North Korea flag

North Korea

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Capital

Pyongyang

Region

Asia

Population

25,950,000

Area (km²)

120,538

💡Quick Summary

North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a reclusive East Asian nation in the Asia region, covering 120,538 km² with Pyongyang as its capital and a population of about 25.95 million. Its economy remains opaque, with no reliable GDP figures available due to international isolation and heavy state control. Despite global sanctions, the country is known for its massive military parades and pursuit of nuclear capabilities, making it a focal point of geopolitical tension.

Key Insights

Significant Urbanization Despite Economic Isolation

A substantial majority of the population lives in urban areas, which is high for a developing or isolated nation. This suggests significant population concentration, likely around key industrial or administrative centers like Pyongyang, despite limited modern infrastructure and economic activity outside these areas.

Low Access to Electricity: Infrastructure Challenge

Less than three-fifths of the population has access to electricity, indicating severe infrastructure deficits and energy poverty across large parts of the country. This low rate is a major constraint on economic development, public services, and quality of life.

Relatively High Life Expectancy Despite Health Challenges

North Korea's life expectancy of 73.64 years is surprisingly high given the documented food insecurity and limited public health resources. While lower than developed nations, it suggests successful basic healthcare maintenance or data reporting anomalies, especially when contrasted with the high infant mortality rate.

Below Replacement Fertility Rate

The fertility rate of 1.78 children per woman is below the replacement level (2.1). If this trend continues, North Korea faces long-term population decline and an aging demographic structure, similar to many highly developed East Asian nations, despite its low level of economic development.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

GDP (Current US$)

$N/A

Year: 2023

GDP Per Capita

$N/A

GDP Growth (%)

N/A%

Inflation (%)

N/A%

Unemployment (%)

2.83%

Debt to GDP (%)

N/A%

Source: World Bank • Last updated: 12/24/2025

Historical Trends & Data Visualizations

GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in GDP over time

No data available

Population Growth
Total population over time
201420152016201720182019202020212022202307,000,00014,000,00021,000,00028,000,000
  • Population
Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy at birth (years)
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.0years20.0years40.0years60.0years80.0years
  • Life Expectancy (years)
Renewable Energy Consumption
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
201420152016201720182019202020210.0%6.0%12.0%18.0%24.0%
  • Renewable Energy (%)
GDP Per Capita
Economic output per person (current US$)

No data available

Share This Country