Photo: Seebeer Edited by Nicholasjf21 · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Photo: JurriaanH · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
China and Japan
China and Japan compared on 282 statistics from 58 publishers, each reading with its own year. In the Country Index 2026, China is placed 48th and Japan is placed 15th of 183 countries.
Country Index 2026 · standing
A standing is a place in this site’s own index of published statistics, not a score. The full Country Index 2026
At a glance
Population11×
China: 1,422,584,933people
Japan: 124,370,947people
2023 · UN DESA Population Division
Land area26×
China: 9,388,210km²
Japan: 364,500km²
2024 · FAO
GDP per person
China: 25,067international $, PPP
Japan: 48,283international $, PPP
2025 · World Bank Group
Life expectancy
China: 77.95years at birth
Japan: 84.71years at birth
2023 · UN DESA Population Division
Human development
China: 0.797HDI, 0–1
Japan: 0.925HDI, 0–1
2023 · UNDP Human Development Report Office
Unemployment
China: 4.615% of the labour force
Japan: 2.451% of the labour force
2025 · ILO
The newest published figure for each, as each country’s profile prints it. A multiple is given for the two sizes only.
01The answer first
In short
Japan’s GDP per person is the higher of the two: China 25,067 and Japan 48,283 international dollars at purchasing power parity (World Bank Group, 2025).
China has 11 times as many people, and 26 times the land area.
Measured as places in each statistic’s own field, the two are furthest apart on freedom of religion (-2.497 and 2.579, V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg 2025), egalitarian democracy (0.078 and 0.758, V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg 2025) and electoral democracy (0.072 and 0.819, V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg 2025). They are closest on frontier technology readiness (0.839 and 0.844, UNCTAD 2023), productive Capacities Index (61.58 and 61.45, UNCTAD 2022) and global Innovation Index (56.56 and 53.56, World Intellectual Property Organization 2025).
For 33 of the 282 shared statistics the newest readings describe different years. Those rows print both years and are left out of every comparison above.
Nothing here counts the statistics on which one country is placed higher than the other: such a count would weigh a minor survey question the same as life expectancy. The one overall answer this site gives is the Country Index 2026, below.
02Country Index 2026
Subject by subject in the Country Index
Each country’s place among the countries with a standing on each subject, first on the left. A standing is built from a few key statistics per subject; how it is made is on the index’s own page.
- Governance & Institutions125th · joint 10th of 194
- Economy & Innovationjoint 46th · 2nd of 176
- Work & Labour60th · 2nd of 182
- Education & Knowledge51st · 13th of 198
- Health & Wellbeing43rd · 6th of 200
- Development & Human Capital62nd · 18th of 196
- Environment & Sustainability157th · 161st of 186
- Gender & Equality124th · joint 116th of 183
- Democracy & Civil Liberties178th · 28th of 198
- Peace & Security102nd · 12th of 177
- Risk & Resilience80th · 55th of 193
- Mobility & Trade9th · 25th of 177
- Food & Agriculture6th · 5th of 184
- Poverty & Inequality39th · 56th of 159
- Energyjoint 87th · — of 165Japan has no standing on Energy: it holds fewer than the 2 of its 3 key statistics a standing needs.
- Digital & Technologyjoint 23rd · joint 9th of 198
Not voting in this edition, so no standings for anybody: Money & Public Finance, People & Population. Their statistics are still compared below.
03The evidence
Every statistic, subject by subject
282 statistics measure both countries; 66 more measure only China and 21 only Japan. Each subject opens with its key statistics on a strip of every country measured, then lists the rest.
Governance & Institutions
China:125thJapan:joint 10thof 194
China on Governance & Institutions →Japan on Governance & Institutions →
Key statistics · the 4 the Governance & Institutions standing is built from
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 9 to 89; the middle country is at 39.
9dashed: the middle country, 3989
China: 4376th of 181 · rank
Japan: 7118th of 181 · rank
Government Effectiveness
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 209 countries measured, values run from -2.251 to 2.092; the middle country is at 0.101.
-2.251dashed: the middle country, 0.1012.092
China: 0.624
Japan: 2.041
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.003 to 0.988; the middle country is at 0.676.
0.003dashed: the middle country, 0.6760.988
China: 0.03
Japan: 0.881
Statistical Performance Indicators
World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 188 countries measured, values run from 27.12 to 94.14; the middle country is at 69.3.
27.12dashed: the middle country, 69.394.14
China: 57.93
Japan: 90.99
| Also measured · 25 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Bribery IncidenceWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 0.1432024169th of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 02025175th of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · No better end | 0.483 | 0.53 |
| Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 2.92021 | 85.42019 |
| Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better | 0.45569th of 192 · rank | 0.66713th of 192 · rank |
| Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 96.72020 | 1002023 |
| Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.07192nd of 211 · position · derived | 1.45522nd of 211 · position · derived |
| Disability Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 43.92021 | 51.92020 |
| Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.368139th of 176 · position · derived | 0.9783rd of 176 · position · derived |
| Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public OfficialsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 0.2882024171st of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.2122025172nd of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Foundational ID OwnershipWorld Bank Group (ID4D) · 2024 · Higher is better | 99.02 | 94.38 |
| Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · Higher is better | 1.75 | 5 |
| Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.039168th of 176 · position · derived | 0.73424th of 176 · position · derived |
| Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.32188th of 176 · position · derived | 1.73720th of 176 · position · derived |
| Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.85724th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.09150th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 1002022 | 1002020 |
| Open Data InventoryOpen Data Watch · 2024 · Higher is better | 39143rd of 168 · rank | 7146th of 168 · rank |
| Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.55485th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.05159th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.111107th of 209 · position · derived | 1.22120th of 209 · position · derived |
| Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.684130th of 176 · position · derived | 1.63633rd of 176 · position · derived |
| Senior Management Time Spent on Government RegulationWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 0.8232024 | 1.1692025 |
| State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 97.13 | 96.25 |
| State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · Higher is better | 0.71562nd of 166 · position · derived | 1.76819th of 166 · position · derived |
| State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 1.86354th of 176 · position · derived | 2.14642nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Trade Union DensityILO · years differ · Higher is better | 44.25201710th of 139 · position · derived | 16.8201968th of 139 · position · derived |
| Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.721192nd of 206 · position · derived | 1.10731st of 206 · position · derived |
Measured for China only: Debt Service on External Debt · External Debt Stocks (% of GNI) · Public Sector Employment
Measured for Japan only: Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed Persons
Economy & Innovation
China:joint 46thJapan:2ndof 176
China on Economy & Innovation →Japan on Economy & Innovation →
Key statistics · the 4 the Economy & Innovation standing is built from
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution
World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 14.83 to 99.85; the middle country is at 72.83.
14.83dashed: the middle country, 72.8399.85
China: 89.38
Japan: 98.52
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 145 countries measured, values run from -3.53 to 1.729; the middle country is at 0.131.
-3.53dashed: the middle country, 0.1311.729
China: 1.27110th of 145 · rank
Japan: 1.7291st of 145 · rank
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 2.113 to 88.52; the middle country is at 35.95.
2.113dashed: the middle country, 35.9588.52
China: 29.492024
Japan: 83.212025
GDP per Capita (PPP)
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 185 countries measured, values run from 1,067 to 139,593; the middle country is at 17,265.
1,067dashed: the middle country, 17,265139,593
China: 25,067
Japan: 48,283
| Also measured · 40 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Actual Individual Consumption per Capita (PPP)World Bank Group · 2021 · Higher is better | 9,286102nd of 173 · position · derived | 29,63729th of 173 · position · derived |
| Adjusted Net SavingsWorld Bank Group · 2021 · Higher is better | 16.3328th of 118 · position · derived | 3.55183rd of 118 · position · derived |
| Commodity Export DependenceUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 6.29 | 9.766 |
| Complexity Outlook IndexGrowth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · No better end | -0.656 | 0.068 |
| Comprehensive Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 82,71254th of 150 · position · derived | 517,52416th of 150 · position · derived |
| Container Port TrafficUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 299,703,8001st of 103 · position · derived | 21,886,6839th of 103 · position · derived |
| Creative Goods ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 6.081 | 0.996 |
| Creative Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 16.16 | 26.34 |
| Crop Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 111.8568th of 195 · position · derived | 94.6152nd of 195 · position · derived |
| Export Concentration IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 0.093 | 0.158 |
| Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 12.182024169th of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 5.8762025178th of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Firms with an International Quality CertificationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 16.042024 | 11.672025 |
| Food Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 111.7575th of 195 · position · derived | 100.27142nd of 195 · position · derived |
| Foreign Direct Investment InflowsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 0.537 | 0.336 |
| Foreign Value Added Share of Gross ExportsOECD · 2022 · No better end | 16.99 | 20.98 |
| Frontier Technology Readiness IndexUNCTAD · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.83921st of 170 · position · derived | 0.84420th of 170 · position · derived |
| GDP GrowthWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 4.9647th of 186 · position · derived | 1.193153rd of 186 · position · derived |
| Global Innovation IndexWorld Intellectual Property Organization · 2025 · Higher is better | 56.5610th of 139 · rank | 53.5612th of 139 · rank |
| Gross Savings (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2024 · No better end | 42.724th of 146 · position · derived | 32.0626th of 146 · position · derived |
| Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · Higher is better | 19,23861st of 166 · position · derived | 38,26928th of 166 · position · derived |
| ICT Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better | 22.4913th of 118 · position · derived | 4.71379th of 118 · position · derived |
| Inflation, GDP DeflatorWorld Bank Group · 2025 · No better end | -0.922 | 3.422 |
| Informal Output (DGE Model Estimate)World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · 2020 · Lower is better | 8.019 | 10.21 |
| Livestock Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 109.587th of 194 · position · derived | 104.84107th of 194 · position · derived |
| Management Practices IndexWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 60.43202432nd of 169 · position · derived | 48.472025113th of 169 · position · derived |
| Merchant Fleet by Country of OwnershipUNCTAD · 2026 · No better end | 377,047 | 243,175 |
| New Business DensityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 15.59 | 0.576 |
| Price Level of Household ConsumptionGGDC · 2023 · No better end | 0.561 | 0.846 |
| Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · Higher is better | 61.5828th of 195 · position · derived | 61.4530th of 195 · position · derived |
| Research and Development SpendingUIS · 2023 · Higher is better | 2.57715th of 84 · position · derived | 3.4416th of 84 · position · derived |
| Researchers per Million InhabitantsUIS · 2023 · Higher is better | 2,10746th of 145 · position · derived | 5,60919th of 145 · position · derived |
| Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · No better end | 1,094,890 | 154,037 |
| Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 2.603 | 5.777 |
| Statutory Corporate Income Tax RateOECD · 2026 · No better end | 25 | 29.74 |
| Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · No better end | 543.54 | 1,839 |
| Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All ProductsWorld Bank Group · 2022 · No better end | 2.18 | 1.64 |
| Terms of Trade IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 82.52 | 93.65 |
| Total Factor Productivity LevelGGDC · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.471 | 0.64 |
| Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · No better end | 1.70899th of 180 · position · derived | 0.047157th of 180 · position · derived |
| Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 27.6 | 59.33 |
Measured for China only: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP) · Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · Gini Index of Disposable Income (SWIID) · Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP) · Interest Payments on External Debt · Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · Tax Revenue (% of GDP) · Trade (% of GDP)
Work & Labour
China:60thJapan:2ndof 182
China on Work & Labour →Japan on Work & Labour →
Key statistics · the 4 the Work & Labour standing is built from
Employment-to-Population Ratio
ILO · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 21.21 to 86.9; the middle country is at 57.72.
21.21dashed: the middle country, 57.7286.9
China: 61.57
Japan: 61.89
Unemployment Rate
ILO · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.13 to 34.2; the middle country is at 5.084.
0.13dashed: the middle country, 5.08434.2
China: 4.615
Japan: 2.451
Vulnerable Employment
ILO · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.456 to 90.22; the middle country is at 28.67.
0.456dashed: the middle country, 28.6790.22
China: 33.4
Japan: 7.487
| Also measured · 17 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · No better end | 44.5625th of 182 · position · derived | 31.1162nd of 182 · position · derived |
| Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · Lower is better | 9.13 | 1.11 |
| Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · No better end | 21.6879th of 182 · position · derived | 2.814144th of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · No better end | 31.7913th of 182 · position · derived | 23.2352nd of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · No better end | 46.53139th of 182 · position · derived | 73.9641st of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 35.92021 | 89.92020 |
| Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 59.1553rd of 182 · position · derived | 55.9175th of 182 · position · derived |
| Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 79.122024 | 33.382025 |
| GDP per Person EmployedWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 48,12681st of 168 · position · derived | 87,88842nd of 168 · position · derived |
| Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 50,83557th of 151 · position · derived | 231,11623rd of 151 · position · derived |
| Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 64.5567th of 182 · position · derived | 63.4579th of 182 · position · derived |
| Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 20.5995th of 182 · position · derived | 52.7140th of 182 · position · derived |
| Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 158 | 98 |
| Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 14 | 28 |
| Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · No better end | 37.6782nd of 182 · position · derived | 9.051166th of 182 · position · derived |
| Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 21.92021 | 24.92020 |
| Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · Lower is better | 15.7969th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 3.898164th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Measured for China only: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per Worker · Working Poverty Rate
Measured for Japan only: Fatal Occupational Injuries · Low Pay Rate
Education & Knowledge
China:51stJapan:13thof 198
China on Education & Knowledge →Japan on Education & Knowledge →
Key statistics · the 4 the Education & Knowledge standing is built from
Government Spending on Education
UIS · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 123 countries measured, values run from 0 to 16.39; the middle country is at 3.709.
0dashed: the middle country, 3.70916.39
China: 3.897
Japan: no reading in this edition
Out-of-School Rate, Primary
UIS · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 192 countries measured, values run from 0.004 to 65.6; the middle country is at 3.691.
0.004dashed: the middle country, 3.69165.6
China: no reading in this edition
Japan: 0.0682023
Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary
UIS · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 187 countries measured, values run from 3.411 to 100; the middle country is at 85.9.
3.411dashed: the middle country, 85.9100
China: no reading in this edition
Japan: 94.832023
Upper Secondary Completion Rate
UIS · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 164 countries measured, values run from 2.13 to 99.27; the middle country is at 64.87.
2.13dashed: the middle country, 64.8799.27
China: 89.82
Japan: no reading in this edition
| Also measured · 11 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Freedom IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.071167th of 176 · position · derived | 0.7662nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 15.4858th of 195 · position · derived | 15.5155th of 195 · position · derived |
| Harmonized Test ScoresWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 44161st of 172 · position · derived | 537.725th of 172 · position · derived |
| Intergenerational Persistence in EducationWorld Bank Group · 2012 · Lower is better | 0.46170th of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.306135th of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Learning PovertyWorld Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · years differ · Lower is better | 18.2201678th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 3.5952019119th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Learning-Adjusted Years of SchoolWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 9.2750th of 172 · position · derived | 11.744th of 172 · position · derived |
| Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 8.036127th of 193 · position · derived | 12.6828th of 193 · position · derived |
| Nobel Prize Laureates by Country of BirthNobel Prize Outreach · 2025 · No better end | 12 | 30 |
| Outbound Mobility Ratio, TertiaryUIS · 2023 · No better end | 1.811 | 0.864 |
| Primary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better | 99.0257th of 165 · position · derived | 1001st of 165 · position · derived |
| Trust in ScientistsWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end | 52.95 | 21.09 |
Measured for China only: Adult Literacy Rate · Gender Parity Index, Tertiary Enrolment · Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · Lower Secondary Completion Rate · Primary Schools with Electricity · Primary Schools with Internet for Teaching · Pupils per Qualified Teacher, Primary · Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · Wealth Parity Index, Lower Secondary Completion · Youth Literacy Rate
Measured for Japan only: Female Share of Researchers · Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of Lower Secondary · Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of Lower Secondary · PISA Mathematics Performance · PISA Reading Performance · PISA Science Performance
Health & Wellbeing
China:43rdJapan:6thof 200
China on Health & Wellbeing →Japan on Health & Wellbeing →
Key statistics · the 4 the Health & Wellbeing standing is built from
Life Expectancy at Birth
UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 222 countries measured, values run from 54.46 to 86.37; the middle country is at 74.63.
54.46dashed: the middle country, 74.6386.37
China: 77.95
Japan: 84.71
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity
FAO · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 133 countries measured, values run from 0 to 63.1; the middle country is at 4.7.
0dashed: the middle country, 4.763.1
China: no reading in this edition
Japan: 1.1
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 162 countries measured, values run from 0.518 to 52.8; the middle country is at 13.8.
0.518dashed: the middle country, 13.852.8
China: 4.82017
Japan: no reading in this edition
Under-Five Mortality Rate
UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 200 countries measured, values run from 1.26 to 115.65; the middle country is at 14.54.
1.26dashed: the middle country, 14.54115.65
China: 5.724
Japan: 2.434
| Also measured · 26 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Adolescent Birth Rate (Ages 15–19)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better | 5.227190th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.737211th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Adult Mortality (Probability of Dying Between 15 and 60)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better | 82.26160th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 48.54203rd of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Adults Who Have Been Too Anxious or Depressed to Carry OnWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end | 8.566 | 9.992 |
| Agreement That Vaccines Are SafeWellcome Trust · 2018 · Higher is better | 72.2995th of 144 · position · derived | 33.99143rd of 144 · position · derived |
| Catastrophic Out-of-Pocket Health SpendingWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 23.982016 | 4.3632015 |
| Coefficient of Variation of Habitual Caloric ConsumptionFAO · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.18 | 0.17 |
| Contraceptive Prevalence (Any Method)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 67.2 | 50.6 |
| Cost of a Healthy DietFAO · 2025 · No better end | 3.64 | 8.27 |
| Days Above 35°CECMWF · 2025 · Lower is better | 10.16 | 2.05 |
| Demand for Family Planning Satisfied by Modern MethodsUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better | 922nd of 196 · position · derived | 75.673rd of 196 · position · derived |
| Gender Inequality IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.13241st of 172 · rank | 0.05922nd of 172 · rank |
| Human Capital IndexWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 0.65345th of 172 · position · derived | 0.8053rd of 172 · position · derived |
| Immunisation Coverage, DTP3WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better | 97 | 91 |
| Immunisation Coverage, Measles First Dose (MCV1)WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better | 95 | 92 |
| Infant Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 4.079162nd of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.817197th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Institutional DeliveriesUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 99.92020 | 99.82014too old to compare |
| Life Expectancy at Age 65UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better | 17.4587th of 222 · position · derived | 22.494th of 222 · position · derived |
| Low Birthweight PrevalenceUNICEF and WHO (Joint Low Birthweight Estimates) · 2020 · Lower is better | 4.974147th of 158 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 11.366th of 158 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Modern Contraceptive PrevalenceUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 65 | 45.3 |
| Mortality Rate, Ages 5–14UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 1.694139th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.828179th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Neonatal Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 2.594165th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.868197th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Overweight Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · 2024 · Lower is better | 11.1326th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.962153rd of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Pesticide Use per HectareFAO · 2024 · No better end | 1.8889th of 178 · position · derived | 10.0629th of 178 · position · derived |
| PM2.5 Air Pollution ExposureAtmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · 2023 · Lower is better | 32.628th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 13.4118th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Stillbirth RateUN IGME · 2023 · Lower is better | 4.669138th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.655199th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Wasting Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · years differ · Lower is better | 1.92017122nd of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.42010too old to compare110th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Measured for China only: Antenatal Care Coverage, At Least Four Visits · Caesarean Section Rate · Early Initiation of Breastfeeding · Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months · Fish and Seafood Supply per Person · Fruit Supply per Person · Global Multidimensional Poverty Index · Meat Supply per Person · Minimum Dietary Diversity, Children Aged 6–23 Months · Prevalence of Undernourishment · Severe Child Food Poverty, Children Aged 6–23 Months · Share of Dietary Energy Supply from Cereals, Roots and Tubers · Vegetable Supply per Person
Measured for Japan only: Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic · HPV Vaccination Coverage, Girls · Prevalence of Moderate or Severe Food Insecurity
Development & Human Capital
China:62ndJapan:18thof 196
China on Development & Human Capital →Japan on Development & Human Capital →
Key statistics · the 3 the Development & Human Capital standing is built from
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.388 to 0.972; the middle country is at 0.762.
0.388dashed: the middle country, 0.7620.972
China: 0.79778th of 193 · rank
Japan: 0.92523rd of 193 · rank
Maternal Mortality Ratio
MMEIG · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 0.11 to 992.83; the middle country is at 46.65.
0.11dashed: the middle country, 46.65992.83
China: 16.25
Japan: 3.08
| Also measured · 7 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Access to ElectricityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 100 | 100 |
| Access to Electricity, RuralWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 100 | 100 |
| Coefficient of Human InequalityUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better | 15.2498th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 8.474138th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Gender Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Closer to 1 is better | 0.97674th of 184 · position · derived | 0.9789th of 184 · position · derived |
| Inequality-adjusted Human Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.6767th of 169 · position · derived | 0.84520th of 169 · position · derived |
| Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.64492nd of 156 · position · derived | 0.78514th of 156 · position · derived |
| Poverty Headcount at $3.00 a Day, Line-up EstimatesWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better | 0 | 0.96 |
Measured for China only: Adequacy of Social Protection and Labour Benefits · Child Marriage · Net Official Development Assistance Received
Measured for Japan only: Multidimensional Poverty Measure · Official Development Assistance Given (% of GNI)
Environment & Sustainability
China:157thJapan:161stof 186
China on Environment & Sustainability →Japan on Environment & Sustainability →
Key statistics · the 4 the Environment & Sustainability standing is built from
CO₂ Emissions per Capita
Global Carbon Project · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 210 countries measured, values run from 0.054 to 41.27; the middle country is at 3.21.
0.054dashed: the middle country, 3.2141.27
China: 8.658
Japan: 7.772
Ecological Footprint
Global Footprint Network · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 126 countries measured, values run from 0.514 to 11.73; the middle country is at 2.296.
0.514dashed: the middle country, 2.29611.73
China: 3.757
Japan: 3.936
Organic Agricultural Area
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 0 to 86.38; the middle country is at 0.725.
0dashed: the middle country, 0.72586.38
China: 0.92
Japan: 0.48
Water Stress
FAO · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 177 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 3,851; the middle country is at 10.
0.03dashed: the middle country, 103,851
China: 41.59
Japan: 35.4
| Also measured · 29 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural EmissionsFAO · 2023 · No better end | 951,4922nd of 193 · position · derived | 44,05038th of 193 · position · derived |
| Agricultural Emissions IntensityFAO · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.68163rd of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.85150th of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Agricultural LandFAO · 2023 · No better end | 55.4347th of 209 · position · derived | 12.64171st of 209 · position · derived |
| Annual Forest Area Change RateFAO · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.77 | -0.01 |
| Arable Land per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.077133rd of 206 · position · derived | 0.032157th of 206 · position · derived |
| Baseline Water Stress (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 2.8 | 1.968 |
| Burned AreaGWIS · 2025 · No better end | 2,623,065 | 7,255 |
| Children's Climate Risk IndexUNICEF · 2020 · Lower is better | 6.740th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst | 4.594th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst |
| Consumption-Based CO₂ EmissionsGlobal Carbon Project · 2023 · No better end | 2,963 | 311.76 |
| Cropland Nitrogen BalanceFAO · 2023 · No better end | 152.06 | 53.86 |
| Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)EIA · 2024 · Lower is better | 5.83 | 2.949 |
| Fertilizer Consumption per HectareFAO · 2023 · No better end | 394.0211th of 188 · position · derived | 202.8434th of 188 · position · derived |
| Fisheries and Aquaculture ProductionFAO · 2024 · No better end | 70,500,841 | 3,334,048 |
| Forest AreaFAO · 2023 · No better end | 24.03123rd of 210 · position · derived | 68.419th of 210 · position · derived |
| Forest Area within Legally Established Protected AreasFAO · 2025 · Higher is better | 14.47 | 18.28 |
| Land Under Cereal ProductionFAO · 2023 · No better end | 99,987,2552nd of 179 · position · derived | 1,841,21060th of 179 · position · derived |
| Livestock DensityFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.5199th of 188 · position · derived | 1.9621st of 188 · position · derived |
| Mangrove AreaGlobal Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy) · 2025 · No better end | 25,284 | 946.59 |
| Methane EmissionsEDGAR · 2025 · No better end | 51,093 | 1,858 |
| Municipal Solid Waste GenerationWorld Bank Group · 2022 · Lower is better | 0.966101st of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.882107th of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| ND-GAIN Country IndexNotre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better | 53.0461st of 190 · rank | 65.7217th of 190 · rank |
| Operating Coal Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end | 1,263,101 | 52,860 |
| Operating Wind Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end | 542,758 | 5,383 |
| Population Living Below 5 m ElevationCenter for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · 2015 · No better end | 4.879 | 12.44 |
| Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per CapitaFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 1,992106th of 181 · position · derived | 3,43777th of 181 · position · derived |
| Solar Electricity Installed CapacityEIA · 2024 · No better end | 886.66 | 91.61 |
| Temperature Change on LandFAO · 2025 · No better end | 1.923 | 1.861 |
| Tree Cover LossWorld Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · 2025 · No better end | 650,785 | 53,468 |
| Water Withdrawal by SectorFAO · 2022 · No better end | 62.1487th of 171 · position · derived | 66.6781st of 171 · position · derived |
Measured for China only: Coal Share of Electricity Generation · Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation · Solar Share of Electricity Generation · Tropical Moist Forest Deforestation · Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generation
Measured for Japan only: Agricultural Irrigated Land · Environmentally Related Tax Revenue
Gender & Equality
China:124thJapan:joint 116thof 183
China on Gender & Equality →Japan on Gender & Equality →
Key statistics · the 4 the Gender & Equality standing is built from
Firms with a Female Top Manager
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 1.429 to 62.9; the middle country is at 19.16.
1.429dashed: the middle country, 19.1662.9
China: 19.62024
Japan: 9.6252025
Social Institutions and Gender Index
OECD · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 140 countries measured, values run from 6.7 to 67.4; the middle country is at 25.2.
6.7dashed: the middle country, 25.267.4
China: 27.1
Japan: 32.9
Women, Business and the Law
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 3.125 to 100; the middle country is at 81.25.
3.125dashed: the middle country, 81.25100
China: 78.13
Japan: 81.25
Women's Political Empowerment Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.028 to 0.954; the middle country is at 0.772.
0.028dashed: the middle country, 0.7720.954
China: 0.587
Japan: 0.844
| Also measured · 8 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Account Ownership Among WomenWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 89.235th of 139 · position · derived | 98.7212th of 139 · position · derived |
| Female-Headed HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 14.82000too old to compare | 27.262020 |
| Firms with Female Participation in OwnershipWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 44202457th of 181 · position · derived | 36.28202587th of 181 · position · derived |
| Gender Social Norms IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2022 · Lower is better | 91.8146th of 91 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 58.8276th of 91 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Global Gender Parity IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · 2022 · Higher is better | 0.725 | 0.627 |
| Mean Age at First Marriage, WomenUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 25.42016 | 29.22015 |
| Sex Ratio at BirthUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 110.8 | 105.1 |
| Women's Empowerment IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · 2022 · Higher is better | 0.664 | 0.651 |
Democracy & Civil Liberties
China:178thJapan:28thof 198
China on Democracy & Civil Liberties →Japan on Democracy & Civil Liberties →
Key statistics · the 4 the Democracy & Civil Liberties standing is built from
Civic Space Ratings
CIVICUS · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 198 countries measured, values run from 2.17 to 100; the middle country is at 50.46.
2.17dashed: the middle country, 50.46100
China: 9.67
Japan: 87.72
Perceptions of Electoral Integrity Index
EIP · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 171 countries measured, values run from 12.86 to 88.61; the middle country is at 54.78.
12.86dashed: the middle country, 54.7888.61
China: no reading in this edition
Japan: 68.452025
Rule of Law
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.199 to 2.012; the middle country is at -0.102.
-2.199dashed: the middle country, -0.1022.012
China: -0.429
Japan: 1.542
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.016 to 0.913; the middle country is at 0.497.
0.016dashed: the middle country, 0.4970.913
China: 0.072
Japan: 0.819
| Also measured · 15 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Deliberative Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.064156th of 176 · position · derived | 0.72918th of 176 · position · derived |
| Egalitarian Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.078168th of 176 · position · derived | 0.75812th of 176 · position · derived |
| Exclusion by Socio-Economic GroupV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.44878th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.015172nd of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.045167th of 176 · position · derived | 0.84743rd of 176 · position · derived |
| Freedom of Foreign MovementV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.476170th of 176 · position · derived | 1.95147th of 176 · position · derived |
| Freedom of Peaceful AssemblyV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -1.889158th of 172 · position · derived | 2.02935th of 172 · position · derived |
| Freedom of ReligionV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -2.497171st of 176 · position · derived | 2.5795th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Censorship of the MediaV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -2.425169th of 176 · position · derived | 1.43144th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Dissemination of False Information (Domestic)V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -2.202160th of 176 · position · derived | 0.96250th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Internet ShutdownsV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.609132nd of 176 · position · derived | 1.90410th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Social Media CensorshipV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | -3.007174th of 176 · position · derived | 1.68332nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Mass MobilizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · No better end | 0.113 | -2.132 |
| Military Dimension IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.111 | 0 |
| Participatory Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.036171st of 176 · position · derived | 0.52632nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Political PolarizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | -0.1199th of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst | -1.738161st of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Peace & Security
China:102ndJapan:12thof 177
China on Peace & Security →Japan on Peace & Security →
Key statistics · the 4 the Peace & Security standing is built from
Global Militarisation Index
BICC · 2023 · Lower is better
Across the 149 countries measured, values run from 3.512 to 351.09; the middle country is at 100.66.
3.512dashed: the middle country, 100.66351.09
China: 81.83102nd of 149 · rank
Japan: 73.61107th of 149 · rank
Physical Violence Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.053 to 0.989; the middle country is at 0.79.
0.053dashed: the middle country, 0.790.989
China: 0.345
Japan: 0.949
Political Stability and Absence of Violence
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.506 to 1.563; the middle country is at 0.171.
-2.506dashed: the middle country, 0.1711.563
China: 0.022
Japan: 1.259
Political Violence by Non-State Actors
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 171 countries measured, values run from -3.182 to 3.375; the middle country is at -0.661.
-3.182dashed: the middle country, -0.6613.375
China: -0.506
Japan: -1.507
| Also measured · 7 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Armed Forces Personnel (% of population)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · Lower is better | 0.13 | 0.19 |
| Arms Imports (% of total imports)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · No better end | 0 | 2.9 |
| Civilian Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 0 | 0 |
| Deaths in Non-State ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 0 | 0 |
| Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 059th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 059th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Deaths in State-Based Armed ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better | 0 | 0 |
| Refugees by Country of OriginUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 153,962 | 56 |
Risk & Resilience
China:80thJapan:55thof 193
China on Risk & Resilience →Japan on Risk & Resilience →
Key statistics · the 4 the Risk & Resilience standing is built from
Able to Raise Emergency Funds Within 30 Days
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better
Across the 142 countries measured, values run from 16.49 to 93.69; the middle country is at 53.85.
16.49dashed: the middle country, 53.8593.69
China: 83.722024
Japan: 79.662021
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 0.263 to 0.655; the middle country is at 0.45.
0.263dashed: the middle country, 0.450.655
China: 0.39456th of 190 · rank
Japan: 0.35329th of 190 · rank
INFORM Risk Index
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 191 countries measured, values run from 0.7 to 8.5; the middle country is at 3.7.
0.7dashed: the middle country, 3.78.5
China: 2.9
Japan: 2.1
World Risk Index
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.18 to 46.56; the middle country is at 4.17.
0.18dashed: the middle country, 4.1746.56
China: 30.62
Japan: 24.81
| Also measured · 6 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Asylum-Seekers by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 482 | 22,647 |
| Drought Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 3.03740th of 138 · rank · 1 = worst | 2.056108th of 138 · rank · 1 = worst |
| Firms Whose Assets Were Damaged by Extreme WeatherWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 5.3632024112th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 5.5592025110th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Refugee Population by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 230 | 42,450 |
| Riverine Flood Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 1.988104th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst | 0.96136th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst |
| World Risk Poll Resilience IndexLloyd's Register Foundation · 2023 · Higher is better | 66 | 59 |
Measured for China only: Adults Who Experienced a Natural Disaster or Severe Weather · Per Capita Food Supply Variability
Measured for Japan only: Stateless Persons by Country of Residence
Mobility & Trade
China:9thJapan:25thof 177
China on Mobility & Trade →Japan on Mobility & Trade →
Key statistics · the 4 the Mobility & Trade standing is built from
Container Import Dwell Time
World Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 1 to 21.6; the middle country is at 4.4.
1dashed: the middle country, 4.421.6
China: 4
Japan: 5.6
ICT Goods Exports
UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 120 countries measured, values run from 0 to 61.45; the middle country is at 0.975.
0dashed: the middle country, 0.97561.45
China: 21.32
Japan: 7.64
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index
UNCTAD · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 168 countries measured, values run from 4.13 to 1,313; the middle country is at 60.84.
4.13dashed: the middle country, 60.841,313
China: 1,3131st of 177 · rank
Japan: 424.717th of 177 · rank
Logistics Performance Index
World Bank Group · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 1.9 to 4.3; the middle country is at 2.9.
1.9dashed: the middle country, 2.94.3
China: 3.719th of 139 · rank
Japan: 3.913th of 139 · rank
| Also measured · 7 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Average Time to Clear Exports Through CustomsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 3.1492024123rd of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 10.1202531st of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Digital Services Trade Restrictiveness IndexOECD · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.28640th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.042121st of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| EmigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 11,701,619 | 1,008,173 |
| FDI Regulatory Restrictiveness IndexOECD · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.22718th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.04863rd of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| International MigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 1,638,718 | 3,409,529 |
| International Migrants as a Share of PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 0.115 | 2.755 |
| Net Migration RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | -0.399 | 1.407 |
Measured for China only: Cereal Import Dependency Ratio · Cost of Sending Remittances
Food & Agriculture
China:6thJapan:5thof 184
China on Food & Agriculture →Japan on Food & Agriculture →
Key statistics · the 4 the Food & Agriculture standing is built from
Agriculture Orientation Index
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 132 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 5.38; the middle country is at 0.305.
0.03dashed: the middle country, 0.3055.38
China: 0.95
Japan: no reading in this edition
Cereal Yield
FAO · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 23 to 29,147; the middle country is at 3,072.
23dashed: the middle country, 3,07229,147
China: 6,418
Japan: 6,245
Dietary Energy Supply
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 155 countries measured, values run from 1,757 to 3,962; the middle country is at 2,982.
1,757dashed: the middle country, 2,9823,962
China: 3,504
Japan: no reading in this edition
Progress Toward Productive and Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2.4.1 Proxy)
FAO · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 186 countries measured, values run from 1.67 to 4.57; the middle country is at 3.14.
1.67dashed: the middle country, 3.144.57
China: 4.17
Japan: 4.17
Poverty & Inequality
China:39thJapan:56thof 159
China on Poverty & Inequality →Japan on Poverty & Inequality →
Key statistics · the 3 the Poverty & Inequality standing is built from
Gini Index
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 23 to 59.07; the middle country is at 33.72.
23dashed: the middle country, 33.7259.07
China: 36.052022
Japan: 32.342020
Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day
World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better
Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 0 to 48.69; the middle country is at 0.345.
0dashed: the middle country, 0.34548.69
China: 02022
Japan: 0.552020
Share of Population Unable to Afford a Healthy Diet
FAO · 2025 · Lower is better
Across the 145 countries measured, values run from 0.6 to 93.9; the middle country is at 26.4.
0.6dashed: the middle country, 26.493.9
China: 11.3
Japan: 13.2
Measured for China only: Income Growth of the Poorest 40% · Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Lines
Money & Public Finance
No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.
| Measured · 2 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Firms Using Banks to Finance InvestmentWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 12.662024 | 33.62025 |
| Share of Firms' Payments Made ElectronicallyWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 97.762024 | 90.792025 |
Measured for China only: Made or Received a Digital Payment · Saved at a Financial Institution or with Mobile Money · Short-Term Share of External Debt
Energy
China:joint 87thJapan:no standingof 165
Key statistics · the 3 the Energy standing is built from
Carbon Intensity of Electricity
Ember · 2024 · Lower is better
Across the 165 countries measured, values run from 23.73 to 1,306; the middle country is at 433.75.
23.73dashed: the middle country, 433.751,306
China: 558.97
Japan: no reading in this edition
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation
Ember · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 165 countries measured, values run from 0 to 100; the middle country is at 32.06.
0dashed: the middle country, 32.06100
China: 33.16
Japan: no reading in this edition
World Energy Trilemma Index
World Energy Council · 2023 · Higher is better
Across the 126 countries measured, values run from 27.7 to 83.2; the middle country is at 63.8.
27.7dashed: the middle country, 63.883.2
China: 64.447th of 99 · rank
Japan: no reading in this edition
| Also measured · 9 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil ProductionEIA · 2025 · No better end | 4,325 | 3.107 |
| Firms Identifying Electricity as a Major ConstraintWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 0.6722024176th of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 7.8792025150th of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Firms Owning or Sharing a GeneratorWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 5.7532024 | 11.582025 |
| Natural Gas ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end | 258.44 | 1.903 |
| Photovoltaic Power Potential (PVOUT)World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · 2020 · No better end | 3.882 | 3.446 |
| Primary Energy Consumption per CapitaEIA · 2024 · No better end | 120.18 | 126.58 |
| Primary Energy ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end | 130.76 | 1.964 |
| RISE Energy Efficiency Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 68.73 | 85.62 |
| RISE Renewable Energy Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 58.41 | 63.54 |
Measured for China only: Gas Share of Electricity Generation · Hydro Share of Electricity Generation · Net Electricity Imports (share of generation) · Nuclear Share of Electricity Generation · RISE Clean Cooking Policy Score
Digital & Technology
China:joint 23rdJapan:joint 9thof 198
China on Digital & Technology →Japan on Digital & Technology →
Key statistics · the 4 the Digital & Technology standing is built from
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports
UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better
Across the 170 countries measured, values run from 0.377 to 87.15; the middle country is at 25.42.
0.377dashed: the middle country, 25.4287.15
China: 50.47
Japan: 52.9
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 12.12 to 88.36; the middle country is at 40.19.
12.12dashed: the middle country, 40.1988.36
China: 76.278th of 195 · rank
Japan: 72.2414th of 195 · rank
Government Cyber Security Capacity
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 176 countries measured, values run from -2.66 to 3.715; the middle country is at 0.196.
-2.66dashed: the middle country, 0.1963.715
China: 3.226
Japan: 1.43
GovTech Maturity Index
World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better
Across the 196 countries measured, values run from 0.01 to 0.997; the middle country is at 0.63.
0.01dashed: the middle country, 0.630.997
China: 0.651
Japan: 0.905
| Also measured · 9 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| AI User Share of the Working-Age PopulationMicrosoft AI Economy Institute · 2026 · Higher is better | 17.5 | 24.7 |
| Firms Experiencing Internet DisruptionsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 4.222024155th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 16.572025131st of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Firms with Their Own WebsiteWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 29.332024159th of 181 · position · derived | 78.68202547th of 181 · position · derived |
| GitHub DevelopersGitHub · 2026 · No better end | 11,351,939 | 5,433,912 |
| GitHub Git PushesGitHub · 2025 · No better end | 2,330,861 | 7,198,600 |
| GitHub RepositoriesGitHub · 2026 · No better end | 18,424,702 | 11,846,724 |
| Internet Use Among AdultsWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 86.2361st of 140 · position · derived | 83.3469th of 140 · position · derived |
| Mobile Phone OwnershipWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 96.6529th of 140 · position · derived | 93.8554th of 140 · position · derived |
| Smartphone OwnershipWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 88.2430th of 140 · position · derived | 83.3351st of 140 · position · derived |
Measured for Japan only: Anthropic AI Usage Index
People & Population
No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.
| Measured · 16 | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Average Household SizeUN DESA Population Division · 2020 · No better end | 2.62 | 2.21 |
| Crude Birth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 6.256 | 6.029 |
| Crude Death RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 8.213 | 12.26 |
| Historical Index of Ethnic FractionalizationLenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · 2013 · No better end | 0.19 | 0.019 |
| Mean Age at ChildbearingUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 29.02 | 31.91 |
| Median Age of the PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 39.07 | 48.96 |
| One-Person HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · 2020 · No better end | 25.39 | 37.97 |
| Population Aged 65 and OverUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 14.32 | 29.56 |
| Population DensityUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 148.19 | 330.05 |
| Population Growth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | -0.236 | -0.482 |
| Population Living in Cities (Degree of Urbanisation)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end | 44.24 | 68.49 |
| Population Under Age 15UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 16.59 | 11.65 |
| Sex Ratio of the Total PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 104 | 95.33 |
| Total Dependency RatioUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 44.73 | 70.1 |
| Total Fertility RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 1 | 1.208 |
| Urban Population Share (National Definitions)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end | 66.34 | 92.3 |
04Over time
How the two have moved
China solid, Japan dashed. Values from 2000; ranks are the publisher’s own, each year counted in that year’s field.
GDP per person
international $, PPP · World Bank Group
- China, 2025
- 25,067
- Japan, 2025
- 48,283
Japan’s GDP per person was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2025.
Life expectancy at birth
years at birth · UN DESA Population Division
- China, 2023
- 77.95
- Japan, 2023
- 84.71
Japan’s life expectancy was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.
Population
people · UN DESA Population Division
- China, 2023
- 1,422,584,933
- Japan, 2023
- 124,370,947
China’s population was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.
Human Development Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office
- China, 2023
- 78th of 193
- Japan, 2023
- 23rd of 193
Corruption Perceptions Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Transparency International
- China, 2025
- 76th of 181
- Japan, 2025
- 18th of 181
Gender Inequality Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office
- China, 2023
- 41st of 172
- Japan, 2023
- 22nd of 172
Global Innovation Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · World Intellectual Property Organization
- China, 2025
- 10th of 139
- Japan, 2025
- 12th of 139
Economic Complexity Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Growth Lab at Harvard University
- China, 2024
- 10th of 145
- Japan, 2024
- 1st of 145
Government AI Readiness Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Oxford Insights
- China, 2025
- 8th of 195
- Japan, 2025
- 14th of 195
05Recorded facts
The two countries
| Fact | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Beijing | Tokyo |
| Languages | Chinese, Putonghua, Standard Chinese, languages of China | Japanese |
| Currency | renminbi (CNY) | yen (JPY) |
| Calling code | +86 | +81 |
| Internet domain | .cn | .jp |
| ISO codes | CN · CHN | JP · JPN |
| Where | Eastern Asia · Asia | Eastern Asia · Asia |
No shared land borderBoth in Eastern AsiaBoth in Asia
06Keep comparing
Compare more
China compared with
Pakistan
India
United States
Russia
PhilippinesJapan compared with
South Korea07Questions
China and Japan: common questions
Which is bigger, China or Japan?
People: China 1,422,584,933 and Japan 124,370,947 in 2023, according to UN DESA Population Division. China has 11 times as many. Land area, in square kilometres: China 9,388,210 and Japan 364,500 in 2024, according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). China’s is 26 times as large.
Which has the higher GDP per person, China or Japan?
Japan. GDP per person at purchasing power parity, in international dollars: China 25,067 and Japan 48,283 in 2025, according to World Bank Group.
Where are China and Japan placed in the Country Index 2026?
China is placed 48th of 183, and Japan is placed 15th of 183. The Country Index 2026 is this site’s own ordering of published statistics, subject by subject; it is not a rank any publisher printed.
Do China and Japan share a border?
No: the two share no land border in the Natural Earth outlines. Both are in Eastern Asia.
How many statistics compare China and Japan?
282 statistics from 58 publishers measure both. 66 more measure only China, and 21 only Japan; those are listed under each subject rather than left out.
Why do some rows give two different years?
For 33 of the 282 shared statistics the publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, so the two readings describe different years. Both years are printed, and those rows are left out of every comparison in the summary.
08Method
Sources and how to read them
Every value is the newest reading the publisher issued, exactly as each country’s profile prints it: China and Japan. A rank is a number the publisher printed; a position · derived is this site’s ordering of one published statistic; a standing is a place in the Country Index 2026.
Where a publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, the two readings can describe different years. Both years are then printed, and the row is left out of every comparison in the summary. How every number on the site is read is set out on the methodology page.
The banner photographs are credited beside each picture.
The 58 publishers behind the shared statistics
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · CIVICUS · European Commission Joint Research Centre — Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) · European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · European Commission, Joint Research Centre (EDGAR) · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · GitHub · Global Carbon Project · Global Energy Monitor · Global Footprint Network · Global Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy) · Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC) · Growth Lab at Harvard University · Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · International Labour Organization (ILO) · Jonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · Lenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · Lloyd's Register Foundation · Maddison Project, Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC) · Microsoft AI Economy Institute · Nobel Prize Outreach · Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · OECD · Open Data Watch · OpenAlex (OurResearch) · Oxford Insights · Transparency International · U.S. Department of State · U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · UN DESA Population Division · UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · UNDP Human Development Report Office · UNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · UNICEF · UNICEF and WHO (Joint Low Birthweight Estimates) · UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Wellcome Trust · WHO and UNICEF (WUENIC) · World Bank Group · World Bank Group (Climate Change Knowledge Portal), from Copernicus ERA5 (ECMWF) · World Bank Group (ESMAP) · World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · World Bank Group (ID4D) · World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · World Energy Council · World Intellectual Property Organization · World Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · World Resources Institute (WRI)
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry. China and Japan, compared. Country Index 2026 edition. https://nationsinquiry.com/compare/china-vs-japan