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Room of Countries and Flags · UN member 86

What is Japan like?

日本語

In short

Japan is a country in Eastern Asia, Asia. In 2025 it has about 123 million people (UN estimate), the 12th most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1956Population: 12th
Japan日本
Region
Eastern Asia, Asia
Population
about 123 million (12th)
Area
377,930 km² (60th)
UN member since
December 18, 1956

Drawn to the measurements in the law (height 2 : width 3, circle diameter 3/5 of the height). The law names the colors “white” and “crimson” but gives no color codes.

Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.

The rules for the flag

The Act on National Flag and Anthem (1999) says that the national flag of Japan is the Nisshoki, the “flag of the sun”.

The law also sets the shape. The height is two thirds of the width. The diameter of the circle in the middle is three fifths of the height, and its center is the center of the flag. The field is white and the circle is crimson.

The law also allows, for the time being, a height of seven tenths of the width.

Japan in numbers

In 2025 the population is about 123 million, the 12th most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about the same as Japan’s (about 123 million).

The area is 377,930 km², the 60th largest of the 193. That is about the same as Japan’s area.

If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 326.

Joining the United Nations

Japan joined the United Nations on December 18, 1956.

Think about it

There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.

Did you know? — There are 5 UN member states in Eastern Asia. The one with the most people is China.
Next steps
About this page
Flag rules: e-Gov Laws, “Act on National Flag and Anthem” (Japanese)
Population and rank: United Nations, World Population Prospects 2024
Area and rank: United Nations, Demographic Yearbook 2024, Table 3
Regions: United Nations Statistics Division, M49 regions
Date of joining: United Nations, “Member States”
Written by CCN CO., LTD.
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