ItalyNorth Korea
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Italy is 2.3 times more populous than North Korea. Italy covers 301,336 km², 2.5 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 10.1 years higher than North Korea's 73.6 years.
4
Italy wins
vs
1
North Korea wins
Metric
ItalyNorth Korea| Population | 58.9M | 25.9M |
| Area | 301,336 km² | 120,538 km² |
| GDP | $2.38T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $40,385.341 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 83.7 yrs | 73.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.3 | 14.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 6.4% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Rome | Pyongyang |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Korean |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | KPW (₩) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Italy is 2.3 times more populous than North Korea, with 58.9M residents compared to 25.9M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense). While Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade, North Korea has grown at 0.42% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while North Korea is classified as a low-income economy. Italy's GDP stands at $2.38T. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 73.6 years in North Korea, a gap of 10.1 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 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 530% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Italy (301,336 km²) is 2.5 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while North Korea borders 3 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to North Korea's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while North Korea is located in Asia. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas North Korea belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and North Korea is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and North Korea is in land area: Italy's 301,336 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km² represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and North Korea is in population: Italy's 58.9M compared to North Korea's 25.9M represents a 56% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and North Korea's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 1.1x more densely populated than Italy (215 vs 196 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Italy's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 10.1 years longer than those of North Korea (83.7 vs 73.6 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
Italy vs North Korea for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy vs North Korea for Budget Travelers
Italy is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $40,385.341 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Italy 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.
Italy vs North Korea for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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.
Italy vs North Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy 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, Italy or North Korea by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Italy is 2.3 times more populous than North Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy 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 Italy and North Korea?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to North Korea's 73.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.1 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 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, Italy or North Korea?
Italy is larger by land area, covering 301,336 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². Italy is 2.5 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in Italy and North Korea?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. North Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or North Korea?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. Italy's inflation rate is 1.0%.
Is Italy or North Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 Italy or North Korea cheaper to visit?
Italy is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $40,385.341 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Italy can expect to spend significantly less per day than in North Korea. However, North Korea may offer better ...
Is Italy or North Korea better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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, cli...
Is Italy or North Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...
Population Growth
Italy, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
North Korea, 1994 to 2023