Overview
North Korea is one of the world’s most secretive and isolated countries, with little-known information about its population. In 2020, the estimated population of North Korea was 25,776,000, with the current population growth rate at 0.48%. The population is expected to increase modestly over the next few years, although exact estimates are difficult to calculate. This article takes a closer look at the population of North Korea and how it has evolved over the years.
History of North Korean Population Estimation
Population estimation in North Korea has a long and contentious history. In its early years, the country’s government invited international experts to conduct a variety of surveys. However, the results of these surveys were heavily contested, with some arguing that they underestimated the population and others that they overestimated it. Since the late-1990s, North Korea has become even more reclusive, making it difficult to accurately estimate the population. As a result, many international agencies, such as the United Nations, have had to rely on estimates from satellite images to gain an understanding of the population of the nation.
Factors Affecting Population Growth
The population of North Korea has experienced both growth and decline over the years, due to a variety of factors. One of these is the prolonged famine which devastated large parts of the country in the 1990s. Another significant factor is the super-aging of the population, caused by low birth rates and early mortality. North Korea also has a large number of defectors and refugees, who contribute to the population fluctuations. However, the impact of these factors is difficult to accurately predict.
Projections For 2022
Due to the lack of reliable data, it is difficult to foresee how the population of North Korea will change in the short term. However, many experts believe that the population will not dramatically differ in 2022 compared to 2020. In fact, some experts are even projecting a slight decline in the population due to the aging demographic, the continued famine, and the ongoing defections and emigration of citizens.
The Impact of COVID-19
The global pandemic of coronavirus (COVID-19) has had an enormous impact on the population of North Korea. The country has shut its borders to prevent infection, resulting in travel restrictions for both citizens and tourists. As a result, its economy has been severely disrupted, leading to increased poverty and displacement among the population. Experts anticipate that this trend will continue into 2022 and beyond, with the potential to drastically reduce the population of North Korea.
Economic Consequences
TThe population of North Korea will have a profound impact on the nation’s economy in 2022 and beyond. With fewer people contributing to the economic output, there is a risk that the nation will become further isolated and struggle to develop its infrastructure. This could lead to a further decline in the population, as citizens continue to search for job opportunities abroad. In addition, North Korea could suffer from ill health, as resources struggle to meet the needs of the population.
International Relationships
The population of North Korea also impacts its international relationships. For example, its population size restricts the number of refugees and defectors the country can accept. This could strain its relationship with many other countries and limit access to humanitarian aid. On the other hand, a growing population could result in increased economic investment, making it easier for North Korea to build diplomatic relationships.
Conclusion
North Korea is an isolated and secretive nation, making accurate population estimation difficult. The population is expected to remain in a state of flux well into 2022, largely due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, the population could have serious economic, international, and health implications for the nation in the future.
