Population of North Korea

North Korea has an estimated 2026 population of 26,660,553, based on recent growth projections from the latest official census data. The country holds the global rank of 56 of 215 countries, with a population density currently estimated at 221.4 people per km² (573.4 people per sq mi). Approximately 63.86% of the population resides in urban areas, with the majority concentrated in the capital city of Pyongyang and the western coastal plains. While the population continues to grow, the annual growth rate remains low at 0.3%, reflecting a broader regional trend of demographic stabilization and aging.

The population history of North Korea since the mid-20th century has been marked by periods of rapid growth followed by severe demographic shocks. Following the Korean War, the nation experienced a significant baby boom, with the population rising from approximately 9.3 million in 1946 to over 15 million by 1970. This era was characterized by high fertility rates and state-led reconstruction efforts that improved basic healthcare and increased the standard of living, which for a time rivaled or exceeded that of South Korea. A pivotal and tragic moment in North Korean demographics occurred during the mid-to-late 1990s, a period known as the Arduous March. A combination of economic mismanagement, the loss of Soviet trade support, and a series of devastating floods and droughts led to a catastrophic famine. While official government figures reported around 250,000 deaths, international estimates suggest that between 500,000 and 2 million people may have perished. This event had lasting impacts on the health and nutritional status of the generation born during that time and altered the country's demographic trajectory through increased mortality and lower birth rates.

Current estimates indicate that North Korea is experiencing a slowing population growth rate of approximately 0.3% annually. The fertility rate stands at 1.78 births per woman, which is below the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population size without migration. This decline in fertility is attributed to economic pressures, the high cost of child-rearing in urban centers, and late marriage ages. The government has recently shifted its policy to encourage larger families, with state leadership publicly identifying the falling birth rate as a significant national challenge. Looking ahead, the population is projected to remain relatively stable in the short term, but long-range forecasts suggest it may peak and begin a gradual decline by the middle of the century. The aging of the population is becoming more pronounced, with the median age reaching 72.6 years according to recent data. This demographic shift presents future challenges for the labor force and the maintenance of the country's large military establishment, as the pool of young citizens continues to shrink relative to the older population.

North Korea has an estimated current population density of 221.4 people per km² (573.4 people per sq mi), with the highest concentrations found in the Pyongyang-Nampo corridor and the eastern coastal cities.

The latest data shows that 63.86% of North Koreans live in urban areas, reflecting a highly centralized society where the capital city serves as the primary hub for resources and administration.

In terms of global standing, North Korea is ranked 56 of 215 countries, placing it within the top third of nations by population size. Regionally, it holds the 21st position out of 49 countries in Asia and is the 4th most populous out of 7 nations in Eastern Asia. Its population is approximately half the size of its southern neighbor, South Korea, though North Korea maintains a slightly higher fertility rate and a lower urbanization percentage. Compared to its other regional neighbors, North Korea is significantly smaller than China and Russia but has a higher population density than both of these larger landmasses. While South Korea has a much higher density at over 500 people per km², North Korea's density of 221.4 per km² is still substantial compared to many other developing nations. This density is primarily concentrated in the western plains, where agricultural productivity and industrial infrastructure are most developed.