North Korea Population 2023

North Korea's Looming Population Crisis: Low Birth Rate Sparks Alarm

Current Population and Birth Rate

According to the latest United Nations data elaborated by Worldometer, North Korea's population is currently estimated at 26228410 as of Sunday, April 21, 2024. This represents a 0.32% increase from 2023, when the population was estimated at 26160821.

However, experts are concerned about North Korea's low birth rate, which is one of the lowest in the world. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has acknowledged the issue, stating that the country's birth rate is "too low." In a speech to the ruling Workers' Party of Korea in December 2022, Kim called for a "fundamental turnaround" in the country's population policy.

Projected Population Decline

Current projections indicate that North Korea's population will reach its peak in 2037 at around 26.87 million. However, after that point, the population is expected to start declining due to the low birth rate.

Experts see no easy solution to the looming population crisis. The government has implemented various measures to encourage childbearing, such as cash bonuses and extended maternity leave, but these have had limited success. The country's strict border controls and limited access to contraception and reproductive health services have also contributed to the low birth rate.

Implications for North Korea

A declining population can have serious consequences for North Korea's economy, social fabric, and military capabilities. A smaller workforce could lead to lower economic growth, while fewer young people may make it difficult to maintain the country's military strength.

The population crisis is also likely to exacerbate North Korea's humanitarian challenges. The country already faces widespread food shortages and malnutrition, and a declining population could worsen these issues.

Conclusion

North Korea's looming population crisis is a major concern for the country's leadership and the international community. The low birth rate is a complex issue with no easy solutions, but it is crucial for North Korea to address this issue in order to ensure its future stability and prosperity.