North Korea Population 2026: 25.9M People, High Density
North Korea is more densely populated than most countries in East Asia: 25.9M people across 120,538 km², giving a density of 215/km².
GDP per capita stands at $1,081 (est.): among the lower-income economies globally. The capital, Pyongyang, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About North Korea's Population
With a population of 25.9M, North Korea is home to a significant number of people within its 120,538 km² of territory. The population density of 215/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a relatively high density, indicating an urbanised or geographically small country.
The capital city, Pyongyang, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of North Korea. North Korea has a coastline of 2,495 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, North Korea has a total GDP of $28B (est.), translating to $1,081 (est.) per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the North Korean Won (KPW).
North Korea gained independence in 1948 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Korean, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the East Asia region, North Korea sits alongside China (1.41B), Japan (125.7M), South Korea (51.7M). This regional context helps illustrate how North Korea's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about North Korea's Population
What is the population of North Korea in 2026?
The population of North Korea is approximately 25.9M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of North Korea?
The capital city of North Korea is Pyongyang, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is North Korea?
North Korea has a population density of 215/km². This is considered high, one of the more densely populated countries in its region.
What is the GDP per capita of North Korea?
North Korea has a GDP per capita of $1,081 (est.), with a total GDP of $28B (est.). This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in North Korea?
The official language of North Korea is Korean.
How big is North Korea?
North Korea covers a total area of 120,538 km². With a population of 25.9M, that gives a density of 215/km².
When did North Korea gain independence?
North Korea gained independence in 1948.
What currency is used in North Korea?
The official currency of North Korea is the North Korean Won (KPW).
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