Japan

Key facts

How Japan ranks

• 12th most populous country in the world.
• One of 40 countries on Earth with no land border at all.

Every ranking is computed from the facts above — see the full record tables.

Which countries border Japan?

Japan shares no land border with another sovereign state.

Japan in the game

Every puzzle gives three clues that exactly one country satisfies. Japan is a household name, so it can be the answer even in easy puzzles. These are the 23 clues from the pool that are true of Japan, rarest first — the fewer countries share a clue, the harder it works for you on the board.

• Has more than 100 million people1 of 16
• Its flag features a sun1 of 16
• Is an archipelago1 of 28
• Has more than 50 million people1 of 29
• Has more people than Spain1 of 30
• Has land below sea level1 of 33
• Lies further east than India1 of 34
• Reaches further north than 45°N1 of 39
• Has no land borders1 of 40
• Has a monarch as head of state1 of 42
• Its flag uses exactly two colours1 of 44
• Is an island nation1 of 47
• Is in Asia1 of 48
• Stretches more than 10 degrees of latitude1 of 52
• Drives on the left1 of 54
• Has more people than Australia1 of 54
• Has a peak higher than 3,000 m1 of 65
• Its name has 6 letters or fewer1 of 67
• Lies further north than Egypt1 of 76
• Borders fewer than 3 countries1 of 84
• Has an area larger than 200,000 km²1 of 84
• Has exactly one official language1 of 130
• Has an area smaller than 500,000 km²1 of 144

Common questions about Japan

Which countries border Japan?

Japan shares no land border with another sovereign state.

What is the capital of Japan?

The capital of Japan is Tokyo.

Is Japan landlocked?

No — Japan is an island nation.

What language is spoken in Japan?

Japan has one official language, Japanese.