Japan: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Japan 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Japan: 51
  • Happiness Score Japan:6.060

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Japan. JP.
  • Known for its unique blend of traditional and modern culture
  • Has a parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy
  • Has the third largest economy in the world
  • Japan – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History

    The Japanese archipelago has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with the earliest known civilization being the Jomon culture (c. 14,000 BC–300 BC). The Yayoi culture (c. 300 BC–300 AD) introduced rice cultivation and metallurgy. The first centralized state emerged during the Kofun period (c. 250–538 AD), characterized by the construction of elaborate burial mounds.

    Kingdoms and Empires

    The Yamato Kingdom (c. 250–710 AD) laid the foundations for a unified Japan, followed by the Nara period (710–794) and the Heian period (794–1185), during which a refined court culture flourished. The Kamakura shogunate (1192–1333) marked the rise of the influential samurai warrior class. The Muromachi shogunate (1336–1573) saw the emergence of the daimyo feudal lords.

    Colonial Period

    Japan pursued a policy of isolation (sakoku) from the 17th to the mid-19th century, limiting foreign influence. The arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry’s ships in 1853 forced the opening of Japan to the West, leading to the Meiji Restoration (1868–1912) and rapid modernization.

    Independence and Modern Era

    After a period of militarism and imperial expansion, Japan surrendered in World War II (1945). The post-war era saw the country rebuild under American occupation, adopting a pacifist constitution. Japan experienced an economic miracle, becoming a global economic powerhouse by the 1980s. It weathered the “Lost Decade” of the 1990s and the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

    Current Political Situation

    Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government. The current Prime Minister is Fumio Kishida, elected in 2021. The Liberal Democratic Party has dominated Japanese politics since the 1950s. Japan faces challenges such as an aging population, fiscal deficits, and territorial disputes with neighboring countries.

    International Relations

    Japan has a close alliance with the United States and is a member of the G7, OECD, and other international organizations. It has territorial disputes with Russia (Kuril Islands) and China/Taiwan (Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands). Japan also seeks to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations and play a more prominent role in regional security.

    Human Development and Economy

    Japan has a highly developed economy, ranking third globally by nominal GDP. Major industries include automotive, electronics, machinery, and financial services. Despite facing demographic challenges, Japan boasts a high standard of living, life expectancy, and education levels.

    Cultural Highlights

    Japanese culture blends ancient traditions with modern influences. Notable aspects include Shinto and Buddhist religions, unique art forms (ikebana, origami, kabuki), cuisine (sushi, ramen, wagyu beef), and pop culture exports (anime, manga, video games). Japan is renowned for its technological innovation and craftsmanship.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Key challenges facing Japan include an aging population, low birth rates, natural disaster risks, and energy security concerns. Opportunities lie in embracing sustainable development, promoting gender equality, and leveraging its technological prowess in emerging fields like robotics and renewable energy.

Main facts

1. Location

Japan is an island country located in East Asia, situated in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. It is an archipelago made up of four main islands (Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku) and numerous smaller islands, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the southwest. It lies east of the Korean Peninsula and Russia, and northeast of China and Taiwan.

2. Map References

Japan is located in the region of East Asia.

3. Area – Comparative

With a total area of 377,975 sq km, Japan is slightly smaller than the state of California.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Japan is an island nation and has no land boundaries with other countries.

5. Coastline

Japan has a coastline of 29,751 km, featuring numerous bays, inlets, and rugged coastlines. Notable coastal features include the Inland Sea, a semi-enclosed body of water separating Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu islands.

6. Maritime Claims

Japan claims the following maritime zones:

– Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles

– Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles

– Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles

– Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin

7. Climate

Japan has a predominantly temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. The northern regions experience cool summers and cold winters, while the southern regions have hot, humid summers and mild winters. The climate is also influenced by the surrounding seas, resulting in significant precipitation levels.

8. Terrain

Japan’s terrain is predominantly mountainous, with numerous volcanic peaks and rugged uplands. The islands are traversed by a series of mountain ranges, including the Japanese Alps in central Honshu. There are also several lowland areas and coastal plains, particularly along the Pacific coastline.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Japan is Mount Fuji, an active volcano located on the island of Honshu, reaching an elevation of 3,776 meters (12,388 feet). The lowest point is the Hachiro-gata, which is a coastal depression at -4 meters (-13 feet) below sea level.

10. Natural Resources

Japan’s natural resources include:

– Negligible mineral resources

– Fish (coastal and deep-sea fishing grounds)

– Forests (forest reserves make up about two-thirds of the land area)

11. Major Bodies of Water

Major bodies of water in Japan include:

– Sea of Japan (also known as the East Sea)

– Pacific Ocean

– Sea of Okhotsk

– East China Sea

– Inland Sea (shared between Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu islands)

12. Natural Hazards

Japan is prone to various natural hazards, including:

– Earthquakes (located along the Pacific Ring of Fire)

– Tsunamis (caused by earthquakes or volcanic activity)

– Volcanic activity (due to numerous active volcanoes)

– Typhoons (tropical cyclones that affect the country annually)

13. Geography – Notes

Japan is a highly urbanized and densely populated country, with much of its land area being mountainous and unsuitable for agriculture or urban development. The country’s position along major tectonic fault lines and its volcanic activity make it highly susceptible to seismic and volcanic hazards. Additionally, Japan’s reliance on imported energy resources and its limited natural resources have played a significant role in shaping its economic and environmental policies.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 68.50%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 1,135,886. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 12.30%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  36.204824138.252924.
  • Capital: The capital of Japan is  Tokyo
  • Major Cities:
    • Tokyo – Population: 13,515,271
    • Yokohama – Population: 3,736,829
    • Osaka – Population: 2,691,227
    • Nagoya – Population: 2,327,557
  • Population: 126,226,568
  • Area(Km2): 377944
  • Population Density( P/Km²):347. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:81
  • Official Language(s):Japan is Japanese (99%).
  • Currency:

Main Economic Indicators

Japan has a highly industrialized, free-market economy and is the third-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. It is a diverse economy with strengths in areas like automotive manufacturing, electronics, machinery, metals, and consumer goods. Key economic challenges include an aging population, labor shortages, and limited natural resources. Notable economic policies focus on promoting innovation, structural reforms, and increasing productivity.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices):

2022: 2.5% (Source: International Monetary Fund)

2021: -0.2% (Source: International Monetary Fund)

Credit Ratings

Credit Ratings:

Fitch: A (Stable Outlook)

Moody’s: A1 (Stable Outlook)

Standard & Poor’s: A+ (Stable Outlook)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin:

Agriculture: 1.1%

Industry: 29.8%

Services: 69.1%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Key Agricultural Products: rice, vegetables, grains, fruit, pork, poultry, dairy products, eggs, fish

Key Industrial Products: motor vehicles, semiconductors, auto parts, plastics, chemicals, steel, iron, ships, machinery, tools, processed foods

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 67.87 million (2022 estimate, ranked 8th globally)

Current Account Balance

Current Account Balance:

2022: $169.2 billion (Surplus, ranked 2nd globally)

2021: $172.8 billion (Surplus, ranked 2nd globally)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $777.8 billion (2022 estimate)

Key Export Partners: United States, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong

Main Exports: motor vehicles, semiconductors, auto parts, iron and steel products, plastic materials, ships

Imports: $854.9 billion (2022 estimate)

Key Import Partners: China, United States, Australia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia

Main Imports: petroleum, liquid natural gas, clothing, semiconductors, coal

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold: $1.245 trillion (as of March 2023, ranked 2nd globally)

  • GDP (Current US$):$5,081,769,542,380. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 11.90%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 46.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.06. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $6.77. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 2.29%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

Japan

1. National Identity

Nationality: Japanese (noun), Japanese (adjective)

2. Ethnic Groups

  • Japanese 98.1%
  • Korean 0.5%
  • Chinese 0.4%
  • Other 1%

3. Religions

  • Shintoism and Buddhism (majority)
  • Christianity 1.5%
  • Other 6.9%

4. Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 12.6%
  • 15-64 years: 59.7%
  • 65 years and over: 27.7%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 63.9%

Youth dependency ratio: 21.1%

Elderly dependency ratio: 42.8%

6. Median Age

Total: 47.7 years

Male: 46.6 years

Female: 49 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 4.3%
  • Alcohol consumption: 7.2 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
  • Tobacco use: 18.2% of adults
  • Life expectancy at birth: 84.6 years (81.6 years for males, 87.7 years for females)
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 84.2. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:7.4. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:12. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.42. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 94.2%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 115,782,416. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):13.10%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Japan’s military forces are collectively known as the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). It consists of the following branches:

  • Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) – The army component responsible for land-based operations.
  • Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) – The naval component tasked with maritime security and operations.
  • Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) – The air force component responsible for air defense and aerial operations.

Japan does not maintain any foreign legion or elite tactical units. However, it has specialized units within each branch, such as the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force and the JMSDF’s Special Boarding Unit.

The National Police Agency (NPA) and its attached security forces, such as the Special Assault Team, are responsible for maintaining internal security and counterterrorism operations.

Military Expenditures

Japan’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 1.0%
  • 2021: 1.0%
  • 2020: 0.9%
  • 2019: 0.9%
  • 2018: 0.9%

Japan’s military spending ranks among the top 10 globally, reflecting its position as a major economic and military power.

Personnel Strengths

Japan’s total active-duty military personnel strength is approximately 247,000, with the following breakdown:

  • Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF): 150,000
  • Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF): 45,000
  • Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF): 47,000

The Japan Coast Guard, a civilian maritime law enforcement agency, has approximately 13,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Japan’s military equipment inventory includes a diverse range of domestically produced and imported hardware, such as:

  • Fighter jets (F-15J, F-2, F-35A)
  • Tanks (Type 10, Type 90)
  • Warships (Izumo-class helicopter destroyers, Atago-class destroyers, Soryu-class submarines)

Japan has ongoing acquisition programs, including the development of a next-generation fighter jet and the procurement of additional F-35 fighters, amphibious vehicles, and advanced missile defense systems.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Japan is voluntary, with no mandatory conscription. The age range for voluntary enlistment is typically between 18 and 32 years old, although specific requirements may vary across service branches.

Military Deployments

Japan has a limited overseas military presence, primarily focused on supporting international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Currently, Japan has deployed personnel to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai Peninsula.

Strategic Military Notes

Japan’s defense strategy is primarily focused on territorial defense and maintaining a credible deterrent against potential threats, particularly in the context of regional tensions and maritime disputes. The JSDF plays a crucial role in safeguarding Japan’s territorial integrity and ensuring maritime security in the surrounding waters.

Japan is a key ally of the United States and maintains close security partnerships with other regional powers, such as Australia and India. It is an active participant in various international security frameworks, including the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum.

  • Armed Forces Size: 247000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.41
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 61.70%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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