Japan: Key Information and Economic Transformation
This page provides an overview of Japan's essential facts and its journey to becoming an economic superpower.
Japan's vital statistics include:
- Population (2019): 126.3 million
- Capital: Tokyo
- Official language: Japanese
- Area: 377,900 km²
- Currency: Yen (JPY)
The three largest islands of Japan are:
- Honshu (227,939.66 km²)
- Hokkaido (77,984.09 km²)
- Kyushu (36,782.11 km²)
Highlight: Japan's total land area is 377,900 km², which is smaller than many might expect for such an economically powerful nation.
Japan's economic transformation is rooted in its post-World War II history. During World War II, Japan was part of the Axis powers alongside Germany and Italy. After losing the war to the United States, Japan was occupied until the 1950s. During this period, the United States made significant investments in Japan, laying the groundwork for its future economic success.
Definition: The Axis powers were the nations that fought against the Allied powers during World War II. The main Axis powers were Germany, Italy, and Japan.
The map on the page shows Japan's geographical location, surrounded by the Sea of Japan to the west, the North Pacific Ocean to the east, and the East China Sea to the south.
Vocabulary: Yen (JPY) - The official currency of Japan, symbolized by ¥.
The Japanese flag, also known as the "Hinomaru," is depicted on the page. It features a red circle centered on a white background, symbolizing the rising sun.
Example: Japan's economic resurgence after World War II is often referred to as the "Japanese economic miracle," transforming the country from a war-ravaged nation into one of the world's largest economies in just a few decades.
This comprehensive overview provides insight into Japan's geographical, demographic, and historical context, setting the stage for understanding its remarkable economic development in the post-war era.
