North Korea: housing

What share of North Koreans have clean water and sanitation?

93.9% of North Korea's population used at least basic drinking water services in 2023, and 84.8% used at least basic sanitation, according to World Bank data from the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (sanitation series). 23.0% of the urban population lived in slums or inadequate housing in 2022, according to UN-Habitat data.

Basic drinking water means an improved source within a 30-minute round trip. UN-Habitat counts a household as living in a slum if it lacks improved water or sanitation, enough space, durable housing or secure tenure. No official housing statistics were found on the official DPRK sites naenara.com.kp, kcna.kp, rodong.rep.kp and mfa.gov.kp, which returned errors or could not be reached when checked on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: Basic drinking water services, DPRK · World Bank: Basic sanitation services, DPRK · World Bank: Population living in slums, DPRK

How many people in North Korea live in cities?

64.2%: that is the share of people living in urban areas in North Korea for 2025, according to the UN Population Division. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 63.1%, and North Korea placed 14th highest of 30. Worldwide: 92nd of 193.

How many people in North Korea live in slums?

UN-Habitat puts the share of city dwellers living in slums in North Korea at 23.0% in 2022. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 17.9%, and North Korea placed 10th highest of 27. Of 170 countries with 2022 data, 75th highest.

How many people in North Korea have electricity?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2024, is 61.4%. No year since 2009 has been higher. It is 29th highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 100.0%. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 163rd highest.

How many people in North Korea have clean water?

The latest figure from WHO and UNICEF, for 2023, is 66.6%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 66.3% (2019) to 68.8% (2005). It is 7th highest of 21 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 48.2%. Worldwide: 80th of 135.

How many people in North Korea cook with wood or charcoal?

The WHO puts the share of people using clean cooking fuels in North Korea at 22.0% in 2024. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 82.0%, and North Korea placed 25th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 159th of 192.