South AfricaNorth Korea
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to North Korea's 25.9M. South Africa is 2.4 times more populous than North Korea. South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 10.1 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in North Korea stands at 73.6 years, 7.5 years higher than South Africa's 66.1 years.
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South Africa wins
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North Korea wins
Metric
South AfricaNorth Korea| Population | 63.1M | 25.9M |
| Area | 1,221,037 km² | 120,538 km² |
| GDP | $401.1B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,267.187 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 66.1 yrs | 73.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 24.4 | 14.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 32.4% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Pretoria | Pyongyang |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | Korean |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | 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
South Africa is 2.4 times more populous than North Korea, with 63.1M residents compared to 25.9M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. In terms of population density, South Africa averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense). North Korea has grown at 0.42% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Africa.
Economy Comparison
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while North Korea is classified as a low-income economy. South Africa's GDP stands at $401.1B. GDP data is not available for North Korea. South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% 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 South Africa is 66.1 years, compared to 73.6 years in North Korea, a gap of 7.5 years. North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Africa's infant mortality is 68% higher than North Korea's 14.5.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 10.1 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while North Korea borders 3 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to North Korea's 1 timezone. South Africa lies in Africa, while North Korea is located in Asia. South Africa is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas North Korea belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and North Korea is in land area: South Africa's 1,221,037 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km² represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and North Korea is in population: South Africa's 63.1M compared to North Korea's 25.9M represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and North Korea is in infant mortality: South Africa's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 represents a 41% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa's upper-middle-income economy and North Korea's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 4.2x more densely populated than South Africa (215 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Africa's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of North Korea live an average of 7.5 years longer than those of South Africa (73.6 vs 66.1 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
South Africa vs North Korea for Families
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa 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.
South Africa vs North Korea for Budget Travelers
South Africa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,267.187 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Africa 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.
South Africa 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. South Africa 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.
South Africa vs North Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa 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, South Africa or North Korea by population?
South Africa is larger by population, with 63.1M residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. South Africa is 2.4 times more populous than North Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa 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 South Africa and North Korea?
North Korea has a higher life expectancy at 73.6 years, compared to South Africa's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.5 years. South Africa's life expectancy is 5.9 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, South Africa or North Korea?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². South Africa is 10.1 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and North Korea?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. North Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or North Korea?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. South Africa's inflation rate is 4.4%.
Is South Africa or North Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-...
Is South Africa or North Korea cheaper to visit?
South Africa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,267.187 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Africa can expect to spend significantly less per day than in North Korea. However, North Korea may ...
Is South Africa 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. South Africa may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acce...
Is South Africa or North Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both count...