Ghana vs North Korea
Ghana has a population of 33.7M, compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Ghana is 1.3 times more populous than North Korea. Ghana covers 238,533 km², 2.0 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in North Korea stands at 73.6 years, 8.1 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
GhanaNorth Korea| Population | +30.0%33.7M | -23.1%25.9M |
| Area | +97.9%238,533 km² | -49.5%120,538 km² |
| GDP | $82.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,390.772 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -11.1%65.5 yrs | +12.4%73.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +94.5%28.2 | -48.6%14.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -16.0%3.0% | +19.0%3.5% |
| Capital | Accra | Pyongyang |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Korean |
| Currencies | GHS (₵) | 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
Ghana is 1.3 times more populous than North Korea, with 33.7M residents compared to 25.9M. Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people, while North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. In terms of population density, Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate), while North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense). While Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade, North Korea has grown at 0.42% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while North Korea is classified as a low-income economy. Ghana's GDP stands at $82.3B. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ghana is 65.5 years, compared to 73.6 years in North Korea, a gap of 8.1 years. North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 28.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ghana's infant mortality is 94% higher than North Korea's 14.5.
Geographic Comparison
Ghana (238,533 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). Ghana shares borders with 3 countries, while North Korea borders 3 countries. Ghana spans 1 timezone, compared to North Korea's 1 timezone. Ghana lies in Africa, while North Korea is located in Asia. Ghana is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas North Korea belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ghana and North Korea is in land area: Ghana's 238,533 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km² represents a 49% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and North Korea is in infant mortality: Ghana's 28.2 per 1,000 compared to North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 represents a 49% gap. The most significant difference between Ghana and North Korea is in population: Ghana's 33.7M compared to North Korea's 25.9M represents a 23% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ghana's lower-middle-income economy and North Korea's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 1.5x more densely populated than Ghana (215 vs 141 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ghana's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of North Korea live an average of 8.1 years longer than those of Ghana (73.6 vs 65.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Travel Comparison
Ghana vs North Korea for Families
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though North Korea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ghana vs North Korea for Budget Travelers
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana 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.
Ghana vs North Korea for Retirees
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana 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.
Ghana vs North Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana 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, Ghana or North Korea by population?
Ghana is larger by population, with 33.7M residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Ghana is 1.3 times more populous than North Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ghana 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 Ghana and North Korea?
North Korea has a higher life expectancy at 73.6 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.1 years. Ghana's life expectancy is 6.5 years below 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, Ghana or North Korea?
Ghana is larger by land area, covering 238,533 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². Ghana is 2.0 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in Ghana and North Korea?
Ghana recognizes the following official language: English. North Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ghana or North Korea?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. Ghana's inflation rate is 22.8%.
Is Ghana or North Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Ghana or North Korea cheaper to visit?
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana can expect to spend significantly less per day than in North Korea. However, North Korea may offer better v...
Is Ghana or North Korea better for retirement?
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Ghana or North Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ghana and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ghana spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...