MexicoNorth Korea
Mexico has a population of 130.6M, compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Mexico is 5.0 times more populous than North Korea. Mexico covers 1,964,375 km², 16.3 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in Mexico stands at 75.1 years, 1.4 years higher than North Korea's 73.6 years.
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North Korea wins
Metric
MexicoNorth Korea| Population | 130.6M | 25.9M |
| Area | 1,964,375 km² | 120,538 km² |
| GDP | $1.86T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $14,185.781 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 75.1 yrs | 73.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 10.8 | 14.5 |
| Literacy Rate | 95.9% | — |
| Unemployment | 2.7% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Mexico City | Pyongyang |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Korean |
| Currencies | MXN ($) | KPW (₩) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Mexico is 5.0 times more populous than North Korea, with 130.6M residents compared to 25.9M. Mexico is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. In terms of population density, Mexico averages 66 people per km² (moderate), while North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense). While Mexico has grown at 0.92% annually over the past decade, North Korea has grown at 0.42% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Mexico is classified as a high-income economy, while North Korea is classified as a low-income economy. Mexico's GDP stands at $1.86T. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Mexico's GDP per capita of $14,185.781 is 5% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mexico is 75.1 years, compared to 73.6 years in North Korea, a gap of 1.4 years. Mexico (75.1 years) is 3.1 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 34% higher than Mexico's 10.8.
Geographic Comparison
Mexico (1,964,375 km²) is 16.3 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). Mexico shares borders with 3 countries, while North Korea borders 3 countries. Mexico spans 3 timezones, compared to North Korea's 1 timezone. Mexico lies in North America, while North Korea is located in Asia. Mexico is categorized within the Americas region (North America), whereas North Korea belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mexico and North Korea is in land area: Mexico's 1,964,375 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Mexico and North Korea is in population: Mexico's 130.6M compared to North Korea's 25.9M represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Mexico and North Korea is in infant mortality: Mexico's 10.8 per 1,000 compared to North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 represents a 26% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mexico's high-income economy and North Korea's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 3.2x more densely populated than Mexico (215 vs 66 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mexico's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Mexico live an average of 1.4 years longer than those of North Korea (75.1 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
Mexico vs North Korea for Families
For family travel, Mexico generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.8 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 Mexico's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Mexico vs North Korea for Budget Travelers
Mexico is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $14,185.781 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mexico 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.
Mexico vs North Korea for Retirees
Mexico's life expectancy of 75.1 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.
Mexico vs North Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mexico and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mexico spans 3 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, Mexico or North Korea by population?
Mexico is larger by population, with 130.6M residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Mexico is 5.0 times more populous than North Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mexico 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 Mexico and North Korea?
Mexico has a higher life expectancy at 75.1 years, compared to North Korea's 73.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.4 years. Mexico's life expectancy is 3.1 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, Mexico or North Korea?
Mexico is larger by land area, covering 1,964,375 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². Mexico is 16.3 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in Mexico and North Korea?
Mexico recognizes the following official language: Spanish. North Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mexico or North Korea?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. Mexico's inflation rate is 4.7%.
Is Mexico or North Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Mexico generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.8 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 Mexico or North Korea cheaper to visit?
Mexico is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $14,185.781 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mexico can expect to spend significantly less per day than in North Korea. However, North Korea may offer bette...
Is Mexico or North Korea better for retirement?
Mexico's life expectancy of 75.1 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, cl...
Is Mexico or North Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mexico and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mexico spans 3 timezones while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have g...
Population Growth
Mexico, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
North Korea, 1994 to 2023