Demographics of North Korea

The Demographics of North Korea: A Closer Look

Imagine a country where the population is tightly woven into the fabric of its history and politics, much like threads in a tapestry. How many people call North Korea home? According to the 2008 census, the answer was around 24 million inhabitants, with a density of 199.54 people per square kilometer. That’s quite a tight weave indeed!

A Growing Population

The population growth rate in North Korea has been positive since 2000, thanks to a higher birth rate than the death rate. This is like adding more threads to our tapestry, but with a twist: the age structure is dominated by those between 15 and 64 years old, making up a significant portion of the population.

Gender Balance and Education

The gender ratio in North Korea stands at 95 males to 100 females. Interestingly, as of 2008, over 88% of those aged five and above had attained academic degrees. This is like ensuring every thread in the tapestry has been carefully woven with knowledge.

Economic and Social Context

Education spending was a hefty 38.2% of total expenditures in 2000, showing a commitment to weaving the future generations with education. The GDP per capita stood at $1,800 in 2012, with significant employment sectors including machine building and textiles. Unemployment rates fluctuated between 14.7% and 36.5%, adding another layer of complexity to our tapestry.

Urbanization and Migration

The urbanization rate was 60.3% in 2011, with Pyongyang being the largest city, home to over 2 million people. The government restricts migration to cities, making it a carefully controlled process, much like threading through a needle.

Historical Context and Famine

The North Korean famine of 1994-1998 claimed between 240,000 and 3.5 million lives. This is a stark reminder that the tapestry of life can be easily torn by external forces. The estimated number of excess deaths during this period was between 500,000 and 600,000.

Demographic Estimates

Until 1989, no official data on population figures were released. After that, various methods like counting delegates in the Supreme People’s Assembly were used to estimate the population. The CIA World Factbook estimated North Korea’s annual population growth rate as follows: 1991 – 1.0%, 2009 – 0.4%. These numbers paint a picture of a country trying to maintain its threads amidst economic and political challenges.

Education and Literacy

Education is highly valued in North Korea, with literacy rates at 100% for both males and females by the age of 15. This ensures that every thread in the tapestry has a voice and can contribute to the fabric.

The Future of North Korea’s Demographics

Demographers predict that the population will stabilize at around 34 million by 2045, with a gradual decline. This is like predicting how many more threads we need to add before the tapestry reaches its final form.

Conclusion

The demographics of North Korea are a complex tapestry woven from various threads—population growth, education, urbanization, and economic challenges. Each thread represents a story, a life, or a future. As we look at the numbers, it’s clear that every individual in this country plays a crucial role in shaping its destiny.