Quick facts
North Korea population overview
North Korea is the 21st most populous of 52 countries and territories in Asia. The United Nations put the population at 26,605,553 on 1 January 2026; with an annual growth rate of +0.2% the live estimate on this page rises by roughly 160 people per day.
Over a full year that means about 327,248 births (12.3 per 1,000 people) and 268,716 deaths (10.1 per 1,000), and net emigration of roughly 2,661 people. The infant mortality rate is 12.8 per 1,000 live births.
World Bank data show the population grew from 11,722,953 in 1960 to 26,571,036 in 2025 — a change of +126.7%, or +1.3% per year on average. The population is at its all-time high today.
Demographically, the median age is 36.8 years; life expectancy at birth is 74 years; women have on average 1.8 children (2024, below the 2.1 replacement level); 18.9% of residents are under 15 and 12.7% are 65 or older (2025); 64.2% of people live in urban areas (2025).
The capital is Pyongyang. North Korea covers 120,540 km², giving a population density of about 221 people per km².
North Korea population statistics (2026)
| Population (live, October 2026) | 26,652,230 |
|---|---|
| UN estimate, 1 Jan 2026 | 26,605,553 |
| World rank | #56 of 238 |
| Rank in Asia | #21 of 52 |
| Share of world population | 0.3% |
| Annual growth rate | +0.2% |
| Births per year est. | 327,248 |
| Deaths per year est. | 268,716 |
| Net migration per year est. | -2,661 |
| Birth rate | 12.3 per 1,000 |
| Death rate | 10.1 per 1,000 |
| Infant mortality | 12.8 per 1,000 births |
| Sex ratio | 98.2 males per 100 females |
| Median age | 36.8 years |
| Life expectancy | 74 years |
| Fertility rate 2024 | 1.8 births per woman |
| Urban population 2025 | 64.2% |
| Surface area 2023 | 120,540 km² |
| Population density | 221 per km² |
| Capital | Pyongyang |
| Income group World Bank | Low income |
North Korea population by year
| Year | Population | Change | Annual growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 (live, UN-based) | 26,652,230 | – | – |
| 2025 | 26,571,036 | +72,213 | +0.3% |
| 2024 | 26,498,823 | +80,619 | +0.3% |
| 2023 | 26,418,204 | +89,359 | +0.3% |
| 2022 | 26,328,845 | +96,311 | +0.4% |
| 2021 | 26,232,534 | +96,222 | +0.4% |
| 2020 | 26,136,312 | +560,962 | +0.4% |
| 2015 | 25,575,350 | +588,092 | +0.5% |
| 2010 | 24,987,258 | +590,825 | +0.5% |
| 2005 | 24,396,433 | +730,523 | +0.6% |
| 2000 | 23,665,910 | +996,606 | +0.9% |
| 1995 | 22,669,304 | +1,557,167 | +1.4% |
| 1990 | 21,112,137 | +1,491,749 | +1.5% |
| 1985 | 19,620,388 | +1,383,602 | +1.5% |
| 1980 | 18,236,786 | +1,265,731 | +1.4% |
| 1975 | 16,971,055 | +1,798,280 | +2.3% |
| 1970 | 15,172,775 | +1,953,406 | +2.8% |
| 1965 | 13,219,369 | +1,496,416 | +2.4% |
| 1960 | 11,722,953 | – | – |
Change and annual growth are measured against the previous row; growth is annualized where rows are five years apart. The live row extrapolates the UN estimate and is not directly comparable with the World Bank series.
About North Korea
Population over time
- From 11,722,953 in 1960 to 26,652,230 today — up 127.4%.
- The population is at its all-time high right now.
- Average change over the last 10 years of data: +0.4% per year.
Life expectancy & fertility
- Life expectancy at birth: 73.7 years (2024), up 17.9 years since 1960.
- Fertility: 1.8 births per woman (2024) — below the ~2.1 replacement level.
Birth & death rates
- Latest: 12.9 births vs 9.9 deaths per 1,000 people (2024).
- Natural increase of 3 per 1,000 a year, before migration.
Age structure
- 18.9% of the population is under 15 and 12.7% is 65 or older (2025).
- The 65+ share has grown from 3.3% in 1960 — the population is aging.
CO₂ emissions
- Latest total: 66.24 Mt CO₂ (2024).
- Emissions peaked at 140 Mt in 1985 — down 52.7% since.
- Per person: 2.5 t in 2024, vs 5.01 t in 1970.
Energy use & renewables
- Energy use: 664.9 kg of oil equivalent per person (2023), down 57.7% since 1990.
- Renewables supplied 14.7% of final energy in 2021 (+7.5 points since 1990).
Forest area (% of land)
- Forest covers 49.6% of land area (2023).
- Net deforestation: cover fell from 57.4% to 49.6% since 1990 — roughly 9,467 km² of forest lost.
Urban population (% of total)
- 64.2% of people live in urban areas (2025), vs 40.6% in 1960 (+23.6 points).
- Became majority-urban around 1967.
Water resources & stress
- Water stress: low–medium — freshwater withdrawals are 12.9% of renewable internal resources (2022, SDG 6.4.2-style bands).
- Renewable freshwater per person: 2,545 m³ in 2022, down 54.5% since 1961.
Unemployment & inflation
- Unemployment: 3.5% of the labor force (2025, ILO estimate).
Internet & mobile
- 0% of people used the internet in 2004.
- Mobile subscriptions: 24.1 per 100 people (2022).
North Korea in the news
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of North Korea in 2026?
As of October 2026, North Korea has an estimated population of 26,652,230. The United Nations estimated 26,605,553 residents on 1 January 2026; the live figure on this page extrapolates that estimate using the +0.2% annual growth rate.
Is the population of North Korea growing or shrinking?
It is growing at +0.2% per year — roughly 160 more people every day. Each year there are about 327,248 births and 268,716 deaths, with net migration of -2,661.
What is the population density of North Korea?
About 221 people per square kilometre: 26,652,230 people living on 120,540 km² of surface area (World Bank, 2023).
What is the median age in North Korea?
The median age is 36.8 years, and life expectancy at birth is 74 years. 18.9% of the population is under 15 and 12.7% is 65 or older (2025).
How does North Korea rank by population?
North Korea is the 56th most populous of 238 countries and territories worldwide and the 21st in Asia, with 0.3% of the global population.
How has the population of North Korea changed over time?
In 1960 the population was 11,722,953; by 2025 it had grown to 26,571,036 (+126.7%). The year-by-year table above lists the full World Bank series.
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NigerSources & method: the live population is a linear extrapolation of the UN World Population Prospects estimate for 1 January 2026 using the annual growth rate (+0.2%); births, deaths and migration counters apply the UN crude rates to the live figure. Historical series, area, GDP and other indicators are from World Bank Open Data; the encyclopedic summary is from Wikipedia. Figures are statistical estimates, not census counts. Page generated 2026-10-19. More about our data.