Photo: JurriaanH · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Photo: Stefano Brivio · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Japan and United States
Japan and United States compared on 297 statistics from 63 publishers, each reading with its own year. In the Country Index 2026, Japan is placed 15th and United States is placed 37th 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
Population2.8×
Japan: 124,370,947people
United States: 343,477,335people
2023 · UN DESA Population Division
Land area25×
Japan: 364,500km²
United States: 9,147,420km²
2024 · FAO
GDP per person
Japan: 48,283international $, PPP
United States: 76,931international $, PPP
2025 · World Bank Group
Life expectancy
Japan: 84.71years at birth
United States: 79.3years at birth
2023 · UN DESA Population Division
Human development
Japan: 0.925HDI, 0–1
United States: 0.938HDI, 0–1
2023 · UNDP Human Development Report Office
Unemployment
Japan: 2.451% of the labour force
United States: 4.198% 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
United States’s GDP per person is the higher of the two: Japan 48,283 and United States 76,931 international dollars at purchasing power parity (World Bank Group, 2025).
United States has 2.8 times as many people, and 25 times the land area.
Measured as places in each statistic’s own field, the two are furthest apart on political polarization (-1.738 and 2.3, V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg 2025), paid paternity leave (28 and 0, World Bank Group 2025) and child overweight (1.962 and 9.694, UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) 2024). They are closest on ND-GAIN climate adaptation index (65.72 and 65.75, Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame 2024), female labour force participation (55.91 and 56.34, ILO 2025) and FDI restrictiveness (0.048 and 0.051, OECD 2024).
For 39 of the 297 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 & Institutionsjoint 10th · joint 25th of 194
- Economy & Innovation2nd · 28th of 176
- Work & Labour2nd · 14th of 182
- Education & Knowledge13th · 60th of 198
- Health & Wellbeing6th · 32nd of 200
- Development & Human Capital18th · 46th of 196
- Environment & Sustainability161st · 171st of 186
- Gender & Equalityjoint 116th · joint 43rd of 183
- Democracy & Civil Liberties28th · 68th of 198
- Peace & Security12th · 136th of 177
- Risk & Resilience55th · 72nd of 193
- Mobility & Trade25th · 7th of 177
- Food & Agriculture5th · 12th of 184
- Poverty & Inequality56th · 79th of 159
- Energy— · 59th of 165Japan has no standing on Energy: it holds fewer than the 2 of its 3 key statistics a standing needs.
- Digital & Technologyjoint 9th · 8th 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
297 statistics measure both countries; 6 more measure only Japan and 55 only United States. Each subject opens with its key statistics on a strip of every country measured, then lists the rest.
Governance & Institutions
Japan:joint 10thUnited States:joint 25thof 194
Japan on Governance & Institutions →United States 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
Japan: 7118th of 181 · rank
United States: 6429th 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
Japan: 2.041
United States: 1.191
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
Japan: 0.881
United States: 0.844
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
Japan: 90.99
United States: 90.06
| Also measured · 26 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Bribery IncidenceWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 02025175th of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.7932024128th of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · No better end | 0.53 | 0.391 |
| Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 85.42019 | 82.42023 |
| Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better | 0.66713th of 192 · rank | 0.63220th of 192 · rank |
| Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better | 1002023 | 1002024 |
| Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 1.45522nd of 211 · position · derived | 0.86546th of 211 · position · derived |
| Disability Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 51.92020 | 1002023 |
| Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.9783rd of 176 · position · derived | 0.608102nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public OfficialsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 0.2122025172nd of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.5912024165th of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Foundational ID OwnershipWorld Bank Group (ID4D) · 2024 · Higher is better | 94.38 | 89.8 |
| Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · Higher is better | 5 | 5 |
| Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed PersonsILO · years differ · Higher is better | 0.462024 | 0.072015 |
| Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.73424th of 176 · position · derived | 0.57151st of 176 · position · derived |
| Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 1.73720th of 176 · position · derived | 1.71722nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.09150th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.123144th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 1002020 | 1002023 |
| Open Data InventoryOpen Data Watch · 2024 · Higher is better | 7146th of 168 · rank | 7819th of 168 · rank |
| Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.05159th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.06155th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 1.22120th of 209 · position · derived | 1.00632nd of 209 · position · derived |
| Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 1.63633rd of 176 · position · derived | 1.22352nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Senior Management Time Spent on Government RegulationWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 1.1692025 | 5.7542024 |
| State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 96.25 | 97.46 |
| State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · Higher is better | 1.76819th of 166 · position · derived | 1.8616th of 166 · position · derived |
| State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 2.14642nd of 176 · position · derived | 2.37733rd of 176 · position · derived |
| Trade Union DensityILO · years differ · Higher is better | 16.8201968th of 139 · position · derived | 10.292020100th of 139 · position · derived |
| Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 1.10731st of 206 · position · derived | 0.64559th of 206 · position · derived |
Measured for United States only: Public Sector Employment · Public Sector Wage Bill
Economy & Innovation
Japan:2ndUnited States:28thof 176
Japan on Economy & Innovation →United States 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
Japan: 98.52
United States: 97.02
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
Japan: 1.7291st of 145 · rank
United States: 1.12218th 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
Japan: 83.212025
United States: 33.872024
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
Japan: 48,283
United States: 76,931
| Also measured · 39 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Actual Individual Consumption per Capita (PPP)World Bank Group · 2021 · Higher is better | 29,63729th of 173 · position · derived | 52,6541st of 173 · position · derived |
| Adjusted Net SavingsWorld Bank Group · 2021 · Higher is better | 3.55183rd of 118 · position · derived | 4.30580th of 118 · position · derived |
| Commodity Export DependenceUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 9.766 | 35.25 |
| Complexity Outlook IndexGrowth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · No better end | 0.068 | 1.372 |
| Comprehensive Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 517,52416th of 150 · position · derived | 751,6328th of 150 · position · derived |
| Container Port TrafficUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 21,886,6839th of 103 · position · derived | 59,707,4902nd of 103 · position · derived |
| Creative Goods ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 0.996 | 2.259 |
| Creative Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end | 26.34 | 25.54 |
| Crop Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 94.6152nd of 195 · position · derived | 92.96165th of 195 · position · derived |
| Export Concentration IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 0.158 | 0.106 |
| Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 5.8762025178th of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 22.942024145th of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Firms with an International Quality CertificationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 11.672025 | 6.8872024 |
| Food Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 100.27142nd of 195 · position · derived | 100.86130th of 195 · position · derived |
| Foreign Direct Investment InflowsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 0.336 | 0.901 |
| Foreign Value Added Share of Gross ExportsOECD · 2022 · No better end | 20.98 | 8.313 |
| Frontier Technology Readiness IndexUNCTAD · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.84420th of 170 · position · derived | 11st of 170 · position · derived |
| GDP GrowthWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 1.193153rd of 186 · position · derived | 2.161128th of 186 · position · derived |
| Global Innovation IndexWorld Intellectual Property Organization · 2025 · Higher is better | 53.5612th of 139 · rank | 61.693rd of 139 · rank |
| Gross Savings (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2024 · No better end | 32.0626th of 146 · position · derived | 16.6108th of 146 · position · derived |
| Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · Higher is better | 38,26928th of 166 · position · derived | 58,4878th of 166 · position · derived |
| ICT Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better | 4.71379th of 118 · position · derived | 6.89568th of 118 · position · derived |
| Inflation, GDP DeflatorWorld Bank Group · 2025 · No better end | 3.422 | 2.801 |
| Informal Output (DGE Model Estimate)World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · 2020 · Lower is better | 10.21 | 7.953 |
| Livestock Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 104.84107th of 194 · position · derived | 110.5581st of 194 · position · derived |
| Management Practices IndexWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 48.472025113th of 169 · position · derived | 63.68202417th of 169 · position · derived |
| Merchant Fleet by Country of OwnershipUNCTAD · 2026 · No better end | 243,175 | 45,645 |
| Price Level of Household ConsumptionGGDC · 2023 · No better end | 0.846 | 1.067 |
| Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · Higher is better | 61.4530th of 195 · position · derived | 70.492nd of 195 · position · derived |
| Research and Development SpendingUIS · 2023 · Higher is better | 3.4416th of 84 · position · derived | 3.4475th of 84 · position · derived |
| Researchers per Million InhabitantsUIS · years differ · Higher is better | 5,609202319th of 145 · position · derived | 4,937202224th of 145 · position · derived |
| Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · No better end | 154,037 | 700,214 |
| Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 5.777 | 4.024 |
| Statutory Corporate Income Tax RateOECD · 2026 · No better end | 29.74 | 25.53 |
| Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · No better end | 1,839 | 1,257 |
| Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All ProductsWorld Bank Group · 2022 · No better end | 1.64 | 1.49 |
| Terms of Trade IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end | 93.65 | 108.14 |
| Total Factor Productivity LevelGGDC · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.64 | 1 |
| Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · No better end | 0.047157th of 180 · position · derived | 1.28106th of 180 · position · derived |
| Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · Higher is better | 59.33 | 49.26 |
Measured for Japan only: New Business Density
Measured for United States only: Average Monthly Earnings of Employees · Gini Index of Disposable Income (SWIID) · Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · Income Share Held by Richest 10% · Palma Ratio · Tax Revenue (% of GDP)
Work & Labour
Japan:2ndUnited States:14thof 182
Japan on Work & Labour →United States 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
Japan: 61.89
United States: 59.11
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
Japan: 2.451
United States: 4.198
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
Japan: 7.487
United States: 3.81
| Also measured · 19 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · No better end | 31.1162nd of 182 · position · derived | 36.27122nd of 182 · position · derived |
| Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · Lower is better | 1.11 | 3.83 |
| Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · No better end | 2.814144th of 182 · position · derived | 1.525165th of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · No better end | 23.2352nd of 182 · position · derived | 18.9190th of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · No better end | 73.9641st of 182 · position · derived | 79.5623rd of 182 · position · derived |
| Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 89.92020 | 87.22023 |
| Fatal Occupational InjuriesILO · 2023 · Lower is better | 1.32 | 3.5 |
| Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 55.9175th of 182 · position · derived | 56.3474th of 182 · position · derived |
| Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 33.382025 | 40.762024 |
| GDP per Person EmployedWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 87,88842nd of 168 · position · derived | 156,9839th of 168 · position · derived |
| Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 231,11623rd of 151 · position · derived | 503,3504th of 151 · position · derived |
| Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 63.4579th of 182 · position · derived | 61.791st of 182 · position · derived |
| Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · Higher is better | 52.7140th of 182 · position · derived | 81.812th of 182 · position · derived |
| Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 98 | 0 |
| Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better | 28 | 0 |
| Low Pay RateILO · 2024 · Lower is better | 10.4763rd of 71 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 22.3422nd of 71 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · No better end | 9.051166th of 182 · position · derived | 6.074175th of 182 · position · derived |
| Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better | 24.92020 | 50.52021 |
| Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · Lower is better | 3.898164th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 9.34120th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Measured for United States only: Composite Rate of Labour Underutilisation (LU4) · Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · Gini Index of Monthly Earnings · Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training
Education & Knowledge
Japan:13thUnited States:60thof 198
Japan on Education & Knowledge →United States 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
Japan: no reading in this edition
United States: 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
Japan: 0.0682023
United States: 3.9822022
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
Japan: 94.832023
United States: 86.512022
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
Japan: no reading in this edition
United States: 93.5
| Also measured · 16 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Freedom IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.7662nd of 176 · position · derived | 0.397117th of 176 · position · derived |
| Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 15.5155th of 195 · position · derived | 15.9247th of 195 · position · derived |
| Harmonized Test ScoresWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 537.725th of 172 · position · derived | 511.824th of 172 · position · derived |
| Intergenerational Persistence in EducationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 0.3062012135th of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.413201594th of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Learning PovertyWorld Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · years differ · Lower is better | 3.5952019119th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 9.692202195th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Learning-Adjusted Years of SchoolWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 11.744th of 172 · position · derived | 10.5634th of 172 · position · derived |
| Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 12.6828th of 193 · position · derived | 13.913rd of 193 · position · derived |
| Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of Lower SecondaryUIS · years differ · Higher is better | 91.732023 | 66.082022 |
| Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of Lower SecondaryUIS · 2022 · Higher is better | 86.25 | 79.87 |
| Nobel Prize Laureates by Country of BirthNobel Prize Outreach · 2025 · No better end | 30 | 296 |
| Outbound Mobility Ratio, TertiaryUIS · 2023 · No better end | 0.864 | 0.655 |
| PISA Mathematics PerformanceOECD · 2022 · Higher is better | 535.585th of 79 · position · derived | 464.8934th of 79 · position · derived |
| PISA Reading PerformanceOECD · 2022 · Higher is better | 515.853rd of 79 · position · derived | 503.949th of 79 · position · derived |
| PISA Science PerformanceOECD · 2022 · Higher is better | 546.632nd of 79 · position · derived | 499.4116th of 79 · position · derived |
| Primary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better | 1001st of 165 · position · derived | 99.996th of 165 · position · derived |
| Trust in ScientistsWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end | 21.09 | 53.94 |
Measured for Japan only: Female Share of Researchers
Measured for United States only: Bachelor's or Higher Attainment · Female Share of STEM Graduates · Lower Secondary Completion Rate · Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of Primary · Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of Primary · Share of Graduates from ICT Programmes · Upper Secondary Attainment · Wealth Parity Index, Lower Secondary Completion
Health & Wellbeing
Japan:6thUnited States:32ndof 200
Japan on Health & Wellbeing →United States 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
Japan: 84.71
United States: 79.3
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
Japan: 1.1
United States: 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
Japan: no reading in this edition
United States: 3.82022
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
Japan: 2.434
United States: 6.472
| Also measured · 29 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Adolescent Birth Rate (Ages 15–19)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better | 1.737211th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 13.14148th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Adult Mortality (Probability of Dying Between 15 and 60)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better | 48.54203rd of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 107.7133rd of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Adults Who Have Been Too Anxious or Depressed to Carry OnWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end | 9.992 | 21.26 |
| Agreement That Vaccines Are SafeWellcome Trust · 2018 · Higher is better | 33.99143rd of 144 · position · derived | 72.0997th of 144 · position · derived |
| Births Attended by Skilled Health StaffUNICEF and WHO (Joint Database on Skilled Birth Attendance) · 2023 · Higher is better | 99.823rd of 84 · position · derived | 98.849th of 84 · position · derived |
| Catastrophic Out-of-Pocket Health SpendingWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 4.3632015 | 4.4672016 |
| Coefficient of Variation of Habitual Caloric ConsumptionFAO · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.17 | 0.17 |
| Contraceptive Prevalence (Any Method)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 50.6 | 60.4 |
| Cost of a Healthy DietFAO · 2025 · No better end | 8.27 | 2.86 |
| Days Above 35°CECMWF · 2025 · Lower is better | 2.05 | 12.49 |
| Demand for Family Planning Satisfied by Modern MethodsUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better | 75.673rd of 196 · position · derived | 80.149th of 196 · position · derived |
| Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 PandemicAriel Karlinsky and Dmitry Kobak (World Mortality Dataset) · 2023 · Lower is better | 178.2 | 405.5 |
| Gender Inequality IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.05922nd of 172 · rank | 0.16945th of 172 · rank |
| HPV Vaccination Coverage, GirlsWUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better | 30 | 51 |
| Human Capital IndexWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better | 0.8053rd of 172 · position · derived | 0.70235th of 172 · position · derived |
| Immunisation Coverage, DTP3WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better | 91 | 94 |
| Immunisation Coverage, Measles First Dose (MCV1)WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better | 92 | 92 |
| Infant Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 1.817197th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 5.482146th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Life Expectancy at Age 65UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better | 22.494th of 222 · position · derived | 2043rd of 222 · position · derived |
| Low Birthweight PrevalenceUNICEF and WHO (Joint Low Birthweight Estimates) · 2020 · Lower is better | 11.366th of 158 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 8.261103rd of 158 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Modern Contraceptive PrevalenceUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 45.3 | 52.8 |
| Mortality Rate, Ages 5–14UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.828179th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.487149th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Neonatal Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.868197th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 3.652148th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Overweight Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · 2024 · Lower is better | 1.962153rd of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 9.69440th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Pesticide Use per HectareFAO · 2024 · No better end | 10.0629th of 178 · position · derived | 2.7873rd of 178 · position · derived |
| PM2.5 Air Pollution ExposureAtmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · 2023 · Lower is better | 13.4118th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 8.6162nd of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Prevalence of Moderate or Severe Food InsecurityFAO · 2024 · Lower is better | 6.1119th of 135 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 10.788th of 135 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Stillbirth RateUN IGME · 2023 · Lower is better | 1.655199th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.681173rd 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 | 2.42010too old to compare110th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.12022163rd of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Measured for Japan only: Institutional Deliveries
Measured for United States only: Antenatal Care Coverage, At Least Four Visits · Caesarean Section Rate · Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months · Fish and Seafood Supply per Person · Fruit Supply per Person · Meat Supply per Person · Prevalence of Undernourishment · Share of Dietary Energy Supply from Cereals, Roots and Tubers · Vegetable Supply per Person
Development & Human Capital
Japan:18thUnited States:46thof 196
Japan on Development & Human Capital →United States 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
Japan: 0.92523rd of 193 · rank
United States: 0.93817th 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
Japan: 3.08
United States: 16.63
| Also measured · 9 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 8.474138th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 10.7120th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Gender Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Closer to 1 is better | 0.9789th of 184 · position · derived | 1.00933rd of 184 · position · derived |
| Inequality-adjusted Human Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.84520th of 169 · position · derived | 0.83229th of 169 · position · derived |
| Multidimensional Poverty MeasureWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 1.2432020116th of 157 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 1.2762024110th of 157 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Official Development Assistance Given (% of GNI)OECD Development Assistance Committee · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.35 | 0.09 |
| Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better | 0.78514th of 156 · position · derived | 0.68673rd of 156 · position · derived |
| Poverty Headcount at $3.00 a Day, Line-up EstimatesWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.96 | 1.02 |
Measured for United States only: Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · Poverty Headcount Ratio at $4.20 a Day · Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · Poverty Severity (Squared Poverty Gap) at $3.00 a Day · Prosperity Gap
Environment & Sustainability
Japan:161stUnited States:171stof 186
Japan on Environment & Sustainability →United States 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
Japan: 7.772
United States: 14.2
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
Japan: 3.936
United States: 7.053
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
Japan: 0.48
United States: 0.76
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
Japan: 35.4
United States: 24.54
| Also measured · 30 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural EmissionsFAO · 2023 · No better end | 44,05038th of 193 · position · derived | 501,6314th of 193 · position · derived |
| Agricultural Emissions IntensityFAO · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.85150th of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.97141st of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Agricultural Irrigated LandFAO · years differ · No better end | 32.320148th of 121 · position · derived | 5.101202352nd of 121 · position · derived |
| Agricultural LandFAO · 2023 · No better end | 12.64171st of 209 · position · derived | 46.0874th of 209 · position · derived |
| Annual Forest Area Change RateFAO · 2025 · Higher is better | -0.01 | -0.04 |
| Arable Land per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end | 0.032157th of 206 · position · derived | 0.4517th of 206 · position · derived |
| Baseline Water Stress (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 1.968 | 2.604 |
| Burned AreaGWIS · 2025 · No better end | 7,255 | 2,560,985 |
| Children's Climate Risk IndexUNICEF · 2020 · Lower is better | 4.594th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst | 580th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst |
| Consumption-Based CO₂ EmissionsGlobal Carbon Project · 2023 · No better end | 311.76 | 1,482 |
| Cropland Nitrogen BalanceFAO · 2023 · No better end | 53.86 | 35.6 |
| Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)EIA · 2024 · Lower is better | 2.949 | 4.16 |
| Fertilizer Consumption per HectareFAO · 2023 · No better end | 202.8434th of 188 · position · derived | 127.869th of 188 · position · derived |
| Fisheries and Aquaculture ProductionFAO · 2024 · No better end | 3,334,048 | 4,220,467 |
| Forest AreaFAO · 2023 · No better end | 68.419th of 210 · position · derived | 33.8796th of 210 · position · derived |
| Forest Area within Legally Established Protected AreasFAO · 2025 · Higher is better | 18.28 | 9.99 |
| Land Under Cereal ProductionFAO · 2023 · No better end | 1,841,21060th of 179 · position · derived | 55,537,6733rd of 179 · position · derived |
| Livestock DensityFAO · 2023 · No better end | 1.9621st of 188 · position · derived | 0.31133rd of 188 · position · derived |
| Mangrove AreaGlobal Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy) · 2025 · No better end | 946.59 | 252,545 |
| Methane EmissionsEDGAR · 2025 · No better end | 1,858 | 29,362 |
| Municipal Solid Waste GenerationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 0.8822022107th of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.178201818th of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| ND-GAIN Country IndexNotre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better | 65.7217th of 190 · rank | 65.7517th of 190 · rank |
| Operating Coal Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end | 52,860 | 184,448 |
| Operating Wind Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end | 5,383 | 157,594 |
| Population Living Below 5 m ElevationCenter for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · 2015 · No better end | 12.44 | 1.98 |
| Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per CapitaFAO · 2022 · Higher is better | 3,43777th of 181 · position · derived | 8,43754th of 181 · position · derived |
| Solar Electricity Installed CapacityEIA · 2024 · No better end | 91.61 | 176.68 |
| Temperature Change on LandFAO · 2025 · No better end | 1.861 | 1.758 |
| Tree Cover LossWorld Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · 2025 · No better end | 53,468 | 1,573,245 |
| Water Withdrawal by SectorFAO · 2022 · No better end | 66.6781st of 171 · position · derived | 39.66109th of 171 · position · derived |
Measured for Japan only: Environmentally Related Tax Revenue
Measured for United States 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
Gender & Equality
Japan:joint 116thUnited States:joint 43rdof 183
Japan on Gender & Equality →United States 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
Japan: 9.6252025
United States: 23.212024
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
Japan: 32.9
United States: 19.1
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
Japan: 81.25
United States: 91.25
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
Japan: 0.844
United States: 0.829
| Also measured · 8 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Account Ownership Among WomenWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 98.7212th of 139 · position · derived | 97.1125th of 139 · position · derived |
| Female-Headed HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · 2020 · No better end | 27.26 | 50.19 |
| Firms with Female Participation in OwnershipWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 36.28202587th of 181 · position · derived | 31.322024106th of 181 · position · derived |
| Gender Social Norms IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2022 · Lower is better | 58.8276th of 91 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 50.2282nd of 91 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Global Gender Parity IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · 2022 · Higher is better | 0.627 | 0.787 |
| Mean Age at First Marriage, WomenUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end | 29.22015 | 27.52010 |
| Sex Ratio at BirthUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 105.1 | 104.9 |
| Women's Empowerment IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · 2022 · Higher is better | 0.651 | 0.752 |
Democracy & Civil Liberties
Japan:28thUnited States:68thof 198
Japan on Democracy & Civil Liberties →United States 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
Japan: 87.72
United States: 56.4
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
Japan: 68.452025
United States: 53.792024
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
Japan: 1.542
United States: 0.791
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
Japan: 0.819
United States: 0.735
| Also measured · 15 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Deliberative Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.72918th of 176 · position · derived | 0.48158th of 176 · position · derived |
| Egalitarian Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.75812th of 176 · position · derived | 0.47257th of 176 · position · derived |
| Exclusion by Socio-Economic GroupV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2023 · Lower is better | 0.015172nd of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.194129th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.84743rd of 176 · position · derived | 0.72984th of 176 · position · derived |
| Freedom of Foreign MovementV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 1.95147th of 176 · position · derived | 1.59468th of 176 · position · derived |
| Freedom of Peaceful AssemblyV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 2.02935th of 172 · position · derived | 0.42893rd of 172 · position · derived |
| Freedom of ReligionV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 2.5795th of 176 · position · derived | 0.953109th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Censorship of the MediaV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 1.43144th of 176 · position · derived | 0.87572nd of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Dissemination of False Information (Domestic)V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.96250th of 176 · position · derived | -0.664112th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Internet ShutdownsV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 1.90410th of 176 · position · derived | 1.02588th of 176 · position · derived |
| Government Social Media CensorshipV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 1.68332nd of 176 · position · derived | 1.05764th of 176 · position · derived |
| Mass MobilizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · No better end | -2.132 | 2.481 |
| Military Dimension IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | 0 | 0 |
| Participatory Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better | 0.52632nd of 176 · position · derived | 0.5136th of 176 · position · derived |
| Political PolarizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better | -1.738161st of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 2.316th of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
Peace & Security
Japan:12thUnited States:136thof 177
Japan on Peace & Security →United States 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
Japan: 73.61107th of 149 · rank
United States: 153.2928th 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
Japan: 0.949
United States: 0.789
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
Japan: 1.259
United States: -0.302
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
Japan: -1.507
United States: 0.752
| Also measured · 6 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Arms Imports (% of total imports)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · No better end | 2.9 | 0.2 |
| 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 | 56 | 3,667 |
Measured for Japan only: Armed Forces Personnel (% of population)
Risk & Resilience
Japan:55thUnited States:72ndof 193
Japan on Risk & Resilience →United States 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
Japan: 79.66
United States: 76.11
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
Japan: 0.35329th of 190 · rank
United States: 0.31713th 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
Japan: 2.1
United States: 3.2
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
Japan: 24.81
United States: 23.09
| Also measured · 6 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Asylum-Seekers by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 22,647 | 3,718,945 |
| Drought Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 2.056108th of 138 · rank · 1 = worst | 1.974112th of 138 · rank · 1 = worst |
| Firms Whose Assets Were Damaged by Extreme WeatherWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 5.5592025110th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 7.4132024100th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Refugee Population by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end | 42,450 | 457,647 |
| Riverine Flood Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better | 0.96136th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst | 0.834141st of 163 · rank · 1 = worst |
| World Risk Poll Resilience IndexLloyd's Register Foundation · 2023 · Higher is better | 59 | 63 |
Measured for Japan only: Stateless Persons by Country of Residence
Measured for United States only: Per Capita Food Supply Variability
Mobility & Trade
Japan:25thUnited States:7thof 177
Japan on Mobility & Trade →United States 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
Japan: 5.6
United States: 3.4
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
Japan: 7.64
United States: 9.05
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
Japan: 424.717th of 177 · rank
United States: 514.975th 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
Japan: 3.913th of 139 · rank
United States: 3.817th of 139 · rank
| Also measured · 7 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Average Time to Clear Exports Through CustomsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 10.1202531st of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 8.225202442nd of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Digital Services Trade Restrictiveness IndexOECD · 2025 · Lower is better | 0.042121st of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.061115th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| EmigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 1,008,173 | 3,186,999 |
| FDI Regulatory Restrictiveness IndexOECD · 2024 · Lower is better | 0.04863rd of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 0.05162nd of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| International MigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 3,409,529 | 52,375,047 |
| International Migrants as a Share of PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end | 2.755 | 15.16 |
| Net Migration RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 1.407 | 3.851 |
Measured for United States only: Cereal Import Dependency Ratio
Food & Agriculture
Japan:5thUnited States:12thof 184
Japan on Food & Agriculture →United States 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
Japan: no reading in this edition
United States: 0.37
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
Japan: 6,245
United States: 8,330
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
Japan: no reading in this edition
United States: 3,962
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
Japan: 4.17
United States: 4
Poverty & Inequality
Japan:56thUnited States:79thof 159
Japan on Poverty & Inequality →United States 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
Japan: 32.342020
United States: 41.822023
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
Japan: 0.552020
United States: 0.952023
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
Japan: 13.2
United States: 4.5
Measured for United States only: Income Growth of the Poorest 40% · Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person · Societal Poverty Rate
Money & Public Finance
No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.
| Measured · 2 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Firms Using Banks to Finance InvestmentWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end | 33.62025 | 19.52024 |
| Share of Firms' Payments Made ElectronicallyWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 90.792025 | 73.752024 |
Energy
Japan:no standingUnited States:59thof 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
Japan: no reading in this edition
United States: 383.81
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
Japan: no reading in this edition
United States: 24.06
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
Japan: no reading in this edition
United States: 78.910th of 99 · rank
| Also measured · 9 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil ProductionEIA · 2025 · No better end | 3.107 | 13,586 |
| Firms Identifying Electricity as a Major ConstraintWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 7.8792025150th of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 7.7162024152nd of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Firms Owning or Sharing a GeneratorWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 11.582025 | 20.532024 |
| Natural Gas ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end | 1.903 | 1,069 |
| Photovoltaic Power Potential (PVOUT)World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · 2020 · No better end | 3.446 | 4.358 |
| Primary Energy Consumption per CapitaEIA · 2024 · No better end | 126.58 | 278.47 |
| Primary Energy ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end | 1.964 | 103.55 |
| RISE Energy Efficiency Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 85.62 | 81.64 |
| RISE Renewable Energy Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better | 63.54 | 74.8 |
Measured for United States only: Gas Share of Electricity Generation · Hydro Share of Electricity Generation · Net Electricity Imports (share of generation) · Nuclear Share of Electricity Generation
Digital & Technology
Japan:joint 9thUnited States:8thof 198
Japan on Digital & Technology →United States 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
Japan: 52.9
United States: 65.92
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
Japan: 72.2414th of 195 · rank
United States: 88.361st 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
Japan: 1.43
United States: 2.555
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
Japan: 0.905
United States: 0.771
| Also measured · 10 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| AI User Share of the Working-Age PopulationMicrosoft AI Economy Institute · 2026 · Higher is better | 24.7 | 33 |
| Anthropic AI Usage IndexAnthropic · 2026 · No better end | 1.91 | 3.87 |
| Firms Experiencing Internet DisruptionsWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better | 16.572025131st of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst | 24.682024111th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst |
| Firms with Their Own WebsiteWorld Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better | 78.68202547th of 181 · position · derived | 89.61202421st of 181 · position · derived |
| GitHub DevelopersGitHub · 2026 · No better end | 5,433,912 | 32,410,529 |
| GitHub Git PushesGitHub · 2025 · No better end | 7,198,600 | 40,768,192 |
| GitHub RepositoriesGitHub · 2026 · No better end | 11,846,724 | 77,284,974 |
| Internet Use Among AdultsWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 83.3469th of 140 · position · derived | 97.816th of 140 · position · derived |
| Mobile Phone OwnershipWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 93.8554th of 140 · position · derived | 98.0115th of 140 · position · derived |
| Smartphone OwnershipWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better | 83.3351st of 140 · position · derived | 92.649th of 140 · position · derived |
People & Population
No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.
| Measured · 16 | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Average Household SizeUN DESA Population Division · 2020 · No better end | 2.21 | 2.49 |
| Crude Birth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 6.029 | 10.65 |
| Crude Death RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 12.26 | 8.663 |
| Historical Index of Ethnic FractionalizationLenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · 2013 · No better end | 0.019 | 0.527 |
| Mean Age at ChildbearingUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 31.91 | 29.9 |
| Median Age of the PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 48.96 | 38.02 |
| One-Person HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · 2020 · No better end | 37.97 | 28 |
| Population Aged 65 and OverUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 29.56 | 17.43 |
| Population DensityUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 330.05 | 37.55 |
| Population Growth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | -0.482 | 0.584 |
| Population Living in Cities (Degree of Urbanisation)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end | 68.49 | 34.97 |
| Population Under Age 15UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 11.65 | 17.59 |
| Sex Ratio of the Total PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 95.33 | 100.99 |
| Total Dependency RatioUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 70.1 | 53.91 |
| Total Fertility RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end | 1.208 | 1.624 |
| Urban Population Share (National Definitions)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end | 92.3 | 80.19 |
04Over time
How the two have moved
Japan solid, United States 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
- Japan, 2025
- 48,283
- United States, 2025
- 76,931
United States’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
- Japan, 2023
- 84.71
- United States, 2023
- 79.3
Japan’s life expectancy was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.
Population
people · UN DESA Population Division
- Japan, 2023
- 124,370,947
- United States, 2023
- 343,477,335
United States’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
- Japan, 2023
- 23rd of 193
- United States, 2023
- 17th of 193
Corruption Perceptions Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Transparency International
- Japan, 2025
- 18th of 181
- United States, 2025
- 29th of 181
Gender Inequality Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office
- Japan, 2023
- 22nd of 172
- United States, 2023
- 45th of 172
Global Innovation Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · World Intellectual Property Organization
- Japan, 2025
- 12th of 139
- United States, 2025
- 3rd of 139
Economic Complexity Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Growth Lab at Harvard University
- Japan, 2024
- 1st of 145
- United States, 2024
- 18th of 145
Government AI Readiness Index rank
The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Oxford Insights
- Japan, 2025
- 14th of 195
- United States, 2025
- 1st of 195
05Recorded facts
The two countries
| Fact | Japan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Tokyo | Washington, D.C. |
| Languages | Japanese | Carolinian, Chamorro, English, Hawaiian, Samoan, Spanish |
| Currency | yen (JPY) | United States dollar (USD) |
| Calling code | +81 | +1 |
| Internet domain | .jp | .us |
| ISO codes | JP · JPN | US · USA |
| Where | Eastern Asia · Asia | Northern America · Americas |
No shared land border
06Keep comparing
Compare more
Japan compared with
China
South Korea
India
Russia
United Kingdom
Canada
Mexico
Iran
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
Germany
Türkiye07Questions
Japan and United States: common questions
Which is bigger, Japan or United States?
People: Japan 124,370,947 and United States 343,477,335 in 2023, according to UN DESA Population Division. United States has 2.8 times as many. Land area, in square kilometres: Japan 364,500 and United States 9,147,420 in 2024, according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). United States’s is 25 times as large.
Which has the higher GDP per person, Japan or United States?
United States. GDP per person at purchasing power parity, in international dollars: Japan 48,283 and United States 76,931 in 2025, according to World Bank Group.
Where are Japan and United States placed in the Country Index 2026?
Japan is placed 15th of 183, and United States is placed 37th 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 Japan and United States share a border?
No: the two share no land border in the Natural Earth outlines.
How many statistics compare Japan and United States?
297 statistics from 63 publishers measure both. 6 more measure only Japan, and 55 only United States; those are listed under each subject rather than left out.
Why do some rows give two different years?
For 39 of the 297 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: Japan and United States. 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 63 publishers behind the shared statistics
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · Anthropic · Ariel Karlinsky and Dmitry Kobak (World Mortality Dataset) · 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 · Electoral Integrity Project (EIP) · 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 · OECD Development Assistance Committee · 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 Database on Skilled Birth Attendance) · 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. Japan and United States, compared. Country Index 2026 edition. https://nationsinquiry.com/compare/japan-vs-united-states