36%10.65Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
top 36% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
Japan 10.65 · world median 5.769 (better)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index17th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst24.81WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 8% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Japan 24.81 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Gender & Equality4
Sex Ratio at Birthbottom 49%105.1Male births per 100 female births2023
bottom 49% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
Japan 105.1 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Social Institutions and Gender Index46th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst32.9SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
bottom 33% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Japan 32.9 · world median 25.2 (worse)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Women's Political Empowerment Index53rd of 176position · derived0.844Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
top 30% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
Japan 0.844 · world median 0.772 (better)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
▲ +21 percentile points since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index18th of 176position · derived0.729Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
top 10% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
Japan 0.729 · world median 0.339 (better)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index12th of 176position · derived0.758Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
top 6% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
Japan 0.758 · world median 0.321 (better)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index43rd of 176position · derived0.847Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
top 24% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
Japan 0.847 · world median 0.693 (better)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media44th of 176position · derived1.431Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
top 25% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
Japan 1.431 · world median 0.565 (better)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns10th of 176position · derived1.904Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
top 5% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
Japan 1.904 · world median 1.023 (better)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Military Dimension Indextop 21%0Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
top 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
Japan 0 · world median 0.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index32nd of 176position · derived0.526Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
top 18% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
Japan 0.526 · world median 0.298 (better)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Physical Violence Index31st of 176position · derived0.949Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 17% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Japan 0.949 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Peace & Security6
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Japan 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index107th of 149rank · 1 = worst73.61GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
top 28% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Japan 73.61 · world median 100.66 (better)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index165th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst2.1INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
top 12% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Japan 2.1 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
No real change since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence21st of 211position · derived1.259Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 10% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Japan 1.259 · world median 0.171 (better)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Political Violence by Non-State Actors127th of 171position · derived · 1 = worst-1.507Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
top 26% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
Japan -1.507 · world median -0.661 (better)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Originbottom 19%56Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
bottom 19% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
Japan 56 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2015
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumtop 22%22,647Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
top 22% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
Japan 22,647 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumtop 37%42,450Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
top 37% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
Japan 42,450 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2015
Mobility & Trade2
Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs31st of 174position · derived · 1 = worst10.1Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
bottom 17% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
Japan 10.1 · world median 4.456 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Net Migration Ratetop 32%1.407Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
top 32% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
Japan 1.407 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Energy5
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)bottom 44%0Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)2024
bottom 44% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)
Japan 0 · world median 0
Highest 707.07 (Palestine)
No real change since 2014
Nuclear Share of Electricity Generationtop 12%8.354Nuclear (% of electricity generated)2024
top 12% of 183 countries measured
Ember · Nuclear (% of electricity generated)
Japan 8.354 · world median 0
Highest 67.4 (France)
▲ +46 percentile points since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitatop 15%126.58Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
top 15% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
Japan 126.58 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
No real change since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scoretop 2%85.62Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
top 2% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
Japan 85.62 · world median 48.23 (better)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scoretop 20%63.54Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
top 20% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
Japan 63.54 · world median 33.26 (better)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▲ +45 percentile points since 2013
Digital & Technology2
Mobile Phone Ownership54th of 140position · derived93.85Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 38% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)
Japan 93.85 · world median 91.68 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Libya)
No earlier reading to compare
Smartphone Ownership51st of 140position · derived83.33Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 36% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)
Japan 83.33 · world median 78.78 (better)
Best in the world 97.36 (Sweden)
No earlier reading to compare
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratebottom 3%6.029Births per 1,000 population2023
bottom 3% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
Japan 6.029 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Crude Death Ratetop 9%12.26Deaths per 1,000 population2023
top 9% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
Japan 12.26 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Median Age of the Populationtop 1%48.96Median age (years)2023
top 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
Japan 48.96 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
No real change since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overtop 1%29.56Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
top 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
Japan 29.56 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
No real change since 2013
Population Densitytop 16%330.05People per square kilometre of land2023
top 16% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
Japan 330.05 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Population Growth Ratebottom 10%-0.482Population growth (% per year)2023
bottom 10% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
Japan -0.482 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Population Under Age 15bottom 1%11.65Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
bottom 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
Japan 11.65 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationbottom 25%95.33Males per 100 females2023
bottom 25% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
Japan 95.33 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
No real change since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiotop 20%70.1People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
top 20% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
Japan 70.1 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2013
Total Fertility Ratebottom 9%1.208Live births per woman2023
bottom 9% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
Japan 1.208 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
No real change since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Japan. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Adult Literacy Rate
- Agriculture Orientation Index · last seen 2023
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Cereal Import Dependency Ratio · last seen 2008
- Child Marriage
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Cost of Sending Remittances
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Debt Service on External Debt
- Dietary Energy Supply
- Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months
- Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2023
- General Government Consumption · last seen 2024
- Gini Index · last seen 2020
- Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2024
- Government Funding per Primary Student
- Government Spending on Education · last seen 2021
- Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Household Consumption · last seen 2024
- Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2023
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2020
- Income Share Held by Richest 10% · last seen 2020
- Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- INFORM Severity Index
- Informal Employment Rate
- Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person · last seen 2020
- Net Official Development Assistance Received
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary · last seen 2023
- Palma Ratio · last seen 2020
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2020
- Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Lines
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2020
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2020
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · last seen 2023
- Prevalence of Undernourishment
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2020
- Public Sector Employment
- Public Sector Wage Bill · last seen 2021
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2023
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2023
- Short-Term Share of External Debt
- Societal Poverty Rate · last seen 2020
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2023
- Trade (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2020
- Upper Secondary Completion Rate
- Violent Discipline of Children
- Working Poverty Rate
- Youth Literacy Rate
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2019
08Keep reading
Explore further
09Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Japan can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 35 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
All 6 photographs of Japan on this page come from Wikimedia Commons and are shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Japan: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/japan