Introduction
Background
Japan opened its ports in 1854 and began to intensively modernize and industrialize. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an economic power and a US ally. The emperor retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, but elected politicians hold the decision-making power.
Geography
Area
total : 377,915 sq km
land: 364,485 sq km
water: 13,430 sq km
Climate
varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north
Natural resources
negligible mineral resources, fishÂ
People and Society
Population
total: 123,201,945
Ethnic groups
Japanese 97.5%, Chinese 0.6%, Vietnam 0.4%, South Korean 0.3%, other 1.2% (includes Filipino, Brazilian, Nepalese, Indonesian, American, and Taiwanese) (2022 est.)
Languages
Japanese
Religions
Shintoism 48.6%, Buddhism 46.4%, Christianity 1.1%, other 4% (2021 est.)
Population growth rate
-0.43% (2024 est.)
Government
Government type
parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Capital
name: Tokyo
Executive branch
chief of state: Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019)
head of government: Prime Minister Shigeru ISHIBA (since 1 October 2024)
Legislative branch
summary: bicameral National Diet consists of the House of Councilors (248 seats) and the House of Representatives (465 seats)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador YAMADA Shigeo (since 27 February 2024)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Rahm EMANUEL (since 25 March 2022)
Economy
Economic overview
fourth-largest economy; trade-oriented and highly diversified; high public debt levels; real wage declines in inflationary environment; sustained near-zero central bank rates coupled with depreciation of yen; strong rebound in tourism
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$5.761 trillion (2023 est.)
$5.652 trillion (2022 est.)
$5.599 trillion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$46,300 (2023 est.)
$45,200 (2022 est.)
$44,500 (2021 est.)
Exports
$920.737 billion (2023 est.)
$922.813 billion (2022 est.)
$920.639 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
US 19%, China 19%, South Korea 7%, Taiwan 7%, Thailand 4% (2022)
Exports - commodities
cars, machinery, integrated circuits, vehicle parts/accessories, refined petroleum (2022)
Imports
$989.843 billion (2023 est.)
$1.081 trillion (2022 est.)
$942.45 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
China 22%, Australia 10%, US 10%, UAE 5%, Saudi Arabia 4% (2022)
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, natural gas, coal, integrated circuits, garments (2022)
Page last updated: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
