Korea, Dem. People's Rep. Population 2026

As of 2025, the population of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) is estimated at 26,498,823, ranking it 56th in the world by population size. This figure places the country as one of the most populous in the East Asia & Pacific region, despite its low-income economic classification.

Population
26,498,823
Estimate for 2026
Global rank
#56
Among all countries
1-year growth
+0.31%
10-year avg growth
+0.40%
Region
East Asia & Pacific
Income group
Low income

Population Trend (Korea, Dem. People's Rep.)

Population by Decade

Population milestones

How Korea, Dem. People's Rep.'s population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).

199021,112,137
200023,665,910++12.10% since 1990
201024,987,258++5.58% since 2000
202026,136,312++4.60% since 2010
202426,498,823++1.39% since 2020

Overview

North Korea's population has experienced modest growth in recent years, with a 1-year growth rate of 0.31% in 2025 and a 10-year average growth rate of 0.40%. This slow growth reflects the country's low-income status and demographic challenges, including periodic food shortages, limited healthcare infrastructure, and a relatively high mortality rate compared to regional neighbors. The population is predominantly urban, with Pyongyang as the largest city, though rural areas still hold a significant share of the populace.

Key Facts

  • The latest population estimate for 2025 is 26,498,823.
  • North Korea ranks 56th globally in population size.
  • The 1-year population growth rate in 2025 is 0.31%.
  • The 10-year average annual growth rate is 0.40%.
  • The country is classified as low income and is located in the East Asia & Pacific region.
  • Despite its modest growth, North Korea's population is the 25th largest in Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of North Korea in 2025?
The population of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in 2025 is estimated at 26,498,823.
Is North Korea's population growing or shrinking?
North Korea's population is growing slowly, with a 1-year growth rate of 0.31% in 2025 and a 10-year average growth rate of 0.40%.
What is North Korea's global population rank?
North Korea ranks 56th in the world by population, based on 2025 estimates.
What income group is North Korea in?
North Korea is classified as a low-income country by the World Bank and other international organizations.
How does North Korea's population compare to other East Asian countries?
North Korea's population of 26.5 million is relatively small compared to neighbors like China and Japan, but it is one of the larger populations in the East Asia & Pacific region among low-income countries.

Data sources & terms