North Korean Scorecard
Country profile
North Korea is a country on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, characterized by its mountainous terrain and a highly centralized, state-controlled society. It has a population of 26.4 million, a population growth rate of 0.34%, and a median age of 36.05 years.
Its history includes Japanese occupation and the subsequent division of Korea after World War II, which has defined its political and social structure for decades.
Today, North Korea remains one of the most closed societies in the world, with a strong emphasis on self-reliance and a culture shaped by both traditional and state-promoted values.
Its capital city is Pyongyang.
How does North Korea compare to other countries?
North Korea
Croatia
MozambiqueEconomic Development
Unemployment Rate in North Korea worsened by 1.0% from 2023 to 2024
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Health and Social Development
Life Expectancy showed no change from 2022 to 2023
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Infant Mortality Rate in North Korea worsened by 1.4% from 2022 to 2023
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Suicide Mortality Rate in Korea, Dem. People's Rep. worsened by 0.2% from 2020 to 2021
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Freedom in the World showed no change from 2023 to 2024
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Education
Completion of Upper Secondary Education in Korea, Dem. People's Rep. improved by 0.5% from 2021 to 2022
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Governance and Security
Corruption Perception showed no change from 2022 to 2023
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Control of Corruption in North Korea improved by 1.9% from 2022 to 2023
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Government Effectiveness in North Korea worsened by 1.4% from 2022 to 2023
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Political Stability in North Korea improved by 14.0% from 2022 to 2023
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Rule of Law in North Korea improved by 1.1% from 2022 to 2023
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Voice and Accountability in North Korea improved by 2.2% from 2022 to 2023
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Environmental Sustainability and Energy
CO2 Emissions per Capita in North Korea worsened by 8.0% from 2022 to 2023
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Air Pollution (PM2.5) in Korea, Dem. People's Rep. improved by 3.8% from 2019 to 2020
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Renewable Energy Consumption in Korea, Dem. People's Rep. improved by 31.3% from 2020 to 2021
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