North Korea Population

North Korea's population growth has been relatively slow and steady over the past several decades. As of 2024, the country's population is estimated to be around 26 million people. The annual growth rate has declined significantly since the mid-20th century, largely due to a combination of low birth rates, high mortality during periods of famine—most notably in the 1990s—and limited immigration. Government policies and economic challenges have also contributed to the gradual slowdown in population increase. Despite these factors, North Korea continues to experience modest population growth, with most of its people living in rural areas, though urbanization is gradually increasing, especially in the capital, Pyongyang.

195019551960196519701975198019851990199520002005201020152020202220232024202520302035204020452050205520602065207020752080208520902095210007,000,00014,000,00021,000,00028,000,000
YearPopulationPopulation Density Per Square KM
19509,471,14078.7
19558,863,10073.6
196010,447,64486.8
196511,964,36399.4
197014,061,531116.8
197516,014,030133
198017,390,464144.4
198518,830,679156.4
199020,451,478169.9
199522,107,253183.6
200022,811,717189.5
200523,669,409196.6
201024,371,787202.4
201525,031,833207.9
202025,701,731213.5
202225,955,138215.6
202326,072,217216.5
202426,181,538217.4
202526,282,295218.3
203026,704,049221.8
203526,986,455224.1
204027,151,565225.5
204527,220,540226.1
205027,200,057225.9
205527,103,587225.1
206026,939,552223.7
206526,721,877221.9
207026,462,190219.8
207526,161,547217.3
208025,813,951214.4
208525,416,194211.1
209024,978,464207.4
209524,513,615203.6
210024,032,052199.6

Data from US Census International Database