FACTS

Location: Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula

Area (only Total) total: 377,835 sq km

Climate: varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north

Terrain: mostly rugged and mountainous

Population: 127,288,419

Main Language (only first): Japanese

Government type: constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government

Capital (Name): Tokyo

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+9

Independence: 660 B.C. (traditional founding by Emperor JIMMU)

National holiday: Birthday of Emperor AKIHITO, 23 December