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Brazil vs North Korea

Brazil has a population of 213.4M, compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Brazil is 8.2 times more populous than North Korea. Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 70.6 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in Brazil stands at 75.8 years, 2.2 years higher than North Korea's 73.6 years.

Metric
Flag of BrazilBrazil
Flag of North KoreaNorth Korea
Population
+722.4%213.4M
-87.8%25.9M
Area
+6964.8%8,515,767 km²
-98.6%120,538 km²
GDP
$2.19T
GDP Per Capita
$10,310.549
Life Expectancy
+3.0%75.8 yrs
-2.9%73.6 yrs
Infant Mortality
-13.8%12.5
+16.0%14.5
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
+68.4%6.0%
-40.6%3.5%
Capital
Brasília
Pyongyang
Region
Americas
Asia
Languages
Portuguese
Korean
Currencies
BRL (R$)
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

Brazil is 8.2 times more populous than North Korea, with 213.4M residents compared to 25.9M. Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. In terms of population density, Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense). While Brazil has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade, North Korea has grown at 0.42% per year over the same period.

Economy Comparison

Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while North Korea is classified as a low-income economy. Brazil's GDP stands at $2.19T. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Brazil is 75.8 years, compared to 73.6 years in North Korea, a gap of 2.2 years. Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 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 16% higher than Brazil's 12.5.

Geographic Comparison

Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 70.6 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). Brazil shares borders with 10 countries, while North Korea borders 3 countries. Brazil spans 4 timezones, compared to North Korea's 1 timezone. Brazil lies in South America, while North Korea is located in Asia. Brazil is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas North Korea belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Brazil and North Korea is in land area: Brazil's 8,515,767 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Brazil and North Korea is in population: Brazil's 213.4M compared to North Korea's 25.9M represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Brazil and North Korea is in infant mortality: Brazil's 12.5 per 1,000 compared to North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 represents a 14% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Brazil's upper-middle-income economy and North Korea's low-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Population Density

North Korea is 8.6x more densely populated than Brazil (215 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of Brazil live an average of 2.2 years longer than those of North Korea (75.8 vs 73.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.

Travel Comparison

Brazil vs North Korea for Families

For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 14.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. North Korea offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Brazil's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.

Brazil vs North Korea for Budget Travelers

Brazil is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,310.549 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Brazil 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.

Brazil vs North Korea for Retirees

Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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.

Brazil vs North Korea for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Brazil and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brazil spans 4 timezones 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, Brazil or North Korea by population?

Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Brazil is 8.2 times more populous than North Korea.

Which country has a higher GDP, Brazil 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 Brazil and North Korea?

Brazil has a higher life expectancy at 75.8 years, compared to North Korea's 73.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.2 years. Brazil's life expectancy is 3.8 years above 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, Brazil or North Korea?

Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². Brazil is 70.6 times larger than North Korea.

What languages are spoken in Brazil and North Korea?

Brazil recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. North Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Brazil or North Korea?

Inflation data is not available for North Korea. Brazil's inflation rate is 4.4%.

Is Brazil or North Korea better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Brazil generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.5 vs 14.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. North Korea offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both cou...

Is Brazil or North Korea cheaper to visit?

Brazil is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,310.549 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Brazil can expect to spend significantly less per day than in North Korea. However, North Korea may offer bette...

Is Brazil or North Korea better for retirement?

Brazil's life expectancy of 75.8 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, cl...

Is Brazil or North Korea better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Brazil and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brazil spans 4 timezones while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have g...

Population Growth — Brazil

Population Growth — North Korea