North Korea vs China
North Korea has a population of 25.9M, compared to China's 1.41B. China is 54.3 times more populous than North Korea. China covers 9,706,961 km², 80.5 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in China stands at 78.0 years, 4.3 years higher than North Korea's 73.6 years.
North KoreaChina| Population | -98.2%25.9M | +5326.9%1.41B |
| Area | -98.8%120,538 km² | +7953.0%9,706,961 km² |
| GDP | — | $18.74T |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $13,303.148 |
| Life Expectancy | -5.5%73.6 yrs | +5.9%78.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +222.2%14.5 | -69.0%4.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -23.2%3.5% | +30.2%4.6% |
| Capital | Pyongyang | Beijing |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Korean | Chinese |
| Currencies | KPW (₩) | CNY (¥) |
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
China is 54.3 times more populous than North Korea, with 1.41B residents compared to 25.9M. North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people, while China is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense), while China averages 145 people per km² (moderate). While North Korea has grown at 0.42% annually over the past decade, China has grown at 0.34% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
North Korea is classified as a low-income economy, while China is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. China's GDP stands at $18.74T. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea. China's GDP per capita of $13,303.148 is 19% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in North Korea is 73.6 years, compared to 78.0 years in China, a gap of 4.3 years. China (78.0 years) is 6.0 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 222% higher than China's 4.5.
Geographic Comparison
China (9,706,961 km²) is 80.5 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). North Korea shares borders with 3 countries, while China borders 16 countries. North Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to China's 1 timezone. Both North Korea and China are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between North Korea and China is in land area: North Korea's 120,538 km² compared to China's 9,706,961 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between North Korea and China is in population: North Korea's 25.9M compared to China's 1.41B represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between North Korea and China is in infant mortality: North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 compared to China's 4.5 per 1,000 represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between North Korea's low-income economy and China's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 1.5x more densely populated than China (215 vs 145 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. China's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of China live an average of 4.3 years longer than those of North Korea (78.0 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, North Korea or China by population?
China is larger by population, with 1.41B residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. China is 54.3 times more populous than North Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, North Korea or China?
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 North Korea and China?
China has a higher life expectancy at 78.0 years, compared to North Korea's 73.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.3 years. North Korea's life expectancy is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while China's is 6.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, North Korea or China?
China is larger by land area, covering 9,706,961 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². China is 80.5 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in North Korea and China?
North Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. China recognizes: Chinese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, North Korea or China?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. China's inflation rate is 0.2%.