North Korea
Pyongyang · Asia
Population
25.9M
Area
120,538 km²
GDP
—
GDP Per Capita
—
Life Expectancy
73.6 yrs
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
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
—
GDP Per Capita
—
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
Life Expectancy
73.6 yrs
Infant Mortality
14.5 per 1k
Literacy Rate
—
Languages
Korean
CO₂ Per Capita
—
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
Data sourced from World Bank Open Data. Last updated: March 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.
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Quick Facts
- Official Name
- North Korea
- Capital
- Pyongyang
- Region
- Asia · Eastern Asia
- Languages
- Korean
- Currency
- North Korean won (₩)
- UN Member
- Yes
- Independent
- Yes
- ISO Codes
- KP / PRK
Border Countries
More in Asia
Data sources: World Bank (2023), REST Countries API