A Detailed Analysis

North Korea Population: Past, Present, and Future

A Detailed Analysis

Historical and Projected Population Trends

North Korea's population has undergone significant changes over the past century. The country's population has grown from 9.6 million in 1950 to an estimated 26.5 million in 2023. However, the growth rate has declined significantly, from 2.7% in 1960 to 0.4% in 2023, and is projected to continue declining in the coming years.

Current Population Profile

As of 2023, the population of North Korea is estimated at 26.5 million. The country has a high urbanization rate, with 63.2% of the population living in urban areas. The median age of the population is 35.6 years, and the total fertility rate (TFR) is estimated at 1.9 children per woman.

Population Density

North Korea's population density is 217 people per square kilometer, which is significantly lower than the global average of 59 people per square kilometer. The population is concentrated in the western part of the country, particularly in the capital city of Pyongyang.

Chart and Table of North Korea Population Data

Year	Population (millions)	Growth Rate (%)
1950	9.6	2.7
1960	12.0	2.2
1970	14.6	2.6
1980	17.3	2.0
1990	20.0	1.6
2000	22.5	1.1
2010	24.3	0.8
2020	25.7	0.5
2023	26.5	0.4
2050	26.8 (projected)	0.1
2100	26.2 (projected)	-0.2

Conclusion

North Korea's population is facing challenges such as a declining growth rate, a high median age, and a low TFR. These factors, along with economic sanctions and political isolation, could have significant implications for the country's future. The aging population and shrinking workforce could pose economic challenges, while the low TFR could lead to a further decline in population size in the coming decades. North Korea's demographic trends will continue to be closely watched by the international community, as they have implications not only for the country's own future but also for the stability of the Korean Peninsula.