Indonesia vs Japan: population comparison
Current population of Indonesia
288,196,345
Live estimate, extrapolated from the latest official figures
- Births today
- 2,567
- Deaths today
- 1,242
- Change today (UTC)
- +1,278
Current population of Japan
122,696,542
Live estimate, extrapolated from the latest official figures
- Births today
- 400
- Deaths today
- 935
- Change today (UTC)
- −346
Indonesia has a population of 285,721,236 and Japan has 123,366,734 (2025 estimates). Indonesia is currently larger by 162,354,502 people — about 2.3 times Japan's population. They rank 4 and 12 in the world respectively.
Their trajectories differ: Indonesia grows at +0.78% per year versus −0.49% for Japan. One population is expanding while the other shrinks — the gap between them widens every year.
The lead has changed hands: Indonesia overtook Japan in 1963, according to the historical series.
Beyond size, the structures differ: Indonesia is the younger society (median age 30.4 vs 49.8); Japan is far more crowded at 342 people per km² against 149.
Indonesia vs Japan population, 1960–2025
Side by side
| Indicator | Indonesia | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 285,721,236 | 123,366,734 |
| Annual growth | +0.78% | −0.49% |
| Yearly change | +2,233,305 | −608,637 |
| Density (P/km²) | 149 | 342 |
| Land area (km²) | 1,892,556 | 364,569 |
| Median age | 30.4 yrs | 49.8 yrs |
| Fertility rate | 2.12 | 1.15 |
| Life expectancy | 71.3 yrs | 84.0 yrs |
| Urban population | 59% | 92% |
| World share | 3.48% | 1.50% |
| 2050 projection (UN) | 320,712,949 | 105,123,167 |
Latest World Bank estimates; median age and 2050 projections from UN WPP 2024. Full profiles: Indonesia · Japan
Indonesia vs Japan FAQ
Is Indonesia bigger than Japan by population?
Indonesia currently has the larger population: 285,721,236 versus 123,366,734 (2025 estimates) — a gap of 162.35 million people.
When did Indonesia overtake Japan in population?
Indonesia passed Japan in 1963, based on the countries' official population series.
Which grows faster, Indonesia or Japan?
Indonesia currently grows faster: +0.78% per year versus −0.49%.
How do Indonesia and Japan compare in 2050?
UN medium-variant projections put Indonesia at 320,712,949 and Japan at 105,123,167 in 2050.