Ivory Coast vs North Korea
Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Ivory Coast is 1.2 times more populous than North Korea. Ivory Coast covers 322,463 km², 2.7 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in North Korea stands at 73.6 years, 11.7 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
Ivory CoastNorth Korea| Population | +22.2%31.7M | -18.2%25.9M |
| Area | +167.5%322,463 km² | -62.6%120,538 km² |
| GDP | $87.1B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,727.894 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -15.9%61.9 yrs | +18.9%73.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +221.4%46.6 | -68.9%14.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -34.5%2.3% | +52.6%3.5% |
| Capital | Yamoussoukro | Pyongyang |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | French | Korean |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | KPW (₩) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Ivory Coast is 1.2 times more populous than North Korea, with 31.7M residents compared to 25.9M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense). While Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, North Korea has grown at 0.42% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while North Korea is classified as a low-income economy. Ivory Coast's GDP stands at $87.1B. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 73.6 years in North Korea, a gap of 11.7 years. North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 221% higher than North Korea's 14.5.
Geographic Comparison
Ivory Coast (322,463 km²) is 2.7 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while North Korea borders 3 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to North Korea's 1 timezone. Ivory Coast lies in Africa, while North Korea is located in Asia. Ivory Coast is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas North Korea belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and North Korea is in infant mortality: Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 compared to North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and North Korea is in land area: Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km² represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and North Korea is in population: Ivory Coast's 31.7M compared to North Korea's 25.9M represents a 18% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and North Korea's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 2.2x more densely populated than Ivory Coast (215 vs 98 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ivory Coast's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of North Korea live an average of 11.7 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (73.6 vs 61.9 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Travel Comparison
Ivory Coast vs North Korea for Families
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though North Korea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ivory Coast vs North Korea for Budget Travelers
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in North Korea. However, North Korea may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Ivory Coast vs North Korea for Retirees
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Ivory Coast vs North Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Ivory Coast or North Korea by population?
Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Ivory Coast is 1.2 times more populous than North Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or North Korea?
GDP data is not available for North Korea. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and North Korea?
North Korea has a higher life expectancy at 73.6 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.7 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while North Korea's is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ivory Coast or North Korea?
Ivory Coast is larger by land area, covering 322,463 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². Ivory Coast is 2.7 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and North Korea?
Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. North Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or North Korea?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. Ivory Coast's inflation rate is 3.5%.
Is Ivory Coast or North Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-f...
Is Ivory Coast or North Korea cheaper to visit?
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in North Korea. However, North Korea may of...
Is Ivory Coast or North Korea better for retirement?
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acces...
Is Ivory Coast or North Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countri...