North Korea
Pyongyang · Asia · Eastern Asia
Population
25.9M
World Bank, 2025
Area
120,538 km²
GDP
—
World Bank, 2025
GDP Per Capita
—
World Bank, 2025
Life Expectancy
73.6 yrs
World Bank, 2025
Capital
Pyongyang
North Korea is a country located in Eastern Asia, with its capital in Pyongyang. As of 2025, it has a population of 25.9M and covers an area of 120,538 km². Life expectancy in North Korea stands at 73.6 years (World Bank, 2025), above the global average of 72 years. The official language is Korean, and the currency is the North Korean won (₩). North Korea shares land borders with 3 countries.
Population Growth
North Korea, 1994 to 2023
How to Call North Korea
The international calling code for North Korea is +850. When calling from abroad, first dial your country's exit code (for example, 00 in Europe), then 850, then the local number. When dialing internationally, drop the leading trunk prefix "0" from the local number.
Country Code
+850
Exit Code
00
Trunk Prefix
0
Format
+850 19X XXX XXXX
Mobile Prefixes
19
Example: To call a number in North Korea from abroad, dial +850 195 555 5555
How Large Is North Korea's Economy?
North Korea is classified as a low-income economy by World Bank standards, located in Asia. The country uses the North Korean won (₩) as its official currency. Detailed GDP figures are not yet available for this territory. The unemployment rate of 3.5% is 16% below the regional average of 4.2 (World Bank, 2025). North Korea's official currency is the North Korean won (₩). As a UN member, North Korea participates in multilateral trade frameworks.
GDP
—
World Bank, 2025
GDP Per Capita
—
World Bank, 2025
GDP Growth
—
Unemployment
3.5%
Inflation
—
Currencies
KPW
What Are North Korea's Demographics?
With 25.9M people, North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. At 215 people per km², the country is densely populated. Population has grown at 0.4% annually over the past decade (World Bank, 2025). Life expectancy stands at 73.6 years, 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years. Infant mortality of 14.5 per 1,000 live births is 19% below the regional average of 18 (World Bank, 2025). The country's official language is Korean. Over the past decade, North Korea's population grew from 22.4M to 26.4M, adding 4.0M people.
Population
25.9M
World Bank, 2025
Life Expectancy
73.6 yrs
World Bank, 2025
Infant Mortality
14.5 per 1k
Literacy Rate
—
Languages
Korean
CO₂ Per Capita
—
Population Growth
North Korea, 1994 to 2023
Where Is North Korea Located?
North Korea covers 120,538 km² (47,000 sq miles) and shares land borders with 3 countries. The country sits within the Asia region, Eastern Asia subregion, spanning Asia. Pyongyang serves as the seat of government and administrative capital of North Korea. The country spans 1 time zone. Recognized internationally by ISO codes KP and PRK, North Korea is an independent sovereign state and a full UN member. Its 1 currency (KPW) reflects its participation in multilateral trade and monetary frameworks.
Area
120,538 km²
Region
Asia
Subregion
Eastern Asia
Capital
Pyongyang
Timezones
UTC+09:00
Continents
Asia
Border Countries
Data sourced from World Bank Open Data. Last updated: April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about North Korea
What is the population of North Korea?
North Korea has a population of 25.9M as of 2025, according to World Bank data. Life expectancy is 73.6 years.
What is the capital of North Korea?
The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang. It serves as the country's administrative and political center.
What is the life expectancy in North Korea?
The average life expectancy in North Korea is 73.6 years (World Bank, 2025), above the global average. The infant mortality rate is 14.5 per 1,000 live births.
What region is North Korea in?
North Korea is located in Asia, specifically in Eastern Asia. It is part of the continent of Asia.
What is the size of North Korea?
North Korea covers an area of 120,538 km² (46,540 square miles). The population density is approximately 215.3 people per km².
What currency does North Korea use?
North Korea uses the North Korean won (₩) with currency code KPW.
What language is spoken in North Korea?
The official language of North Korea is Korean.
Is North Korea a member of the United Nations?
Yes, North Korea is a member of the United Nations.
What is North Korea's GDP?
Data not available.
What is North Korea's GDP per capita?
Data not available.
What is North Korea's inflation rate?
Data not available.
What is the population density of North Korea?
North Korea has a population density of 215 people per km², making it densely populated.
What is the life expectancy in North Korea?
Life expectancy in North Korea is 73.6 years, 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years (World Bank, 2025).
What is the total area of North Korea?
North Korea has a total land area of 120,538 km² (47,000 sq miles). This measurement covers the country's total sovereign territory as recorded by international geographic databases.
How many countries does North Korea border?
North Korea shares land borders with 3 countries (identified by the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 codes: CHN, KOR, RUS). These borders define the country's overland connections to the wider region.
What is the calling code for North Korea?
The international calling code for North Korea is +850. To call North Korea from abroad, dial your country's exit code (00), then 850, followed by the local number (drop the leading 0).
How do I call North Korea from the US?
To call North Korea from the United States, dial 011 + 850 + the local phone number (without the leading 0). For example: 011-850-195 555 5555.
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