Japan vs South Korea CO2 per capita

South Korea overtook Japan in 1997. In 1970 Japan stood at roughly 425% of Korea, Rep.’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 69%, and the pair was closest in 2000 (99%).

Frequently asked questions

When did South Korea pass Japan in CO2 per capita?

In 1997. South Korea’s published CO2 per capita rose above Japan’s that year and the lead has held since.

How do Japan and Korea, Rep. compare today?

South Korea is ahead: 11.36 against 7.84 — the trailing economy stands at about 69% of the leader.

Are these CO2 per capita figures nominal or adjusted?

They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — metric tons per capita — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.

Full series

Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations:

• Japan — CO2 per capita
• South Korea — CO2 per capita
• All countries ranked by CO2 per capita
• Interactive comparison tool