Demographics

As of 1 November 2007, the total population of Japan was estimated to be 127 775 000,　comprising 62 304 000 males and 65 471 000 females. With regards to distribution by age group, 13.5% of the population are aged 0-14 years, 64.9% 15-64 years and 21.5% 65 years and over.

The average life expectancy remains the highest in the world. In 2006, it was 85.81 years for women and 79.00 years for men.

In 2006, the crude birth rate was 8.7 per 1000 persons and the crude death rate was 8.6 per 1000 persons.

Political situation

The Japanese Government, a constitutional monarchy, is based on a parliamentary cabinet system. Executive power is vested in the Cabinet, which consists of the Prime Minister and not more than 17 Ministers of State, who are collectively responsible to the Diet (legislature).

In September 2007, Mr. Yasuo Fukuda was designated by the Diet as Japan's 91^st Prime Minister. He is a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, which currently holds the largest block of representation in the House of Representatives.

Socioeconomic situation

Japan has the second largest economy in the world in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), after the United States of America. As of 2006, the GDP of Japan and the United States totaled 36.4% of the world’s GDP. Japan's GDP per capita in 2006 was US$ 34 181. This economic scale was achieved largely due to high economic growth from 1955 to the late 1960s.

In the 2006 financial year, the economy as a whole improved, as did the employment/unemployment situation, while some severe aspects remained. The jobless rate dropped 0.3 of a percentage point year on year to 4.1% on the 2006 average. The active ratio of jobs to applicants in the same period increased 0.11 point to 1.06 times.

Water supply coverage has reached a high level of 100% (2006).

Vulnerabilities and hazards

No available information.

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