Iran vs North Korea
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Iran is 3.3 times more populous than North Korea. Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 13.7 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 4.0 years higher than North Korea's 73.6 years.
IranNorth Korea| Population | +231.3%86.0M | -69.8%25.9M |
| Area | +1267.4%1,648,195 km² | -92.7%120,538 km² |
| GDP | $475.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $5,190.17 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +5.4%77.7 yrs | -5.2%73.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -26.2%10.7 | +35.5%14.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +134.2%8.3% | -57.3%3.5% |
| Capital | Tehran | Pyongyang |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Korean |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | KPW (₩) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Iran is 3.3 times more populous than North Korea, with 86.0M residents compared to 25.9M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense). North Korea has grown at 0.42% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iran.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while North Korea is classified as a low-income economy. Iran's GDP stands at $475.3B. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 73.6 years in North Korea, a gap of 4.0 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 14.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, North Korea's infant mortality is 36% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 13.7 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while North Korea borders 3 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to North Korea's 1 timezone. Both Iran and North Korea are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and North Korea is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km² represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and North Korea is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to North Korea's 25.9M represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and North Korea is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 represents a 26% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and North Korea's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 4.1x more densely populated than Iran (215 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 4.0 years longer than those of North Korea (77.7 vs 73.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs North Korea for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 14.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. North Korea offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs North Korea for Budget Travelers
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in North Korea. However, North Korea may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs North Korea for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. North Korea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Iran vs North Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Iran or North Korea by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Iran is 3.3 times more populous than North Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or North Korea?
GDP data is not available for North Korea. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and North Korea?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to North Korea's 73.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.0 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while North Korea's is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or North Korea?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². Iran is 13.7 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in Iran and North Korea?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). North Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or North Korea?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. Iran's inflation rate is 32.5%.
Is Iran or North Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 14.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. North Korea offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Iran or North Korea cheaper to visit?
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in North Korea. However, North Korea may offer better valu...
Is Iran or North Korea better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. North Korea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Iran or North Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growin...