Other major cities also grew up on lowlands. Although Japan produces a wide range of metallic minerals, including chromite, zinc, manganese, copper, lead and gold, it has to import nearly all the raw materials for its industrial economy. Imported petroleum is a primary fuel. The dominant ethnic group is the Japanese, a Mongoloid people. The largest minority group is the Koreans, who began settling in Japan mostly during the 1920s.
Life expectancy is among the highest in the world.
The principal causes of death today are stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. 1996-99, M2 Meklarit Oy.