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North Korea

Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Quick facts
Capital
Pyongyang
Population
25 m
Area
120,538 km²
Region
Eastern Asia
Languages
Korean
Currency
North Korean won (₩)
Demonym
North Korean
UN member
Yes
How North Korea compares
Life expectancy73.7 yrs
94th of 179 worldwide · 4th of 5 in Eastern Asia
Internet access0.0%
179th of 179 worldwide · 5th of 5 in Eastern Asia
Military spending$1.6 B
68th of 163 worldwide · 4th of 5 in Eastern Asia
Highlights
Population
26 m
World Bank2024

Total resident population, mid-year estimate.

Life expectancy
73.7 yrs
World Bank2024

Years a newborn would live if current mortality patterns held throughout its life.

Internet users
0.0%
ITU / World Bank2004

Share of the population that used the internet in the last three months.

Mobile subscriptions
24
ITU / World Bank2022

Active mobile-cellular subscriptions per 100 people.

Land area
120,410 km²
World Bank2023

Total land area, excluding inland water bodies.

Forest area
49.6%
World Bank2023

Share of land area under forest cover.

Electricity access
57.5%
World Bank2023

Share of the population with access to electricity.

Defense spending
$1.6 B
SIPRI / World Bank2018

Total military expenditure at current prices.

Armed forces
1.5 m
SIPRI / World Bank2020

Total active armed-forces personnel.

The history journey

An ancient Korean heritage severed by colonization and Cold War division, forged into a self-isolating state under three generations of a single ruling family.

Pilot a cinematic, sourced journey through its eras — moment by moment.

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