Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Population Density

North Korea’s population density has risen steadily over the 64‑year series, climbing from a trough of 99.58 persons per square kilometre in 1961 to an all‑time peak of 221.01 in 2025, placing the country 62nd globally. The increase reflects limited land area combined with modest population growth, as the nation’s total population has hovered around 26 million while its territory remains roughly 120 000 square kilometres. Compared with peers of similar rank, the density is slightly lower than Qatar’s 227.10 and Switzerland’s 228.38, yet higher than Nepal’s 213.30, underscoring the relatively constrained space available for habitation in the Korean Peninsula. The upward trajectory is driven by gradual urbanisation and limited emigration, while the state’s strict controls on internal migration have tempered more rapid spikes. Continued economic stagnation or accelerated out‑migration could slow the rise, whereas policies encouraging urban concentration or modest population growth are likely to sustain the gradual upward trend in the coming decade.