economy
Japan vs Germany GDP 2026: Economy Comparison
Germany has a larger GDP at approximately $4.5 trillion USD compared to Japan's $4.2 trillion USD, making Germany the larger economy by about 7%. However, Japan's economy is more export-dependent while Germany leads in manufacturing and automotive sectors.
Japan
World's third-largest economy with advanced automotive, robotics, and precision manufacturing sectors.
Investors seeking exposure to robotics, consumer electronics, and automotive manufacturing; analysis of export-driven economies and demographic challenges in developed nations.
Score63%
VS
Germany
Largest European economy and manufacturing powerhouse with focus on industrial exports and engineering.
Investors focused on engineering, automotive, and chemical manufacturing; analysis of fiscal sustainability and per-capita economic productivity in developed economies.
Score63%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryGermany has a larger GDP at approximately $4.5 trillion USD compared to Japan's $4.2 trillion USD, making Germany the larger economy by about 7%. However, Japan's economy is more export-dependent while Germany leads in manufacturing and automotive sectors.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedGermany has the larger and more productive economy with 7% higher nominal GDP and substantially higher GDP per capita ($54,629 vs $33,815). Choose Germany if analyzing advanced manufacturing capacity and per-capita wealth; choose Japan if examining total economic scale relative to population size or export dependency. Germany's lower debt-to-GDP ratio indicates greater fiscal sustainability, though Japan maintains lower unemployment.
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Japan
6.9/10
Germany
8.1/10
Choose Japan if
Investors seeking exposure to robotics, consumer electronics, and automotive manufacturing; analysis of export-driven economies and demographic challenges in developed nations.
Choose Germany if
Best pickInvestors focused on engineering, automotive, and chemical manufacturing; analysis of fiscal sustainability and per-capita economic productivity in developed economies.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Nominal GDP (USD Trillions):✓ Germany wins($4.52 trillion vs $4.23 trillion)
- GDP Per Capita (USD):✓ Germany wins($54,629 vs $33,815)
- Population (Millions):✓ Japan wins(125 million vs 84 million)
Key Facts & Figures
113 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Japan | Germany | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP(USD billions) | $4.2 Trillion | $4.2 Trillion | |
| Total GDP (Nominal 2026)(USD trillion) | $4.2 | — | — |
| Total Population(millions) | 125 million | — | — |
| Defence Expenditure 2024(EUR billion) | €50.9 billion | — | — |
| Education Spending Per Capita(EUR) | €1,047 | — | — |
| Government Health Expenditure(USD Million) | $383,823M | — | — |
| Oil Import Cost Impact at $126 Brent(% of GDP) | 1.14% | — | — |
| Global EV Production Market Share(%) | ~15% | — | — |
| Cost of Living Index(Index (US=100)) | 47.5 | — | — |
| Non-Tourist Visa Pathways(number of visas) | 6 pathways | — | — |
| GDP Purchasing Power Ranking(global rank) | Rank 14 | — | — |
| Military Spending(Billion USD) | ~$45 billion | — | — |
| Population Over 65 Years(Percent) | 28.8% | — | — |
| Tech Sector Salary Premium(percent above baseline) | Baseline (0%) | — | — |
| Nominal GDP(USD trillion) | $4.23 trillion | $4.52 trillion | |
| GDP per Capita(USD) | $33,815 | $54,629 | |
| Population(billions) | 125.1 million | 84 million | |
| Human Development Index(0-1 scale) | 0.920 (Very High) | — | — |
| Patent Filings Per Year(thousands) | 281,113 | — | — |
| Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio(%) | 264% | — | — |
| Manufacturing as % of GDP(Percent) | 19.5% | 21.2% | |
| Life Expectancy(years) | 84.6 years | 82.1 years | |
| Average Internet Speed(Mbps) | 261 Mbps | — | — |
| Total GDP (nominal)(USD trillion) | $4.2 trillion | — | — |
| Annual GDP Growth Rate(%) | 2.5% | — | — |
| Global Manufacturing Output Share(%) | 7% | — | — |
| Foreign Direct Investment Inflow (2024)(USD billion) | $28 billion | — | — |
| Global GDP Ranking(rank) | 3rd | — | — |
| Population Growth Rate(%) | -0.5% | — | — |
| Global Semiconductor Market Share(percent) | 9% | — | — |
| Annual Work Hours(hours per year) | 1,644 hours | — | — |
| Automobile Export Volume(millions per year) | 9.3 million vehicles | — | — |
| Average Broadband Speed(Mbps) | 25.6 Mbps | — | — |
| 5G Network Coverage(% population) | 96.3% | — | — |
| Annual Vehicle Production(millions of vehicles) | 11.4 million | — | — |
| OLED Display Global Market Share (Leading Company)(% market share) | Samsung 49% | — | — |
| Industrial Robot Density(robots per 10,000 workers) | 515 robots per 10k workers | — | — |
| Per Capita GDP (PPP)(USD) | $47,825 | — | — |
| Patent Applications Filed (2023)(Count (thousands)) | 286 thousand | — | — |
| Manufacturing Share of GDP(Percent) | 20.1% | — | — |
| Annual Patent Filings(Count) | 289 thousand | — | — |
| Aging Population (65+)(Percent of Population) | 29.1% | — | — |
| Gross Domestic Product (2024)(trillion USD) | $4.2 trillion | $5.4 trillion | |
| Life Expectancy at Birth(years) | 84.5 years | 81.9 years | |
| Homicide Rate(per 100,000 population) | 0.3 | — | — |
| Military Expenditure (2024)(billion USD) | $47 billion | — | — |
| Healthcare Cost per Capita(USD) | $4,849 | — | — |
| Public Transit Ridership(Billion trips annually) | 9.8 billion | — | — |
| Annual International Visitor Arrivals(Millions) | 17.9 million | — | — |
| GDP (Nominal, 2024)(trillion USD) | $4.2 trillion | $4,690 billion | |
| Unemployment Rate (2024)(percent) | 2.5% | 5.9% | |
| Annual Exports (2024)(USD billions) | $750 billion | $1,270 billion | |
| Median Age(years) | 49.4 years | 47.8 years | |
| Automotive Production (annual)(millions of vehicles) | 9.2 million | 3.7 million | |
| Real GDP Growth Rate(%) | 1.2% | — | — |
| Foreign Exchange Reserves(USD Trillions) | $1.2 trillion | — | — |
| Manufacturing Output(USD trillion) | 19% | — | — |
| Gross Domestic Product (nominal)(trillion USD) | $4.2 trillion | — | — |
| Literacy Rate(percent) | 99.8% | — | — |
| Healthcare Expenditure per Capita(USD) | $4,792 | — | — |
| Unemployment Rate(percent) | 2.5% | 3.8% | |
| Median Household Income(USD) | $45,000 | — | — |
| R&D Spending(% of GDP) | 3.6% | — | — |
| Global Manufacturing Share(percent of global) | 3-4% | — | — |
| EV Production (2024)(% of global output) | 9% | — | — |
| Nominal GDP 2026(USD Trillions) | $4.2 trillion | — | — |
| GDP Per Capita 2026(USD) | $32,500 | — | — |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (2025)(Percent) | 1.3% | — | — |
| Unemployment Rate (2025)(Percent) | 2.5% | — | — |
| Global Innovation Index Ranking (2025)(Rank) | 2nd | — | — |
| Manufacturing Output (% of Global)(Percent) | 7.5% | — | — |
| Foreign Direct Investment Inflow (2025)(USD Billion) | $47 billion | — | — |
| Total GDP (Nominal, 2024)(USD Trillions) | $4.2 trillion | — | — |
| Inflation Rate (2024)(%) | 1.8% | — | — |
| Annual GDP Growth Rate (2023-2026 avg)(percent) | 1.8% | — | — |
| Merchandise Exports 2025(billion USD) | $860 billion | — | — |
| Patent Applications Filed (annual avg)(thousands) | 285 thousand | — | — |
| Foreign Direct Investment Inflows 2025(USD Billions) | $42 billion | — | — |
| Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio 2026(percent) | 264% | — | — |
| Life Expectancy 2026(years) | 84.6 years | — | — |
| GDP Per Capita (2024)(USD) | $33,815 | $52,240 | |
| Land Area(km²) | 377,975 km² | 357,022 km² | |
| Human Development Index (2023)(score (0-1)) | 0.920 (Very High) | — | — |
| Manufacturing Output (Global Share)(percent) | 8.5% | — | — |
| Industrial robots per 10,000 manufacturing workers(robots) | 803 robots | — | — |
| Patent filings annually(thousands) | 286k filings | — | — |
| Manufacturing share of global output(percent) | 7.8% | — | — |
| High-speed rail network length(kilometers) | 3,000 km | — | — |
| Public Debt to GDP Ratio(Percentage) | 264% | 63% | |
| Exports as % of GDP(Percentage) | 18.2% | 14.8% | |
| Total Land Area(million km²) | 138,065 sq mi | 138,065 sq mi | |
| Total GDP(USD Trillions) | $5.4 trillion | $5.4 trillion | |
| National Debt (% of GDP)(percent) | 63.50% | 63.50% | |
| Government Expenditure (% of GDP)(percent) | 37.74% | 37.74% | |
| Renewable Energy (% of electricity)(percent) | 46% | 46% | |
| Per Capita GDP(USD) | $63,900 | $63,900 | |
| Annual Tourism Arrivals(millions) | 54 million | 54 million | |
| Nuclear Power Percentage(%) | 6% | 6% | |
| Manufacturing Output Annual(USD billion) | $1,200 billion | $1,200 billion | |
| Renewable Energy Share(%) | 56% | 56% | |
| Average Annual Salary(USD) | $48,600 | $48,600 | |
| Inflation Rate (2025)(%) | 2.4% | 2.4% | |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP)(USD Trillion) | $4.5 trillion | $4.5 trillion | |
| Manufacturing output (2023)(USD billions) | $616 billion | $616 billion | |
| Global soft power ranking (2024)(ranking (lower is better)) | 6th | 6th | |
| FIFA World Cup titles(championships) | 4 titles (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014) | 4 titles (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014) | |
| Fintech investment (2023)(USD billions) | $2.3 billion | $2.3 billion | |
| Gross Domestic Product(USD Trillions) | $4.31 trillion | $4.31 trillion | |
| Annual Tourism Revenue(USD billion) | $33 billion | $33 billion | |
| Manufacturing % of EU(percent) | 23% | 23% | |
| Renewable Energy Generation(percent of total) | 52% | 52% | |
| Nuclear Energy in Mix(percent of electricity) | 6% | 6% | |
| Corporate Income Tax Rate(%) | 30% | 30% |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
Germany leads
Japan
Attribute
Germany
- $4.23 trillionNominal GDP (USD Trillions)$4.52 trillion(winner)
- $33,815GDP Per Capita (USD)$54,629(winner)
- 125 million(winner)Population (Millions)84 million
- 18.2%(winner)Exports as % of GDP14.8%
- 19.5%Manufacturing Output (% of GDP)21.2%(winner)
- 2.5%(winner)Unemployment Rate (%)3.8%
- 264%Public Debt as % of GDP63%(winner)
- Nominal GDP (USD Trillions)
Japan
$4.23 trillion
Germany
$4.52 trillion(winner)
- GDP Per Capita (USD)
Japan
$33,815
Germany
$54,629(winner)
- Population (Millions)
Japan
125 million(winner)
Germany
84 million
- Exports as % of GDP
Japan
18.2%(winner)
Germany
14.8%
- Manufacturing Output (% of GDP)
Japan
19.5%
Germany
21.2%(winner)
- Unemployment Rate (%)
Japan
2.5%(winner)
Germany
3.8%
- Public Debt as % of GDP
Japan
264%
Germany
63%(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Japan | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| GDP(USD billions) | $4.2 Trillion | $4.2 Trillion |
| GDP Purchasing Power Ranking(global rank) | Rank 14 | — |
| Nominal GDP(USD trillion) | $4.23 trillion | $4.52 trillion(winner) |
| Gross Domestic Product (2024)(trillion USD) | $4.2 trillion | $5.4 trillion(winner) |
| GDP (Nominal, 2024)(trillion USD) | $4.2 trillion | $4,690 billion(winner) |
Show 9 more attributesUnemployment Rate (2024)(percent) 2.5% 5.9% Gross Domestic Product (nominal)(trillion USD) $4.2 trillion — GDP Per Capita (2024)(USD) $33,815 $52,240 Manufacturing Output (Global Share)(percent) 8.5% — National Debt (% of GDP)(percent) 63.50% — Government Expenditure (% of GDP)(percent) 37.74% — Manufacturing Output Annual(USD billion) $1,200 billion — Gross Domestic Product (GDP)(USD Trillion) $4.5 trillion — Manufacturing output (2023)(USD billions) $616 billion — | ||
| Total GDP (Nominal 2026)(USD trillion) | $4.2 | — |
| Global GDP Ranking(rank) | 3rd | — |
| Total GDP(USD Trillions) | $5.4 trillion | — |
| Total Population(millions) | 125 million | — |
| Population Over 65 Years(Percent) | 28.8% | — |
| Population(billions) | 125.1 million | 84 million |
| Population Growth Rate(%) | -0.5% | — |
| Aging Population (65+)(Percent of Population) | 29.1% | — |
Show 1 more attributeMedian Age(years) 49.4 years 47.8 years | ||
| Defence Expenditure 2024(EUR billion) | €50.9 billion | — |
| Education Spending Per Capita(EUR) | €1,047 | — |
| Government Health Expenditure(USD Million) | $383,823M | — |
| Oil Import Cost Impact at $126 Brent(% of GDP) | 1.14% | — |
| Global EV Production Market Share(%) | ~15% | — |
| Cost of Living Index(Index (US=100)) | 47.5 | — |
| Non-Tourist Visa Pathways(number of visas) | 6 pathways | — |
| Military Spending(Billion USD) | ~$45 billion | — |
| Land Military Power Ranking(global capability rank) | Lower ranking | — |
| Military Expenditure (2024)(billion USD) | $47 billion | — |
| Nuclear Weapons | No | — |
| Military Rank (Global)(rank) | Ranked lower (regional power) | — |
| Tech Sector Salary Premium(percent above baseline) | Baseline (0%) | — |
| Average Annual Salary(USD) | $48,600 | — |
| GDP per Capita(USD) | $33,815 | $54,629(winner) |
| Human Development Index(0-1 scale) | 0.920 (Very High) | — |
| Patent Filings Per Year(thousands) | 281,113 | — |
| Patent Applications Filed (2023)(Count (thousands)) | 286 thousand | — |
| Global Innovation Index Ranking (2025)(Rank) | 2nd | — |
| Patent Applications Filed (annual avg)(thousands) | 285 thousand | — |
| Patent filings annually(thousands) | 286k filings | — |
| Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio(%) | 264% | — |
| Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio 2026(percent) | 264% | — |
| Public Debt to GDP Ratio(Percentage) | 264% | 63%(winner) |
| Manufacturing as % of GDP(Percent) | 19.5% | 21.2% |
| Manufacturing Share of GDP(Percent) | 20.1% | — |
| Life Expectancy(years) | 84.6 years(winner) | 82.1 years |
| Literacy Rate(percent) | 99.8% | — |
| Average Internet Speed(Mbps) | 261 Mbps | — |
| Global Semiconductor Market Share(percent) | 9% | — |
| OLED Display Global Market Share (Leading Company)(% market share) | Samsung 49% | — |
| Fintech investment (2023)(USD billions) | $2.3 billion | — |
| Total GDP (nominal)(USD trillion) | $4.2 trillion | — |
| Total GDP (Nominal, 2024)(USD Trillions) | $4.2 trillion | — |
| Annual GDP Growth Rate(%) | 2.5% | — |
| Annual GDP Growth Rate (2023-2026 avg)(percent) | 1.8% | — |
| Global Manufacturing Output Share(%) | 7% | — |
| Manufacturing Output (% of Global)(Percent) | 7.5% | — |
| Foreign Direct Investment Inflow (2024)(USD billion) | $28 billion | — |
| Annual Work Hours(hours per year) | 1,644 hours | — |
| Automobile Export Volume(millions per year) | 9.3 million vehicles | — |
| Annual Vehicle Production(millions of vehicles) | 11.4 million | — |
| Automotive Production (annual)(millions of vehicles) | 9.2 million(winner) | 3.7 million |
| Industrial robots per 10,000 manufacturing workers(robots) | 803 robots | — |
| Manufacturing share of global output(percent) | 7.8% | — |
| Average Broadband Speed(Mbps) | 25.6 Mbps | — |
| Public Transit Ridership(Billion trips annually) | 9.8 billion | — |
| High-speed rail network length(kilometers) | 3,000 km | — |
| 5G Network Coverage(% population) | 96.3% | — |
| Industrial Robot Density(robots per 10,000 workers) | 515 robots per 10k workers | — |
| Per Capita GDP (PPP)(USD) | $47,825 | — |
| Median Household Income(USD) | $45,000 | — |
| Annual Patent Filings(Count) | 289 thousand | — |
| Life Expectancy at Birth(years) | 84.5 years(winner) | 81.9 years |
| Healthcare Expenditure per Capita(USD) | $4,792 | — |
| Homicide Rate(per 100,000 population) | 0.3 | — |
| Healthcare Cost per Capita(USD) | $4,849 | — |
| Life Expectancy 2026(years) | 84.6 years | — |
| Annual International Visitor Arrivals(Millions) | 17.9 million | — |
| Annual Tourism Arrivals(millions) | 54 million | — |
| Annual Tourism Revenue(USD billion) | $33 billion | — |
| Annual Exports (2024)(USD billions) | $750 billion | $1,270 billion(winner) |
| Merchandise Exports 2025(billion USD) | $860 billion | — |
| Real GDP Growth Rate(%) | 1.2% | — |
| Foreign Exchange Reserves(USD Trillions) | $1.2 trillion | — |
| Manufacturing Output(USD trillion) | 19% | — |
| EV Production (2024)(% of global output) | 9% | — |
| Manufacturing % of EU(percent) | 23% | — |
| Unemployment Rate(percent) | 2.5%(winner) | 3.8% |
| Unemployment Rate (2025)(Percent) | 2.5% | — |
| R&D Spending(% of GDP) | 3.6% | — |
| Global Manufacturing Share(percent of global) | 3-4% | — |
| Nominal GDP 2026(USD Trillions) | $4.2 trillion | — |
| GDP Per Capita 2026(USD) | $32,500 | — |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (2025)(Percent) | 1.3% | — |
| Foreign Direct Investment Inflow (2025)(USD Billion) | $47 billion | — |
| Inflation Rate (2024)(%) | 1.8% | — |
| Inflation Rate (2025)(%) | 2.4% | — |
| Foreign Direct Investment Inflows 2025(USD Billions) | $42 billion | — |
| Land Area(km²) | 377,975 km² | 357,022 km² |
| Total Land Area(million km²) | 138,065 sq mi | — |
| Human Development Index (2023)(score (0-1)) | 0.920 (Very High) | — |
| Exports as % of GDP(Percentage) | 18.2% | 14.8% |
| Renewable Energy (% of electricity)(percent) | 46% | — |
| Nuclear Power Percentage(%) | 6% | — |
| Renewable Energy Generation(percent of total) | 52% | — |
| Nuclear Energy in Mix(percent of electricity) | 6% | — |
| Per Capita GDP(USD) | $63,900 | — |
| Renewable Energy Share(%) | 56% | — |
| Global soft power ranking (2024)(ranking (lower is better)) | 6th | — |
| FIFA World Cup titles(championships) | 4 titles (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014) | — |
| Gross Domestic Product(USD Trillions) | $4.31 trillion | — |
| Corporate Income Tax Rate(%) | 30% | — |
JapanGermanyGDP(USD billions)
$4.2 Trillion
$4.2 Trillion
GDP Purchasing Power Ranking(global rank)
Rank 14
—
Nominal GDP(USD trillion)
$4.23 trillion
$4.52 trillion
Gross Domestic Product (2024)(trillion USD)
$4.2 trillion
$5.4 trillion
GDP (Nominal, 2024)(trillion USD)
$4.2 trillion
$4,690 billion
Show 9 more attributes
Unemployment Rate (2024)(percent)
2.5%
5.9%
Gross Domestic Product (nominal)(trillion USD)
$4.2 trillion
—
GDP Per Capita (2024)(USD)
$33,815
$52,240
Manufacturing Output (Global Share)(percent)
8.5%
—
National Debt (% of GDP)(percent)
63.50%
—
Government Expenditure (% of GDP)(percent)
37.74%
—
Manufacturing Output Annual(USD billion)
$1,200 billion
—
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)(USD Trillion)
$4.5 trillion
—
Manufacturing output (2023)(USD billions)
$616 billion
—
Total GDP (Nominal 2026)(USD trillion)
$4.2
—
Global GDP Ranking(rank)
3rd
—
Total GDP(USD Trillions)
$5.4 trillion
—
Total Population(millions)
125 million
—
Population Over 65 Years(Percent)
28.8%
—
Population(billions)
125.1 million
84 million
Population Growth Rate(%)
-0.5%
—
Aging Population (65+)(Percent of Population)
29.1%
—
Show 1 more attribute
Median Age(years)
49.4 years
47.8 years
Defence Expenditure 2024(EUR billion)
€50.9 billion
—
Education Spending Per Capita(EUR)
€1,047
—
Government Health Expenditure(USD Million)
$383,823M
—
Oil Import Cost Impact at $126 Brent(% of GDP)
1.14%
—
Global EV Production Market Share(%)
~15%
—
Cost of Living Index(Index (US=100))
47.5
—
Non-Tourist Visa Pathways(number of visas)
6 pathways
—
Military Spending(Billion USD)
~$45 billion
—
Land Military Power Ranking(global capability rank)
Lower ranking
—
Military Expenditure (2024)(billion USD)
$47 billion
—
Nuclear Weapons
No
—
Military Rank (Global)(rank)
Ranked lower (regional power)
—
Tech Sector Salary Premium(percent above baseline)
Baseline (0%)
—
Average Annual Salary(USD)
$48,600
—
GDP per Capita(USD)
$33,815
$54,629
Human Development Index(0-1 scale)
0.920 (Very High)
—
Patent Filings Per Year(thousands)
281,113
—
Patent Applications Filed (2023)(Count (thousands))
286 thousand
—
Global Innovation Index Ranking (2025)(Rank)
2nd
—
Patent Applications Filed (annual avg)(thousands)
285 thousand
—
Patent filings annually(thousands)
286k filings
—
Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio(%)
264%
—
Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio 2026(percent)
264%
—
Public Debt to GDP Ratio(Percentage)
264%
63%
Manufacturing as % of GDP(Percent)
19.5%
21.2%
Manufacturing Share of GDP(Percent)
20.1%
—
Life Expectancy(years)
84.6 years
82.1 years
Literacy Rate(percent)
99.8%
—
Average Internet Speed(Mbps)
261 Mbps
—
Global Semiconductor Market Share(percent)
9%
—
OLED Display Global Market Share (Leading Company)(% market share)
Samsung 49%
—
Fintech investment (2023)(USD billions)
$2.3 billion
—
Total GDP (nominal)(USD trillion)
$4.2 trillion
—
Total GDP (Nominal, 2024)(USD Trillions)
$4.2 trillion
—
Annual GDP Growth Rate(%)
2.5%
—
Annual GDP Growth Rate (2023-2026 avg)(percent)
1.8%
—
Global Manufacturing Output Share(%)
7%
—
Manufacturing Output (% of Global)(Percent)
7.5%
—
Foreign Direct Investment Inflow (2024)(USD billion)
$28 billion
—
Annual Work Hours(hours per year)
1,644 hours
—
Automobile Export Volume(millions per year)
9.3 million vehicles
—
Annual Vehicle Production(millions of vehicles)
11.4 million
—
Automotive Production (annual)(millions of vehicles)
9.2 million
3.7 million
Industrial robots per 10,000 manufacturing workers(robots)
803 robots
—
Manufacturing share of global output(percent)
7.8%
—
Average Broadband Speed(Mbps)
25.6 Mbps
—
Public Transit Ridership(Billion trips annually)
9.8 billion
—
High-speed rail network length(kilometers)
3,000 km
—
5G Network Coverage(% population)
96.3%
—
Industrial Robot Density(robots per 10,000 workers)
515 robots per 10k workers
—
Per Capita GDP (PPP)(USD)
$47,825
—
Median Household Income(USD)
$45,000
—
Annual Patent Filings(Count)
289 thousand
—
Life Expectancy at Birth(years)
84.5 years
81.9 years
Healthcare Expenditure per Capita(USD)
$4,792
—
Homicide Rate(per 100,000 population)
0.3
—
Healthcare Cost per Capita(USD)
$4,849
—
Life Expectancy 2026(years)
84.6 years
—
Annual International Visitor Arrivals(Millions)
17.9 million
—
Annual Tourism Arrivals(millions)
54 million
—
Annual Tourism Revenue(USD billion)
$33 billion
—
Annual Exports (2024)(USD billions)
$750 billion
$1,270 billion
Merchandise Exports 2025(billion USD)
$860 billion
—
Real GDP Growth Rate(%)
1.2%
—
Foreign Exchange Reserves(USD Trillions)
$1.2 trillion
—
Manufacturing Output(USD trillion)
19%
—
EV Production (2024)(% of global output)
9%
—
Manufacturing % of EU(percent)
23%
—
Unemployment Rate(percent)
2.5%
3.8%
Unemployment Rate (2025)(Percent)
2.5%
—
R&D Spending(% of GDP)
3.6%
—
Global Manufacturing Share(percent of global)
3-4%
—
Nominal GDP 2026(USD Trillions)
$4.2 trillion
—
GDP Per Capita 2026(USD)
$32,500
—
Real GDP Growth Rate (2025)(Percent)
1.3%
—
Foreign Direct Investment Inflow (2025)(USD Billion)
$47 billion
—
Inflation Rate (2024)(%)
1.8%
—
Inflation Rate (2025)(%)
2.4%
—
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows 2025(USD Billions)
$42 billion
—
Land Area(km²)
377,975 km²
357,022 km²
Total Land Area(million km²)
138,065 sq mi
—
Human Development Index (2023)(score (0-1))
0.920 (Very High)
—
Exports as % of GDP(Percentage)
18.2%
14.8%
Renewable Energy (% of electricity)(percent)
46%
—
Nuclear Power Percentage(%)
6%
—
Renewable Energy Generation(percent of total)
52%
—
Nuclear Energy in Mix(percent of electricity)
6%
—
Per Capita GDP(USD)
$63,900
—
Renewable Energy Share(%)
56%
—
Global soft power ranking (2024)(ranking (lower is better))
6th
—
FIFA World Cup titles(championships)
4 titles (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014)
—
Gross Domestic Product(USD Trillions)
$4.31 trillion
—
Corporate Income Tax Rate(%)
30%
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Japan
+5-3
Pros
- 125 million population provides large domestic consumer market
- Exports represent 18.2% of GDP, showing strong global trade presence
- Lowest unemployment rate at 2.5%, indicating tight labor market
- Leader in robotics, semiconductors, and automotive manufacturing
- High life expectancy (84.6 years) and advanced healthcare system
Cons
- Public debt of 264% of GDP is highest among developed nations, creating long-term fiscal pressure
- Aging population (29% over 65) with declining birthrate reduces future workforce and growth potential
- Lower GDP per capita ($33,815) compared to peer economies indicates less productivity per worker
Germany
+5-3
Pros
- Highest GDP per capita ($54,629) among major economies, indicating superior productivity and living standards
- Public debt of 63% of GDP provides strong fiscal position and borrowing capacity
- Manufacturing represents 21.2% of GDP with world-class engineering and automotive sector
- Population of 84 million still provides substantial domestic market while avoiding overpopulation
- Leader in renewable energy adoption with 46% of electricity from renewables (2024)
Cons
- Higher unemployment rate of 3.8% compared to Japan's 2.5% reflects labor market challenges
- Exports only 14.8% of GDP shows less reliance on global trade compared to Japan
- Energy dependency on imports increased after Russian sanctions, creating inflation pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Germany has the larger nominal GDP at $4.52 trillion USD compared to Japan's $4.23 trillion USD (2025-2026 estimates). However, Japan has a much larger population (125 million vs 84 million), so the difference is only about 7% in total size. Germany's economy is more productive per capita.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Wikipedia
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