North Korea vs Cuba
North Korea has a population of 25.9M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. North Korea is 2.7 times more populous than Cuba. North Korea covers 120,538 km², 1.1 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 4.4 years higher than North Korea's 73.6 years.
North KoreaCuba| Population | +166.2%25.9M | -62.4%9.7M |
| Area | +9.7%120,538 km² | -8.8%109,884 km² |
| GDP | — | — |
| GDP Per Capita | — | — |
| Life Expectancy | -5.7%73.6 yrs | +6.0%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +119.7%14.5 | -54.5%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +103.0%3.5% | -50.7%1.7% |
| Capital | Pyongyang | Havana |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Korean | Spanish |
| Currencies | KPW (₩) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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 2.7 times more populous than Cuba, with 25.9M residents compared to 9.7M. North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While North Korea has grown at 0.42% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
North Korea is classified as a low-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. GDP data is not available for either North Korea or Cuba. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in North Korea is 73.6 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 4.4 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 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 120% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
North Korea (120,538 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). North Korea shares borders with 3 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. North Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. North Korea lies in Asia, while Cuba is located in North America. North Korea is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between North Korea and Cuba is in population: North Korea's 25.9M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between North Korea and Cuba is in infant mortality: North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between North Korea and Cuba is in land area: North Korea's 120,538 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 9% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between North Korea's low-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 2.4x more densely populated than Cuba (215 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cuba live an average of 4.4 years longer than those of North Korea (78.1 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
North Korea vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
North Korea vs Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba 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 Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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 Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between North Korea and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. North Korea spans 1 timezone while Cuba 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, North Korea or Cuba by population?
North Korea is larger by population, with 25.9M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. North Korea is 2.7 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, North Korea or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for North Korea or Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between North Korea and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to North Korea's 73.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.4 years. North Korea's life expectancy is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, North Korea or Cuba?
North Korea is larger by land area, covering 120,538 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². North Korea is 1.1 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in North Korea and Cuba?
North Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, North Korea or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea or Cuba.
Is North Korea or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 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 ...
Is North Korea or Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better v...
Is North Korea or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 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, clim...
Is North Korea or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between North Korea and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. North Korea spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growin...