North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country located in East Asia. It is known for its reclusive nature and the strict control of information within its borders. One of the most frequently asked questions about North Korea is its population.
Estimating the population of North Korea is a challenging task due to the lack of reliable data and information. The North Korean government does not release accurate population figures, and independent sources of information are limited. However, based on various estimates and projections, the population of North Korea is believed to be around 25 million people. This makes it one of the most populous countries in East Asia.
Current Population of North Korea
As of 2023, the estimated population of North Korea is approximately 25 million people. This number has been relatively stable over the past few years, with only minor fluctuations due to factors such as migration and natural disasters.
Despite the relatively small population size, North Korea is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with an average of 214 people per square kilometer. This is due in part to the country's rugged terrain and limited habitable land.
The majority of North Korea's population is concentrated in urban areas, with the capital city of Pyongyang being the largest and most populous city. Other major cities include Hamhung, Chongjin, and Nampo.
It is worth noting that obtaining accurate demographic data from North Korea can be challenging due to the country's isolationist policies and lack of transparency. However, estimates from international organizations such as the United Nations provide a rough approximation of the country's population size and demographics.
Historical Population Trends
North Korea's population has been subject to several changes over the past few decades. The following section outlines the historical population trends of North Korea.
1950-1960s
Between 1950 and the 1960s, North Korea's population experienced significant growth due to the country's post-war reconstruction efforts. The population grew from around 9 million in 1950 to approximately 12 million in the 1960s.
1970s-1990s
During the 1970s and 1980s, North Korea's population continued to grow, albeit at a slower rate. In the 1990s, however, the country experienced a significant decrease in population due to a combination of factors, including a famine that resulted in widespread starvation.
2000s-Present
Since the turn of the century, North Korea's population has continued to grow, albeit at a slower rate than in previous decades. According to the United Nations, as of 2020, the population of North Korea was estimated to be around 25 million.
Overall, North Korea's population has experienced significant fluctuations over the past few decades, with periods of growth followed by periods of decline. Despite this, the country's population has continued to grow slowly in recent years.
Population Density
North Korea has a total land area of 120,538 square kilometres and a population of approximately 25 million people. This gives the country a population density of around 209 people per square kilometre.
The population density of North Korea is relatively high, especially in urban areas such as the capital city, Pyongyang, which has a population density of over 6,000 people per square kilometre.
Despite the high population density, North Korea is still considered to be a relatively rural country, with around 60% of the population living in rural areas. The country's agricultural sector is an important part of its economy, and many North Koreans still rely on farming as their primary source of income.
The government has implemented policies aimed at reducing population density in urban areas, such as the construction of new housing in suburban areas and the resettlement of people from urban to rural areas. However, these policies have been met with mixed success, and the population density in urban areas continues to be high.
Urban vs Rural Population
North Korea is a country with a predominantly rural population. According to the latest data available from the World Bank, in 2020, approximately 62.6% of the population lived in rural areas, while 37.4% lived in urban areas.
The country has a few major cities, with the capital Pyongyang being the largest. Other significant urban areas include Hamhung, Chongjin, and Nampo. These cities are home to a significant portion of the country's urban population.
Despite the relatively low urban population, the North Korean government has made efforts to develop its urban areas. The government has invested in infrastructure projects, such as building new apartment complexes and improving transportation networks. These efforts have been aimed at improving the standard of living for urban residents and attracting foreign investment.
However, the rural population in North Korea still faces significant challenges. Many rural areas lack access to basic necessities such as electricity, clean water, and healthcare. Agricultural production is also a major challenge, with many farmers lacking access to modern equipment and technology.
In conclusion, North Korea has a predominantly rural population, with a relatively small urban population. While the government has made efforts to develop its urban areas, the rural population still faces significant challenges.
Age Structure
North Korea has a relatively young population, with a median age of 34.6 years. According to the CIA World Factbook, the age structure of the population is as follows:
- 0-14 years: 20.5% (male 2,505,055/female 2,367,422)
- 15-24 years: 12.7% (male 1,548,631/female 1,454,963)
- 25-54 years: 44.3% (male 5,260,953/female 5,441,617)
- 55-64 years: 12.8% (male 1,404,283/female 1,484,064)
- 65 years and over: 9.7% (male 1,029,998/female 1,308,515)
The relatively high percentage of the population aged 0-14 years suggests that North Korea has a large youth population. This could be due to a combination of factors, including high birth rates and a relatively low life expectancy.
The low percentage of the population aged 65 years and over is likely due to a combination of factors, including a lack of access to healthcare and a high rate of mortality from preventable diseases. However, it is worth noting that North Korea has made significant progress in reducing infant mortality rates in recent years.
Gender Ratio
North Korea's population is estimated to be around 25 million people. The country has a slightly higher proportion of females than males, with a gender ratio of 0.95 males per female.
The gender ratio in North Korea has been relatively stable over the years, with only small fluctuations. However, there are some variations in gender ratios by age group. For example, the gender ratio is slightly higher for males in the younger age groups, while it is slightly higher for females in the older age groups.
It is worth noting that the accuracy of population data and gender ratios in North Korea is often questioned due to the country's closed and secretive nature. The government tightly controls information and access to the country, making it difficult to obtain accurate data.
Despite these challenges, the gender ratio in North Korea remains an important factor to consider for policymakers and researchers studying the country's demographics and social dynamics.
Population Growth Rate
North Korea's population growth rate has been declining over the years, with a current rate of 0.44% as of 2023. This is a significant decrease from the 1.08% rate in 2010. The decline can be attributed to various factors, including a decrease in fertility rates and an increase in emigration.
The country has implemented strict family planning policies to control population growth, limiting families to two children. Additionally, the government has been promoting education and career opportunities for women, which has led to a decrease in fertility rates.
However, despite these efforts, the population is still expected to continue growing, albeit at a slower rate. As of 2023, the estimated population of North Korea is around 25.6 million people.
It is worth noting that due to the country's closed nature, obtaining accurate population data can be challenging. The figures provided by the government may not be entirely reliable, and external estimates may vary. Nonetheless, the declining population growth rate is a trend that is likely to continue in the coming years.
Factors Affecting Population
North Korea's population has been influenced by several factors over the years. These factors include:
1. Fertility Rate
North Korea's fertility rate has been declining over the years, which has contributed to a decrease in population growth. In the 1980s, the fertility rate was around 3.5 children per woman, but it has since dropped to around 1.9 children per woman in recent years.
2. Mortality Rate
North Korea's mortality rate has also been a significant factor affecting the population. The country has experienced high mortality rates due to various reasons such as famine, disease outbreaks, and lack of access to healthcare.
3. Migration
Migration has also played a role in the population of North Korea. Many North Koreans have fled the country due to political and economic reasons, which has resulted in a decrease in the population. On the other hand, the country has also experienced an influx of foreigners, mainly from China and Russia, which has contributed to a slight increase in the population.
4. Government Policies
The North Korean government has implemented policies that have affected the population, such as the one-child policy, which was in effect from the 1970s to the 1990s. The policy aimed to control the population growth by limiting families to one child. However, it was later abandoned due to concerns about the aging population and declining birth rates.
5. Economic Conditions
The economic conditions in North Korea have also affected the population, with poverty and food shortages being significant issues. These conditions have contributed to a decline in the population due to malnutrition and disease outbreaks.
Overall, the population of North Korea has been affected by various factors, including fertility rate, mortality rate, migration, government policies, and economic conditions.
Impact of Population on Economy
North Korea's population has a significant impact on its economy. With a population of approximately 25 million, North Korea's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and natural resources. The country's economy has been struggling for decades due to international sanctions, poor infrastructure, and a lack of foreign investment.
One of the biggest challenges faced by North Korea's economy is its ageing population. The country has one of the oldest populations in the world, with a median age of 34.6 years. This poses a significant challenge for the government as it struggles to provide for an ageing population with a shrinking workforce.
The government has attempted to address this issue by implementing policies to encourage population growth, such as increasing maternity leave and providing subsidies for families with multiple children. However, these policies have had limited success due to the country's economic struggles and limited resources.
Another impact of North Korea's population on its economy is the high level of urbanization. The majority of the population lives in urban areas, which puts a strain on the country's infrastructure and resources. The government has attempted to address this issue by investing in infrastructure projects such as the construction of new roads and buildings. However, these projects have been hampered by a lack of resources and expertise.
Overall, North Korea's population has a significant impact on its economy. The country's ageing population and high level of urbanization pose significant challenges for the government as it struggles to provide for its citizens.
Impact of Population on Society
North Korea's population has a significant impact on its society. With a population of approximately 25 million people, the country faces several challenges related to its population.
One of the most significant challenges is providing basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare to its citizens. The country's limited resources and infrastructure make it difficult to provide adequate services to its population. As a result, malnutrition and disease are prevalent in many areas of the country.
The population also has an impact on North Korea's economy. The country's workforce is limited, and many citizens lack the skills and education necessary to contribute to the economy. This has resulted in a struggling economy that relies heavily on foreign aid and trade.
Additionally, North Korea's population has a significant impact on its political system. The government uses propaganda and censorship to control the population and maintain its power. The country's strict policies and limited freedoms have resulted in a society that is heavily controlled by the government.
Overall, North Korea's population has a significant impact on its society, economy, and political system. The country faces several challenges related to its population, including providing basic necessities, developing its economy, and maintaining political control.
Future Population Projections
North Korea's population has been steadily increasing over the past few decades, but it is expected to decline in the coming years due to several factors such as low birth rates, high mortality rates, and emigration.
According to the United Nations, North Korea's population is projected to decrease from its current estimated population of around 25 million to around 23 million by 2050. This decline is expected to be even more significant by the end of the century, with the population projected to fall to around 17 million by 2100.
The decline in population is largely due to the country's struggling economy, which has resulted in a lack of resources and opportunities for its citizens. This has led to a significant number of people leaving the country in search of a better life elsewhere.
Additionally, the country's strict policies on family planning have resulted in a low birth rate. This, combined with high mortality rates due to poor healthcare and living conditions, has led to a negative population growth rate.
Despite efforts by the government to encourage population growth, such as increasing maternity leave and providing financial incentives for larger families, it is unlikely that these measures will be enough to reverse the trend of declining population.
Overall, the future population projections for North Korea are concerning, and it is important for the government to take steps to address the underlying issues causing the decline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, estimating the population of North Korea is a challenging task due to the lack of reliable data and transparency from the country's government. However, based on the available information and estimates, the population of North Korea is believed to be around 25 million people.
It is worth noting that the population of North Korea has been declining in recent years, primarily due to the country's economic and political challenges. The United Nations estimates that the population growth rate in North Korea has been negative since the early 2000s, and the country's fertility rate is one of the lowest in the world.
Despite the challenges in accurately estimating the population of North Korea, it is clear that the country's demographic trends will have significant implications for its future development and stability. As such, continued efforts to gather reliable data and monitor population trends will be essential for understanding the country's social and economic dynamics.