North Korea
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
North Korea is a Eastern Asia country of around 25.9 million residents, placing it in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 120,538 km², translating to a density of 215 people per km². Its capital is Pyongyang, and Korean is the official language, while the North Korean won serves as the national currency.
Population
25,950,000
Area
120,538 km²
Density
215/km²
World Rank
#56
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. The gap between the birth rate (12.9 per thousand) and death rate (9.7 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 18.9% of residents under 15 and 12.4% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Pyongyang
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Eastern Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Korean
- Currencies
- North Korean won (₩)
- Calling Code
- +850
- Top-Level Domain
- .kp
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+09:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 25,950,000
- Land Area
- 120,538 km²
- Population Density
- 215 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +228,360 people
- Daily Growth
- +626 people
- World Population Share
- 0.32%
- Coordinates
- 40.00°, 127.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
Unemployment sits at 3.5%, below the global average of 5.8%.
Life Expectancy
73.6 years
Birth Rate
12.9 per 1,000
Death Rate
9.7 per 1,000
Urban Population
63.9%
Fertility Rate
1.78 births/woman
Infant Mortality
14.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.5%
Literacy Rate
100.0%
Internet Users
0.0%
Under 15
18.9%
Over 65
12.4%
Age Distribution
0-14 years
4.9M
15-64 years
17.8M
65+ years
3.2M
Urbanization
About 63.9% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Pyongyang, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 2787.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
16.6M
63.9%
9.4M
36.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 73.6 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 14.5 per thousand live births, somewhat higher than the global average. Near-universal literacy (100%) provides a strong foundation for workforce development and civic participation.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in North Korea
North Korea has 28 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that North Korea is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.8 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, North Korea participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 25,950,000 |
| 2030 | 26,869,364 |
| 2035 | 28,051,324 |
| 2040 | 29,272,011 |
| 2045 | 30,533,935 |
| 2050 | 31,839,618 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for North Korea.
Largest Cities in North Korea
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in North Korea by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of North Korea?
The population of North Korea is approximately 25.9 million as of 2026, making it #56 in the world by population.
What is the capital of North Korea?
The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang.
What languages are spoken in North Korea?
The main languages spoken in North Korea are Korean.
How big is North Korea?
North Korea covers an area of 120,538 km² with a population density of 215 people per km².
Is North Korea growing or shrinking?
North Korea is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 228,360 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in North Korea?
The average life expectancy in North Korea is 73.6 years.
What is the GDP per capita of North Korea?
GDP per capita data is not currently available for North Korea.