Korea, Rep.
Country statistics · 1990–present
Korea, Rep. at a Glance
Korea, Rep. is home to 51.8 million people as of 2024, with a population that is experiencing natural population decline. At a GDP per capita of $42,453, it is a high-income economy — reflecting a mature, high-productivity economy. Life expectancy at birth stands at 83.6 years, among the highest in the world.
Population Trends
The total resident population stood at 51.8 million as of 2024. With a birth rate of 4.7 and a death rate of 7.0 per 1,000 people (2024), the natural growth rate stands at -2.3 per 1,000 — equivalent to roughly -119,027 additional residents each year from natural change alone.
Economy & Development
Korea, Rep. is a major economy by global standards, with a total GDP that is projected at $2.2 trillion (2029 IMF projection). At $42,453 per person, it is classified as a high-income economy — reflecting a mature, high-productivity economy. Real GDP growth is projected at 2.0% in 2029, representing modest growth. The unemployment rate is projected at 2.8% (2029 IMF projection), indicating effectively at full employment.
Health & Society
Life expectancy at birth is 83.6 years (2024), among the highest in the world. Current health expenditure per person is $3,137 (2024), representing moderate per-capita healthcare spending. The adult literacy rate stands at 98.0% (2008), reflecting high literacy rates. 97.9% of the population use the internet (2024), indicating near-universal internet access. Access to safe drinking water reaches 99.3% of the population (2024), representing near-universal access to safe drinking water.