Here are the latest available estimates on North Korea’s population for 2026, based on recent demographic data sources:
- Population around 26.6 million (mid-2026 estimates vary by source, typically in the 26.6–26.7 million range).[3][5]
- Growth rates are modest, generally near 0.2–0.3% annually in recent years, contributing to a gradual rise in total population through 2026.[4][5]
- Population density is high for the region, with roughly 220 people per square kilometer in 2026 according to several trackers.[3][4]
Notes and context:
- Different sources publish slightly different numbers due to methodology (UN projections, World Bank data, country-complied figures). The near-consensus for 2026 sits in the mid-26 millions, around 26.6 million.[5][4]
- Population dynamics in North Korea are influenced by birth rates, mortality, and migration, but migration net effects are typically small in the latest estimates, with natural growth remaining the primary driver.[4][5]
Would you like a concise comparison table of 2025–2026 estimates from several sources with links, or a short visual chart showing projected growth from 2024 to 2030? I can include citations after each figure.
Sources
The current population of North Korea is 26,659,144 people, as of 2026 based on the adjusted UN estimation. The latest officially reported number was 26,498,823 in 2024.
georank.orgView yearly updates and historical trends for North Korea Population Growth. from Korea, Dem. People's Republic of. Source: World Bank. Track economic dat…
ycharts.com26,345,734 World: 56th Asia: 21st Male:12,888,148(48.92 %) Female:13,457,774(51.08 %) Births in 2026:280,133 Deaths in 2026:210,904
populationstat.comThe total population in North Korea was estimated at 26.5 million people in 2024, according to the latest census figures and projections from Trading Economics. This page provides - North Korea Population - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.
tradingeconomics.comWhat is the current population of North Korea? Details about North Korea, like the population pyramid, growth rate, average age, life expectancy, density, migration including historical and estimated values.
www.populationof.netPopulation of North Korea: current, historical, and projected population, growth rate, immigration, median age, total fertility rate (TFR), population density, urbanization, urban population, country's share of world population, and global rank. Data tables, maps, charts, and live population clock
srv1.worldometers.infoA demographic crisis is looming in the hermit kingdom and that has policy implications – foreign and domestic.
www.lowyinstitute.orgPopulation, total in North Korea was reported at 26498823 in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. North Korea - Population, total - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.
tradingeconomics.comDetails and statistics about North Korea, a country in Asia known for Mount Paektu and ancient Korean culture.
worldpopulationreview.com