North Korea vs Portugal
North Korea has a population of 25.9M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. North Korea is 2.4 times more populous than Portugal. North Korea covers 120,538 km², 1.3 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 8.6 years higher than North Korea's 73.6 years.
North KoreaPortugal| Population | +141.4%25.9M | -58.6%10.7M |
| Area | +30.9%120,538 km² | -23.6%92,090 km² |
| GDP | — | $313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.5%73.6 yrs | +11.7%82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +457.7%14.5 | -82.1%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -42.5%3.5% | +73.9%6.2% |
| Capital | Pyongyang | Lisbon |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Korean | Portuguese |
| Currencies | KPW (₩) | EUR (€) |
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
North Korea is 2.4 times more populous than Portugal, with 25.9M residents compared to 10.7M. North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). While North Korea has grown at 0.42% annually over the past decade, Portugal has grown at 0.11% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
North Korea is classified as a low-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. Portugal's GDP stands at $313.3B. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in North Korea is 73.6 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 8.6 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 14.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, North Korea's infant mortality is 458% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
North Korea (120,538 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). North Korea shares borders with 3 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. North Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. North Korea lies in Asia, while Portugal is located in Europe. North Korea is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between North Korea and Portugal is in infant mortality: North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between North Korea and Portugal is in population: North Korea's 25.9M compared to Portugal's 10.7M represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between North Korea and Portugal is in land area: North Korea's 120,538 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km² represents a 24% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between North Korea's low-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 1.8x more densely populated than Portugal (215 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Portugal's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Portugal live an average of 8.6 years longer than those of North Korea (82.3 vs 73.6 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
North Korea vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 14.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. North Korea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
North Korea vs Portugal for Budget Travelers
North Korea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in North Korea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
North Korea vs Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. North Korea 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.
North Korea vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between North Korea and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. North Korea spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. 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, North Korea or Portugal by population?
North Korea is larger by population, with 25.9M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. North Korea is 2.4 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, North Korea or Portugal?
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 North Korea and Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to North Korea's 73.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.6 years. North Korea's life expectancy is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, North Korea or Portugal?
North Korea is larger by land area, covering 120,538 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². North Korea is 1.3 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in North Korea and Portugal?
North Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, North Korea or Portugal?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. Portugal's inflation rate is 2.4%.
Is North Korea or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 14.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. North Korea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frien...
Is North Korea or Portugal cheaper to visit?
North Korea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in North Korea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Portugal. However, Portugal may offer ...
Is North Korea or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. North Korea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is North Korea or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between North Korea and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. North Korea spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries hav...