Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a country in Eastern Asia, Asia. In 2025 it has about 26.6 million people (UN estimate), the 56th most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1991Population: 56th
Democratic People's Republic of Korea朝鮮民主主義人民共和国
Region
Eastern Asia, Asia
Population
about 26.6 million (56th)
Area
120,538 km² (96th)
UN member since
September 17, 1991
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 26.6 million, the 56th most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/4 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 120,538 km², the 96th largest of the 193. That is about 1/3 of Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 220.
Joining the United Nations
Democratic People's Republic of Korea joined the United Nations on September 17, 1991.
That was 35 years after Japan joined in 1956.
Countries that joined on the same day: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Marshall Islands, Micronesia(Federated States of), Republic of Korea.
Think about it
Q1Compare Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
Q2Find Democratic People's Republic of Korea on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 5 UN member states in Eastern Asia. The one with the most people is China.