Where in memory are static variables of a class located in Java?

In Java, static class variables are stored in a memory area called the "Metaspace" starting from Java 8. Previously, they were located in "PermGen" (Permanent Generation). Metaspace is a part of memory allocated for storing class metadata, including static fields.

When a class is loaded, its static variables are placed in this area, and they exist as a single instance for all objects of that class.

Example:

public class Example {
    public static int counter = 0;

    public Example() {
        counter++;
    }
}

Here, counter is a static variable stored in the metaspace and shared among all instances of the Example class.