Population Decline and Economic Woes: North Korea's Outlier Status
Declining Population:
Demographers predict that North Korea's population will start declining from 2044, approximately 20 years later than South Korea. This decline in population growth marks an outlier status for North Korea, which also faces one of the world's poorest economies.
Urbanization Trends:
Current Urban Population:
As of 2023, approximately 63.2% of North Korea's population resides in urban areas, totaling 16,533,344 people.
Projected Peak Population:
Current projections indicate that North Korea's population will reach its peak in 2037, reaching 26.87 million people.
Demographic Trends:
According to the United Nations Population Fund, North Korea's fertility rate as of 2023 is estimated to be 1.9 children per woman. This rate is below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, which is necessary to maintain a stable population.
Economic Implications:
The declining population and low fertility rates pose significant economic challenges for North Korea. A shrinking workforce can hamper economic growth, while a growing elderly population can strain healthcare resources.
Conclusion:
North Korea's declining population and ongoing economic struggles make it an outlier among nations. While the population in neighboring South Korea is expected to start declining sooner, North Korea's unique demographic and economic situation presents challenges that will likely impact its future prospects.
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