North Korea/Society

Society in North Korea

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
26.4M(2023)
Population Growth
0.3%(2023)
Fertility Rate
1.78(2023)
Death Rate
9.7 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-2.5K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
73.64(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
18 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
67 per 100k(2023)

Education & Human Capital

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Literacy Rate
100%(2018)
Primary Enrollment
94%(2009)
Secondary Enrollment
96%(2015)
Tertiary Enrollment
27.2(2018)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

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Internet Users
0%(2012)
Access to Electricity
57.5%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
93.9%(2022)
Urban Population
16.7M(2023)
Rural Population
9.7M(2023)

Current Social Overview of North Korea

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • North Korea has an estimated population of 26.4M
    2023
    , with a modest annual growth rate of 0.3%
    2023
    , suggesting a mature demographic transition with stable, but limitated, population increase. A below-replacement fertility rate of 1.8 births per woman
    2023
    suggests gradual population aging and potential future workforce shortages. Net emigration is relatively minor, impacting the population by approximately 2K individuals annually (or -0.1 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    .
  • Regarding public health, the country maintains a reasonable health standard with a life expectancy of 73.6 years
    2023
    , though there is scope for further improvements to achieve higher global benchmarks. Concurrently, maternal and child health indicators show solid progress, with child mortality (under 5 years) at 18.0 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality at 67 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    , indicating improving but still developing services.
  • The country boasts exceptional educational attainment with a near-universal adult literacy rate of 100%
    2018
    , establishing a robust foundation for a knowledge-based economy. Complementing this, educational access shows solid progress through 94% primary enrollment
    2009
    and 96% secondary participation rates
    2015
    .
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 63% urban population
    2023
    , supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, critical infrastructure gaps are evident, with electricity access at 58%
    2023
    and internet penetration at 0%
    2012
    severely limiting economic potential, hindering social development, and impeding digital integration.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

The combination of low fertility and net emigration poses significant long-term risks to workforce sustainability and economic vitality.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

A highly educated populace positions the nation for success in the global knowledge economy. Keeping talent is a vital strength.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Expanding access to basic infrastructure, particularly electricity, remains a key bottleneck for broad-based development.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.