Some facts about Japan
Image by: © Olivia Braddock
- Japan (日本Nihon or Nippon) means ‘origin of the sun’. It is sometimes known as “Land of the Rising Sun.” by Westerners.
- Population: 127 million (2008).
- Four main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu) and more than 3,000 other islands.
- 70-80 % of land is forest and mountain. Therefore the remaining flat area has a dense population.
- Sitting on three tectonic plates, Japan has many earthquakes and experiences tsunamis. There are many hot springs (Onsen).
- Capital city: Tokyo.
- Main industries: automobiles, electronics and finance.
- Highest mountain: Mount Fuji (3776m).
- Time difference: GMT + 9 hours.
- Imperial system: The Emperor is the symbol of the state. Emperor Akihito is the 125th
- Currency: Yen. (¥)
- Average life expectancy: 82.6 years – the highest in the world!
