Please note the irregular intervals between years. Figures from this statistic may not match other statistics on the platform due to differences in sources and methodologies.
Citation formats
Comparison of population growth rates in China, Japan, and Western Europe 0-1998
Throughout the Common Era, until the 18th century, Japan's average population growth rate was significantly higher that those of Europe or China. Japan's relative isolation meant that it was not subjected to the same devastating pandemics during this period (especially plague), which caused regular spikes in mortality across Eurasia. During the period between 1700 and 1850, China and Western Europe's growth rates rose significantly due to improvements in food supply, water treatment, and more infrequent pandemics; as well as the spread of vaccination in Europe. In the late-19th and 20th centuries, population growth was high in all three regions, due to the onset of the demographic transition.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ can support your business.
OECD. (December 1, 2006). Comparison of historical annual average population growth rates in China, Japan and Western Europe in selected periods between 0 and 1998 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved July 29, 2026, from /statistics/1304445/japan-china-west-europe-population-growth-historical/
OECD. "Comparison of historical annual average population growth rates in China, Japan and Western Europe in selected periods between 0 and 1998." Chart. December 1, 2006. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed July 29, 2026. /statistics/1304445/japan-china-west-europe-population-growth-historical/
OECD. (2006). Comparison of historical annual average population growth rates in China, Japan and Western Europe in selected periods between 0 and 1998. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 29, 2026. /statistics/1304445/japan-china-west-europe-population-growth-historical/
OECD. "Comparison of Historical Annual Average Population Growth Rates in China, Japan and Western Europe in Selected Periods between 0 and 1998." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 1 Dec 2006, /statistics/1304445/japan-china-west-europe-population-growth-historical/
OECD, Comparison of historical annual average population growth rates in China, Japan and Western Europe in selected periods between 0 and 1998 ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/1304445/japan-china-west-europe-population-growth-historical/ (last visited July 29, 2026)
Comparison of historical annual average population growth rates in China, Japan and Western Europe in selected periods between 0 and 1998 [Graph], OECD, December 1, 2006. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1304445/japan-china-west-europe-population-growth-historical/