North Korea
- Capital:
- Pyongyang
- Continent:
- Asia
- Region(s):
- Eastern Asia
- Largest Cities:
- South Pyongan, Pyongyang, South Hamgyong
- Abbreviation:
- PRK
26,633,691
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
26,633,691
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
North Korea's population is projected to be 19,899,159 by 2097.
Historical
Switch the toggle to see projected data.
| Year ↓ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26,633,691 | 0.3% | 56 |
| 2025 | 26,571,036 | 0.33% | 56 |
| 2020 | 26,136,312 | 0.38% | 54 |
| 2019 | 26,037,632 | 0.41% | 53 |
| 2018 | 25,931,147 | 0.44% | 53 |
| 2017 | 25,817,709 | 0.46% | 53 |
| 2015 | 25,575,350 | 0.47% | 51 |
| 2010 | 24,987,258 | 0.48% | 49 |
| 2005 | 24,396,433 | 0.61% | 46 |
| 2000 | 23,665,910 | 0.86% | 44 |
| Year ↑ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26,633,691 | 0.3% | 56 |
| 2032 | 26,801,082 | 0.09% | 59 |
| 2037 | 26,689,925 | -0.08% | 63 |
| 2042 | 26,420,821 | -0.2% | 64 |
| 2047 | 26,052,096 | -0.28% | 64 |
| 2052 | 25,592,171 | -0.36% | 66 |
| 2057 | 25,045,442 | -0.43% | 70 |
| 2062 | 24,430,636 | -0.5% | 72 |
| 2067 | 23,785,392 | -0.53% | 72 |
| 2072 | 23,141,672 | -0.55% | 73 |
1.5M
2.5M
4.7M
South Pyongan has a metropolitan area population of 4,672,958, comprising 17.55%% of North Korea's total population.
| Rank | City | 2026 Pop. ↓ | % of National Pop. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Pyongan | 4,672,958 | 17.55% |
| 2 | Pyongyang | 4,000,888 | 15.02% |
| 3 | South Hamgyong | 3,520,803 | 13.22% |
| 4 | North Pyongan | 3,124,412 | 11.73% |
| 5 | South Hwanghae | 2,729,384 | 10.25% |
| 6 | North Hamgyong | 2,693,250 | 10.11% |
| 7 | P'yongyang | 2,521,785 | 9.47% |
| 8 | North Hwanghae | 2,485,796 | 9.33% |
| 9 | Kangwon Province | 1,715,885 | 6.44% |
| 10 | Chagang Province | 1,501,329 | 5.64% |
As of 2026, North Korea has a total population of 26,633,691, ranking as the 56th most populous nation in the world.
North Korea has a net population change of approximately 158 people per day, driven by 899 births, 733 deaths, and net emigration of 8 people.
North Korea represents 0.33% of the total global population and 0.53% of Asia's population.
North Korea has a population density of 221.2 people per km² (approximately 572.9 per mi²), making it the 68th most densely populated country in the world.
Currently, 100% of the population resides in urban areas.
*Rates last updated: June 16, 2026
As of 2026, the largest ethnicity in North Korea is racially homogeneous . Note: small Chinese and Japanese communities.
As of 2026, traditionally Buddhist and Confucian is the largest religion in North Korea, comprising of the population.