North Korea's Economic Woes and Declining Population: An Outlier Case
Economic Challenges and Poverty in North Korea
North Korea, one of the world's poorest economies, faces a multitude of economic challenges. The country's isolated and centrally planned economy has hindered growth and development. Economic sanctions imposed by the international community have further exacerbated the situation, leading to severe shortages of essential goods and services.
Declining Population: A Looming Demographic Crisis
Amidst its economic struggles, North Korea is also facing a declining population. Demographers predict that the population will begin to decline from 2044, approximately two decades later than South Korea. This population decline is attributed to factors such as low fertility rates, aging population, and limited access to healthcare.
Urban Population: A Growing Trend
Despite the overall population decline, the urban population in North Korea is on the rise. As of 2023, 63.2% of the population (approximately 16,533,344 people) resides in urban areas. This trend is expected to continue, with the urban population projected to account for over 70% of the total population by 2037.
Population Projection and Fertility Rate
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), North Korea's population is estimated to reach its peak of 26.87 million people in 2037. The fertility rate, or the average number of children born to a woman, has been declining in North Korea, reaching 1.9 children per woman in 2023. This rate is below the replacement level of 2.1, indicating a shrinking population over time.
Conclusion
The combination of a struggling economy and declining population presents a unique challenge for North Korea. The country's policymakers face the daunting task of addressing these issues to ensure the well-being of its citizens and the stability of the nation.
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