North Korea vs Benin
North Korea has a population of 25.9M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. North Korea is 2.0 times more populous than Benin. North Korea covers 120,538 km², 1.1 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in North Korea stands at 73.6 years, 12.9 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
North KoreaBenin| Population | +96.2%25.9M | -49.0%13.2M |
| Area | +7.0%120,538 km² | -6.6%112,622 km² |
| GDP | — | $21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +21.2%73.6 yrs | -17.5%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -68.8%14.5 | +220.0%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +123.1%3.5% | -55.2%1.6% |
| Capital | Pyongyang | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Korean | French |
| Currencies | KPW (₩) | XOF (Fr) |
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 2.0 times more populous than Benin, with 25.9M residents compared to 13.2M. North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). North Korea has grown at 0.42% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
North Korea is classified as a low-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. Benin's GDP stands at $21.5B. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in North Korea is 73.6 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 12.9 years. North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 220% higher than North Korea's 14.5.
Geographic Comparison
North Korea (120,538 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). North Korea shares borders with 3 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. North Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. North Korea lies in Asia, while Benin is located in Africa. North Korea is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Benin belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between North Korea and Benin is in infant mortality: North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 compared to Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between North Korea and Benin is in population: North Korea's 25.9M compared to Benin's 13.2M represents a 49% gap. The most significant difference between North Korea and Benin is in life expectancy: North Korea's 73.6 years compared to Benin's 60.8 years represents a 17% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between North Korea's low-income economy and Benin's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 1.8x more densely populated than Benin (215 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Benin's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of North Korea live an average of 12.9 years longer than those of Benin (73.6 vs 60.8 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 Benin for Families
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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.
North Korea vs Benin 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 Benin. However, Benin 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 Benin for Retirees
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between North Korea and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. North Korea spans 1 timezone while Benin 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 Benin by population?
North Korea is larger by population, with 25.9M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. North Korea is 2.0 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, North Korea or Benin?
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 Benin?
North Korea has a higher life expectancy at 73.6 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.9 years. North Korea's life expectancy is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, North Korea or Benin?
North Korea is larger by land area, covering 120,538 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². North Korea is 1.1 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in North Korea and Benin?
North Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, North Korea or Benin?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. Benin's inflation rate is 1.2%.
Is North Korea or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both coun...
Is North Korea or Benin 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 Benin. However, Benin may offer better...
Is North Korea or Benin better for retirement?
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is North Korea or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between North Korea and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. North Korea spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...