Brazil vs Japan: population comparison
Current population of Brazil
213,712,670
Live estimate, extrapolated from the latest official figures
- Births today
- 1,472
- Deaths today
- 857
- Change today (UTC)
- +464
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
Brazil has a population of 212,812,405 and Japan has 123,366,734 (2025 estimates). Brazil is currently larger by 89,445,671 people — about 1.7 times Japan's population. They rank 7 and 12 in the world respectively.
Their trajectories differ: Brazil grows at +0.38% 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: Brazil overtook Japan in 1978, according to the historical series.
Beyond size, the structures differ: Brazil is the younger society (median age 34.8 vs 49.8); Japan is far more crowded at 342 people per km² against 25.
Brazil vs Japan population, 1960–2025
Side by side
| Indicator | Brazil | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,812,405 | 123,366,734 |
| Annual growth | +0.38% | −0.49% |
| Yearly change | +813,832 | −608,637 |
| Density (P/km²) | 25 | 342 |
| Land area (km²) | 8,358,140 | 364,569 |
| Median age | 34.8 yrs | 49.8 yrs |
| Fertility rate | 1.61 | 1.15 |
| Life expectancy | 76.0 yrs | 84.0 yrs |
| Urban population | 88% | 92% |
| World share | 2.59% | 1.50% |
| 2050 projection (UN) | 217,489,300 | 105,123,167 |
Latest World Bank estimates; median age and 2050 projections from UN WPP 2024. Full profiles: Brazil · Japan
Brazil vs Japan FAQ
Is Brazil bigger than Japan by population?
Brazil currently has the larger population: 212,812,405 versus 123,366,734 (2025 estimates) — a gap of 89.45 million people.
When did Brazil overtake Japan in population?
Brazil passed Japan in 1978, based on the countries' official population series.
Which grows faster, Brazil or Japan?
Brazil currently grows faster: +0.38% per year versus −0.49%.
How do Brazil and Japan compare in 2050?
UN medium-variant projections put Brazil at 217,489,300 and Japan at 105,123,167 in 2050.