Japan Geography

So you want to know about Japan? Here are some highlights! Also check out the links to other sites about Japan.

Key Facts

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Japan is a chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Population: 125 million people

Geographic size: 145,840 square miles

Capital: Tokyo

Major cities and population: Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Sapporo, Nagasaki

Geographic Landmarks

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Japan has some of the most densely populated areas in the world. Much of Japan's 125 million people live in crowded cities along the coast.

Japan is made up of thousands of islands. Much of Japan consists of mountains and hills, covered in trees.

Several of Japan's mountains are active volcanoes. Japan also lies on a major earthquake fault line.

Points of Interest

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Japan is well known for its traditional style of architecture.

Japan has become a recognized leader in high technology electronics. Japan is a major producer of computers, televisions, cameras and audio equipment. Japan is also well known for its electronic semiconductors.

Japan does have some farming, particularly rice. Japan also has a large fishing fleet. Fish and rice are two major foods eaten by the Japanese.

Historical Highlights

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Japan has been ruled by emperors, since ancient civilization. During much of Japan's history, rival warlords and their samurai fought with each other.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Japan attacked many of its neigboring Asian countries. In World War II, Japan sided with Germany and was finally defeated in 1945. Two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, which helped to end the war.

The rebuilding process following World War II has made Japan into a major economic power.

Population and Culture

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Much of Japan's population is crowded into a few cities along the coast. The population is primarily Japanese, with some Korean and Chinese immigrants.