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Japan vs Australia GDP per capita
Australia overtook Japan in 1978. In 1960 Japan stood at roughly 29% of Australia’s GDP per capita; today the figure is about 55%, and the pair was closest in 2006 (99%).
| Year | Japan | Australia | Australia as % of Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1,813.43 | 519.42 | 29% |
| 1970 | 3,309.76 | 2,144.99 | 65% |
| 1980 | 10,223.29 | 9,872.35 | 97% |
| 1990 | 18,273.56 | 26,344.73 | 144% |
| 2000 | 21,909 | 39,752.94 | 181% |
| 2010 | 52,313.89 | 45,378.14 | 87% |
| 2020 | 51,983.45 | 41,098.97 | 79% |
| 2025 | 65,129.72 | 35,951.04 | 55% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Australia pass Japan in GDP per capita?
In 1978. Australia’s published GDP per capita rose above Japan’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Japan and Australia compare today?
Australia is ahead: 65,129.72 against 35,951.04 — the trailing economy stands at about 55% of the leader.
Are these GDP per capita figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — current US$ — with no inflation restatement, no PPP conversion and no interpolation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: