North Korea's Population: A Closer Look
Historical and Projected Population Growth Rate
According to data compiled by Eberstadt and Banister in their 1992 monograph, The Population of North Korea, North Korea's population has been growing steadily over the past few decades. From 1970 to 2023, the population grew from 13.3 million to 25.7 million, an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. However, the growth rate has been declining in recent years, and is projected to continue to decline in the future. By 2037, the population is expected to reach its peak of 26.87 million people, before beginning to decline.
Immigration and Median Age
Immigration and emigration play a relatively minor role in North Korea's population dynamics. The country has a strict policy of controlling both immigration and emigration, and as a result, the number of people entering and leaving the country is relatively small. The median age of the population is 36.6 years, and is projected to increase to 41.9 years by 2050.
Total Fertility Rate
The total fertility rate (TFR) is a measure of the average number of children that a woman will bear over the course of her lifetime. The TFR in North Korea has been declining in recent years, and is currently estimated to be 1.9 children per woman. This is below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, which means that the population is not reproducing itself.
Population Density
North Korea is a relatively densely populated country, with a population density of 217 people per square kilometer. The population is concentrated in urban areas, with 63.2% of the population living in urban areas in 2023. The population density is projected to increase to 228 people per square kilometer by 2050.
Urbanization
The urbanization rate in North Korea has been increasing in recent years, and is projected to continue to increase in the future. By 2050, the urbanization rate is expected to reach 72.5%. The urbanization process is being driven by a number of factors, including economic development, improved infrastructure, and the desire for a better quality of life.
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