Photo: Unknown author · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale

South Korea

Name: South Korea: country statistics and global rankings
Creator: Nations Inquiry

South Korea places highest on Government Funding per Primary Student (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs (bottom 6%).

Country Index 2026

14th

of 178 countries placedranked on 16 of 16 topics, from 52 of 55 key statistics

Statistics on this page

176

every current reading we hold, from the publisher that issued it

At a glance

Population
51,748,739
people
since 1950
2023 · UN DESA Population Division
Land area
97,600
km²
since 1961
2024 · FAO
GDP per person
55,697
international $, PPP
since 1990
2025 · World Bank Group
Life expectancy
84.33
years at birth
since 1950
2023 · UN DESA Population Division
Human development
0.937
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
2023 · UNDP Human Development Report Office
Unemployment
2.683
% of the labour force
since 1991
2025 · ILO

The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.

01The country

About South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, with coastlines on seas to the west, south and east. Most of the country is hilly or mountainous, and most people live in the lowlands and along the coasts. It also includes many islands, the largest being Jeju. The climate has four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Seoul is the capital, and Busan, Incheon, Daegu and Daejeon are major cities. Korean is the national language, written in the Hangul alphabet.

The peninsula was ruled for centuries by Korean kingdoms and dynasties, most recently the Joseon dynasty, before a period of Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945. After the Second World War the peninsula was divided, and the Republic of Korea was established in the south in 1948. The country is known for its palaces and temples, its cuisine, and for popular music, film and television that reach audiences worldwide. Its economy is built on advanced manufacturing, including electronics, cars and shipbuilding, together with technology and services.

Map showing the location of South Korea — Where South Korea is

Key facts about South Korea

Capital: Seoul
Official languages: Korean, Korean Sign Language
Currency: won (KRW)
ISO code: KOR · KR
Domain · dialling: .kr · +82

As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.

02Country Index 2026

Where it stands, topic by topic

Strongest first. Each position is South Korea’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.

All topics

Education & Knowledge
1stof 171
From 2 of 4 key statistics
Digital & Technology
3rdof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
Work & Labour
3rdof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
Mobility & Trade
3rdof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
Health & Wellbeing
5thof 200
From 4 of 4 key statistics
Economy & Innovation
15thof 176
From 4 of 4 key statistics
Food & Agriculture
joint17thof 175
From 3 of 4 key statistics
Governance & Institutions
joint19thof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
Gender & Equality
22ndof 183
From 4 of 4 key statistics
Development & Human Capital
24thof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
Democracy & Civil Liberties
36thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
Poverty & Inequality
joint38thof 159
From 2 of 2 key statistics
Risk & Resilience
55thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
Peace & Security
63rdof 177
From 4 of 4 key statistics
Energy
89thof 193
From 3 of 3 key statistics
Environment & Sustainability
174thof 181
From 3 of 3 key statistics

Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for South Korea’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for South Korea in the table further down this page.

03Highs and lows

Where South Korea stands out

The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which South Korea sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.

Where South Korea does best30

In the top third of all countries measured. 29 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.

1st
Government Funding per Primary Studenttop 1%
Position · derived 1st of 68 · 34.57 · 2022
world median 17.81 (better) · ▲ 6 pts since 2015
1st
GovTech Maturity Indextop 1%
Position · derived 1st of 196 · 0.997 · 2025
world median 0.63 (better)
1st
Deaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
1st
Primary Completion Ratetop 1%
Position · derived 1st of 165 · 100 · 2025
world median 97.43 (better)
1st
Prevalence of Undernourishmenttop 19%
Position · derived 104th of 104 · 1 = worst · 2.5 · 2023
world median 5.2 (better) · ▼ 3 pts since 2013
1st
Upper Secondary Completion Ratetop 1%
Position · derived 1st of 164 · 99.27 · 2025
world median 64.87 (better)
2nd
Liner Shipping Connectivity Indextop 1%
Rank 2nd of 175 · 637.15 · 2026
world median 56.21 (better)
2nd
Researchers per Million Inhabitantstop 1%
Position · derived 2nd of 145 · 9,472 · 2024
world median 701.95 (better)
2nd
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Fivetop 1%
Position · derived 161st of 162 · 1 = worst · 0.852 · 2024
world median 13.8 (better)
3rd
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)top 1%
Rank 3rd of 192 · 0.722 · 2024
world median 0.387 (better) · ▲ 3 pts since 2014
3rd
Economic Complexity Indextop 1%
Rank 3rd of 145 · 1.6 · 2024
world median 0.131 (better)
3rd
Government Internet Shutdownstop 1%
Position · derived 3rd of 176 · 1.979 · 2025
world median 1.023 (better)
3rd
Learning Povertytop 2%
Position · derived 123rd of 125 · 1 = worst · 3.23 · 2023
world median 34.02 (better)
3rd
Out-of-School Rate, Primarytop 2%
Position · derived 119th of 121 · 1 = worst · 0.056 · 2024
world median 3.691 (better) · ▲ 41 pts since 2014
3rd
Research and Development Spendingtop 2%
Position · derived 3rd of 84 · 4.944 · 2023
world median 0.814 (better)
4th
Global Innovation Indextop 2%
Rank 4th of 139 · 60 · 2025
world median 28.52 (better)
4th
Human Capital Indextop 2%
Position · derived 4th of 172 · 0.799 · 2020
world median 0.564 (better)
4th
PISA Reading Performancetop 4%
Position · derived 4th of 79 · 515.42 · 2022
world median 440.35 (better)
4th
Tertiary Enrolment Ratiotop 3%
Position · derived 4th of 95 · 111.85 · 2024
world median 52.77 (better)
5th
Government AI Readiness Indextop 2%
Rank 5th of 195 · 76.89 · 2025
world median 40.19 (better)
5th
Firms with a Female Top Managertop 2%
Position · derived 5th of 179 · 44.39 · 2025
world median 19.16 (better)
5th
ICT Goods Exportstop 3%
Position · derived 5th of 119 · 28.33 · 2024
world median 0.975 (better)
5th
Life Expectancy at Birthtop 2%
Position · derived 5th of 222 · 84.33 · 2023
world median 74.63 (better) · ▲ 7 pts since 2013
5th
PISA Science Performancetop 5%
Position · derived 5th of 79 · 527.82 · 2022
world median 446.93 (better) · ▲ 4 pts since 2012
6th
Harmonized Test Scorestop 3%
Position · derived 6th of 172 · 537.21 · 2020
world median 414.32 (better)
6th
PISA Mathematics Performancetop 6%
Position · derived 6th of 79 · 527.3 · 2022
world median 442.09 (better)
7th
Learning-Adjusted Years of Schooltop 4%
Position · derived 7th of 172 · 11.68 · 2020
world median 7.941 (better) · ▼ 3 pts since 2010
7th
ND-GAIN Country Indextop 3%
Rank 7th of 190 · 68.29 · 2024
world median 47.44 (better) · ▲ 4 pts since 2014
7th
Statistical Performance Indicatorstop 3%
Position · derived 7th of 188 · 91.57 · 2024
world median 69.3 (better) · ▲ 18 pts since 2016
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scoretop 1%
Not ranked by the publisher · 95.93 · 2023
world median 48.23 (better) · ▲ 18 pts since 2013

Where South Korea struggles most5

In the bottom third of all countries measured.

Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customsbottom 6%
Position · derived 12th of 174 · 1 = worst · 15.44 · 2025
world median 4.456 (worse)
CO₂ Emissions per Capitabottom 10%
Position · derived 21st of 210 · 1 = worst · 11.29 · 2024
world median 3.21 (worse)
Ecological Footprintbottom 10%
Position · derived 14th of 126 · 1 = worst · 5.106 · 2025
world median 2.296 (worse) · ▼ 2 pts since 2015
Global Militarisation Indexbottom 11%
Rank 17th of 149 · 1 = worst · 189.87 · 2023
world median 100.66 (worse) · ▲ 2 pts since 2013
Water Stressbottom 11%
Position · derived 21st of 177 · 1 = worst · 85.22 · 2023
world median 10 (worse)

A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so South Korea can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.

04Over time

Which way it is moving

The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.

Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
34th
of 141 · 1990
20th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
44th
of 173 · 2012
31st
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
30th
of 79 · 1990
12th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
6th
of 132 · 2022
4th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
21st
of 140 · 1995
3rd
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
7th
of 172 · 2020
5th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions

Gaining ground

Where South Korea has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.

Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index+45 pts since 2015
ICT Services Exports+41 pts since 2014

Losing ground

Where South Korea has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.

Crop Production Index-45 pts since 2012
GDP Growth-35 pts since 2015
State Authority over Territory-16 pts since 2015

05In context

South Korea and its neighbours

A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.

Eastern Asia

Shares a land border with

North Koreanot placed

Placed either side in the Country Index 2026

Across Eastern Asia

Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).

14South Korea
23Japan
=51China
73Mongolia
—Hong Kongnot placed
—Macaunot placed
—North Koreanot placed
—Taiwannot placed

06Places

Landmarks of South Korea

Bulguksa
Buddhist temple in Gyeongju dating from the Silla kingdom.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Seongsan Ilchulbong
Tuff cone rising from the sea on the eastern coast of Jeju Island.
Photo: Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Photographer name) · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Hwaseong Fortress
Late eighteenth-century fortress surrounding the centre of Suwon.
Photo: Lance Vanlewen · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Jongmyo
Confucian royal shrine in Seoul dedicated to the kings and queens of the Joseon dynasty.
Photo: João Trindade · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Hahoe Folk Village
Traditional clan village near Andong, set in a bend of the Nakdong River.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale

07The evidence

Every statistic we hold for South Korea

Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.

All statistics

Governance & Institutions23

Central Bank Independence Indexbottom 24%0.466CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
bottom 24% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
South Korea 0.466 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
All 54 editions · 2023 table
Civic Space Ratings57th of 198position · derived72.93Civic space score (0–100)2025
top 28% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
South Korea 72.93 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2025 table
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)3rd of 192rank0.722ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
top 1% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
South Korea 0.722 · world median 0.387 (better)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
All 30 editions · 2024 table
Control of Corruption42nd of 211position · derived0.924Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 20% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
South Korea 0.924 · world median -0.197 (better)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
All 27 editions · 2025 table
Corruption Perceptions Index31st of 181rank63CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 17% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
South Korea 63 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
All 14 editions · 2025 table
General Government Consumption56th of 132position · derived17.65General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
top 42% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
South Korea 17.65 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▲ +22 percentile points since 2015
All 56 editions · 2025 table
Government AI Readiness Index5th of 195rank76.89AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 2% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
South Korea 76.89 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
No real change since 2020
All 6 editions · 2025 table
Government Effectiveness20th of 209position · derived1.503Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
top 9% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
South Korea 1.503 · world median 0.101 (better)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
All 27 editions · 2025 table
Government Funding per Primary Student1st of 68position · derived34.57Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)2022
top 1% of 68 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)
South Korea 34.57 · world median 17.81 (better)
Best in the world 34.57 (South Korea)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
All 24 editions · 2022 table
GovTech Maturity Index1st of 196position · derived0.997GTMI score (0–1)2025
top 1% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
South Korea 0.997 · world median 0.63 (better)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
No real change since 2022
All 2 editions · 2025 table
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index36th of 175position · derived0.872Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
top 20% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
South Korea 0.872 · world median 0.676 (better)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
▲ +21 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Liberal Democracy Index22nd of 176position · derived0.739Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
top 12% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
South Korea 0.739 · world median 0.353 (better)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Open Data Inventory31st of 168rank75ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
top 19% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
South Korea 75 · world median 59 (better)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2016
All 7 editions · 2024 table
Political Corruption Index142nd of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.156Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
top 19% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
South Korea 0.156 · world median 0.518 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Regulatory Quality33rd of 209position · derived1.003Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 15% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
South Korea 1.003 · world median -0.093 (better)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
All 27 editions · 2025 table
Rule of Law31st of 211position · derived1.195Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 14% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
South Korea 1.195 · world median -0.102 (better)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
All 27 editions · 2025 table
Social Protection Coveragetop 26%80.2Population covered by at least one social protection benefit (%)2025
top 26% of 208 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population covered by at least one social protection benefit (%)
South Korea 80.2 · world median 52.1 (better)
Best in the world 100 (19 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2025 table
State Authority over Territorytop 26%98.88Territory under effective state control (% of official territory)2025
top 26% of 174 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Territory under effective state control (% of official territory)
South Korea 98.88 · world median 95.3 (better)
Best in the world 100 (19 countries tied)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Statistical Performance Indicators7th of 188position · derived91.57SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 3% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
South Korea 91.57 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2016
All 9 editions · 2024 table
Trade Union Density89th of 139position · derived12.37Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
bottom 36% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
South Korea 12.37 · world median 16.68 (worse)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2020 table
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index24th of 176position · derived0.819Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
top 13% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
South Korea 0.819 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Voice and Accountability49th of 206position · derived0.876Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 23% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
South Korea 0.876 · world median -0.022 (better)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
All 27 editions · 2025 table
Women, Business and the Law56th of 190position · derived88.13WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
top 30% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
South Korea 88.13 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
All 54 editions · 2024 table

Economy & Innovation32

Account Ownership at a Financial Institution26th of 139position · derived96.89Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 18% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
South Korea 96.89 · world median 72.83 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
No real change since 2014
All 5 editions · 2024 table
Adjusted Net Savings23rd of 118position · derived17.71Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
top 19% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
South Korea 17.71 · world median 8.389 (better)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2011
All 32 editions · 2021 table
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)139th of 158position · derived1.464Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 12% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
South Korea 1.464 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
All 51 editions · 2025 table
Container Port Traffic4th of 103position · derived31,850,924Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
top 3% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
South Korea 31,850,924 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
No real change since 2014
All 15 editions · 2024 table
Crop Production Index162nd of 195position · derived93.62Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 17% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
South Korea 93.62 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -45 percentile points since 2012
All 62 editions · 2022 table
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports32nd of 170position · derived50.66Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
top 18% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
South Korea 50.66 · world median 25.42 (better)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2014
All 15 editions · 2024 table
Economic Complexity Index3rd of 145rank1.6ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
top 1% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
South Korea 1.6 · world median 0.131 (better)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
No real change since 2014
All 30 editions · 2024 table
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)46th of 138position · derived45.76Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
top 33% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
South Korea 45.76 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
All 56 editions · 2025 table
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit40th of 179position · derived50.38Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
top 22% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
South Korea 50.38 · world median 35.95 (better)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2025 table
Food Production Index126th of 195position · derived101.21Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 36% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
South Korea 101.21 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2012
All 62 editions · 2022 table
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowsbottom 24%0.844FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
bottom 24% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
South Korea 0.844 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
GDP Growth159th of 186position · derived1.007GDP growth (annual %)2025
bottom 15% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
South Korea 1.007 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -35 percentile points since 2015
All 65 editions · 2025 table
GDP per Capita (PPP)26th of 185position · derived55,697GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 14% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
South Korea 55,697 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Global Innovation Index4th of 139rank60GII score (0–100)2025
top 2% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
South Korea 60 · world median 28.52 (better)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
No real change since 2022
All 4 editions · 2025 table
GNI per Capita (PPP)12th of 102position · derived56,424GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 11% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
South Korea 56,424 · world median 14,273 (better)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
All 32 editions · 2025 table
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)28th of 131position · derived29.13Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
top 21% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
South Korea 29.13 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
No real change since 2015
All 56 editions · 2025 table
Gross Savings (% of GDP)16th of 146position · derived35.03Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
top 10% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
South Korea 35.03 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
All 47 editions · 2024 table
Household Consumption115th of 131position · derived48.02Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
bottom 12% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
South Korea 48.02 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
All 56 editions · 2025 table
ICT Goods Exports5th of 119position · derived28.33ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
top 3% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
South Korea 28.33 · world median 0.975 (better)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
No real change since 2014
All 25 editions · 2024 table
ICT Services Exports51st of 118position · derived8.823ICT services exports (% of services exports)2024
top 43% of 118 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT services exports (% of services exports)
South Korea 8.823 · world median 7.474 (better)
Best in the world 56.25 (Ireland)
▲ +41 percentile points since 2014
All 20 editions · 2024 table
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)72nd of 138position · derived40.6Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 48% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
South Korea 40.6 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2015
All 56 editions · 2025 table
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)30th of 158position · derived34.33Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
top 18% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
South Korea 34.33 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
All 51 editions · 2025 table
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index2nd of 175rank637.15LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 1% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
South Korea 637.15 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
No real change since 2016
All 21 editions · 2026 table
Livestock Production Index90th of 194position · derived109.28Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 46% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
South Korea 109.28 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +33 percentile points since 2012
All 62 editions · 2022 table
Logistics Performance Index17th of 139rank3.8LPI score (1–5)2023
top 12% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
South Korea 3.8 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
All 7 editions · 2023 table
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)5th of 132position · derived27.43Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
top 3% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
South Korea 27.43 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
No real change since 2015
All 49 editions · 2025 table
Research and Development Spending3rd of 84position · derived4.944Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)2023
top 2% of 84 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)
South Korea 4.944 · world median 0.814 (better)
Best in the world 6.346 (Israel)
No real change since 2013
All 28 editions · 2023 table
Researchers per Million Inhabitants2nd of 145position · derived9,472Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)2024
top 1% of 145 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)
South Korea 9,472 · world median 701.95 (better)
Best in the world 18,130 (Liechtenstein)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2024 table
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Productstop 37%5.66Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)2022
top 37% of 143 countries measured
World Bank Group · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)
South Korea 5.66 · world median 3.66
Highest 29.52 (Bermuda)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2012
All 24 editions · 2022 table
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)156th of 180position · derived0.05Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
bottom 21% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
South Korea 0.05 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
No real change since 2011
All 52 editions · 2021 table
Trade (% of GDP)63rd of 138position · derived86.36Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
top 45% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
South Korea 86.36 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
All 56 editions · 2025 table
World Energy Trilemma Index27th of 99rank73.1Trilemma score (0–100)2023
top 26% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
South Korea 73.1 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2023 table

Work & Labour17

Average Weekly Hours Worked114th of 182position · derived37.29Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
bottom 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
South Korea 37.29 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▼ -42 percentile points since 2015
All 21 editions · 2025 table
Employment in Agriculture128th of 182position · derived5.104Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 30% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
South Korea 5.104 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
All 35 editions · 2025 table
Employment in Industry50th of 182position · derived23.38Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
top 27% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
South Korea 23.38 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
All 35 editions · 2025 table
Employment in Services53rd of 182position · derived71.51Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 29% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
South Korea 71.51 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
All 35 editions · 2025 table
Employment-to-Population Ratio53rd of 182position · derived62.62Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 29% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
South Korea 62.62 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
All 35 editions · 2025 table
Fatal Occupational Injuriesbottom 20%3.93Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers2023
bottom 20% of 52 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers
South Korea 3.93 · world median 2.005 (worse)
Best in the world 0.12 (Belgium)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
All 23 editions · 2023 table
Female Labour Force Participation Rate65th of 182position · derived56.78Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 35% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
South Korea 56.78 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Firms with a Female Top Manager5th of 179position · derived44.39Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
top 2% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
South Korea 44.39 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2025 table
GDP per Person Employed34th of 168position · derived99,046GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
top 20% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
South Korea 99,046 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
All 35 editions · 2025 table
Informal Employment Rate57th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst29.12Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
top 42% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
South Korea 29.12 · world median 36.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2025 table
Labour Force Participation Rate70th of 182position · derived64.35Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
South Korea 64.35 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Labour Income Share22nd of 182position · derived58.68Labour income share of GDP (%)2025
top 12% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Labour income share of GDP (%)
South Korea 58.68 · world median 46.23 (better)
Best in the world 75.13 (Nigeria)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
All 22 editions · 2025 table
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked47th of 182position · derived47.93Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
top 25% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
South Korea 47.93 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
All 21 editions · 2025 table
Self-Employment Rate118th of 182position · derived22.67Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
bottom 35% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
South Korea 22.67 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
All 35 editions · 2025 table
Unemployment Rate154th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst2.683Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 15% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
South Korea 2.683 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
All 35 editions · 2025 table
Vulnerable Employment121st of 182position · derived · 1 = worst17.69Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
top 34% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
South Korea 17.69 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
All 35 editions · 2025 table
Youth Unemployment Rate144th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst6.695Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 21% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
South Korea 6.695 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2015
All 35 editions · 2025 table

Education & Knowledge22

Academic Freedom Index35th of 176position · derived0.85Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
top 20% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
South Korea 0.85 · world median 0.619 (better)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Adult Literacy Rate46th of 172position · derived97.97Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
top 26% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
South Korea 97.97 · world median 93.99 (better)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2024 table
Expected Years of Schooling34th of 195position · derived16.62Expected years of schooling2023
top 17% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
South Korea 16.62 · world median 13.34 (better)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
All 34 editions · 2023 table
Female Share of Researchersbottom 16%23.71Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)2024
bottom 16% of 153 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)
South Korea 23.71 · world median 38.17
Highest 76.54 (Myanmar)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2024 table
Harmonized Test Scores6th of 172position · derived537.21Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
top 3% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
South Korea 537.21 · world median 414.32 (better)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
No real change since 2010
All 4 editions · 2020 table
Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary39th of 75position · derived5.273Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)2024
bottom 49% of 76 countries measured · 76 share 75 positions
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)
South Korea 5.273 · world median 5.494 (worse)
Best in the world 87.12 (San Marino)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2014
All 26 editions · 2024 table
Learning Poverty123rd of 125position · derived · 1 = worst3.2310-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)2023
top 2% of 125 countries measured
World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)
South Korea 3.23 · world median 34.02 (better)
Best in the world 2.331 (Ireland)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2023 table
Learning-Adjusted Years of School7th of 172position · derived11.68Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
top 4% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
South Korea 11.68 · world median 7.941 (better)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2010
All 4 editions · 2020 table
Mean Years of Schooling25th of 193position · derived12.72Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
top 13% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
South Korea 12.72 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
All 34 editions · 2023 table
Out-of-School Rate, Primary119th of 121position · derived · 1 = worst0.056Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
top 2% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
South Korea 0.056 · world median 3.691 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▲ +41 percentile points since 2014
All 32 editions · 2024 table
Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiarybottom 32%3.247Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)2023
bottom 32% of 117 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)
South Korea 3.247 · world median 5.279
Highest 1,724 (Cook Islands)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
All 26 editions · 2023 table
PISA Mathematics Performance6th of 79position · derived527.3Mean mathematics score2022
top 6% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
South Korea 527.3 · world median 442.09 (better)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
No real change since 2012
All 7 editions · 2022 table
PISA Reading Performance4th of 79position · derived515.42Mean reading score2022
top 4% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
South Korea 515.42 · world median 440.35 (better)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
No real change since 2012
All 8 editions · 2022 table
PISA Science Performance5th of 79position · derived527.82Mean science score2022
top 5% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
South Korea 527.82 · world median 446.93 (better)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2012
All 6 editions · 2022 table
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate18th of 120position · derived95.6Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
top 14% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
South Korea 95.6 · world median 65.93 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
No real change since 2014
All 26 editions · 2024 table
Primary Completion Rate1st of 165position · derived100Primary completion rate (%)2025
top 1% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
South Korea 100 · world median 97.43 (better)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
All 45 editions · 2025 table
School Life Expectancy18th of 77position · derived16.85School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)2024
top 22% of 77 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)
South Korea 16.85 · world median 14.59 (better)
Best in the world 21.01 (Monaco)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
All 50 editions · 2024 table
Secondary School Enrolment47th of 109position · derived96.25Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)2024
top 43% of 109 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)
South Korea 96.25 · world median 93.19 (better)
Best in the world 158.55 (Monaco)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
All 50 editions · 2024 table
Tertiary Enrolment Ratio4th of 95position · derived111.85Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)2024
top 3% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)
South Korea 111.85 · world median 52.77 (better)
Best in the world 141.86 (Macau)
No real change since 2014
All 52 editions · 2024 table
Upper Secondary Attainment26th of 95position · derived80.86Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
top 27% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
South Korea 80.86 · world median 65.76 (better)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
No real change since 2013
All 23 editions · 2023 table
Upper Secondary Completion Rate1st of 164position · derived99.27Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
top 1% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
South Korea 99.27 · world median 64.87 (better)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
No real change since 2015
All 45 editions · 2025 table
Youth Literacy Ratetop 5%99.9515–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
top 5% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
South Korea 99.95 · world median 98.22 (better)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2024 table

Health & Wellbeing14

Dietary Energy Supply32nd of 155position · derived3,419Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
top 20% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
South Korea 3,419 · world median 2,982 (better)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
No real change since 2014
All 24 editions · 2024 table
Gender Inequality Index12th of 172rank0.038GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
top 6% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
South Korea 0.038 · world median 0.351 (better)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
No real change since 2013
All 34 editions · 2023 table
Global Violent Deaths185th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst0.6Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
top 12% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
South Korea 0.6 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
No real change since 2011
All 18 editions · 2021 table
Human Capital Index4th of 172position · derived0.799HCI score (0–1)2020
top 2% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
South Korea 0.799 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
No real change since 2010
All 4 editions · 2020 table
Human Development Index20th of 193rank0.937HDI score (0–1)2023
top 10% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
South Korea 0.937 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
All 34 editions · 2023 table
Infant Mortality Rate184th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst2.328Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 8% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
South Korea 2.328 · world median 12.26 (better)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
All 72 editions · 2024 table
Life Expectancy at Age 6515th of 222position · derived21.32Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
top 6% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
South Korea 21.32 · world median 16.39 (better)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table
Life Expectancy at Birth5th of 222position · derived84.33Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
top 2% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
South Korea 84.33 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table
Maternal Mortality Ratio178th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst3.79Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 9% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
South Korea 3.79 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
All 24 editions · 2023 table
Pesticide Use per Hectare24th of 178position · derived13.03Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
top 13% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
South Korea 13.03 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
All 35 editions · 2024 table
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity113th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst1.1Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
top 14% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
South Korea 1.1 · world median 4.7 (better)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
All 9 editions · 2023 table
Prevalence of Undernourishment104th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst2.5Population undernourished (%)2023
top 19% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
South Korea 2.5 · world median 5.2 (better)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
All 23 editions · 2023 table
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five161st of 162position · derived · 1 = worst0.852Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
top 1% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
South Korea 0.852 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2024 table
Under-Five Mortality Rate184th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst2.796Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 8% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
South Korea 2.796 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
All 73 editions · 2024 table

Development & Human Capital6

Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
South Korea 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
All 35 editions · 2024 table
Cereal Yield19th of 179position · derived6,615Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
top 10% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
South Korea 6,615 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
No real change since 2013
All 63 editions · 2023 table
Coefficient of Human Inequality139th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst8.35Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
top 18% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
South Korea 8.35 · world median 17.05 (better)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
No real change since 2013
All 14 editions · 2023 table
Gender Development Index106th of 184position · derived0.959Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
bottom 42% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
South Korea 0.959 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
All 34 editions · 2023 table
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index18th of 169position · derived0.857IHDI (0–1)2023
top 10% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
South Korea 0.857 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
All 14 editions · 2023 table
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI34th of 156position · derived0.745PHDI (0–1)2023
top 21% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
South Korea 0.745 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
All 34 editions · 2023 table

Environment & Sustainability22

Agricultural Emissions54th of 193position · derived28,598Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
top 27% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
South Korea 28,598 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
All 34 editions · 2023 table
Agricultural Land163rd of 209position · derived16.07Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
bottom 22% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
South Korea 16.07 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
All 63 editions · 2023 table
Arable Land per Person162nd of 206position · derived0.028Arable land (hectares per person)2023
bottom 21% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
South Korea 0.028 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
All 63 editions · 2023 table
Carbon Intensity of Electricity107th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst415.63Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
top 45% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
South Korea 415.63 · world median 468.81 (better)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
No real change since 2014
All 25 editions · 2024 table
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)33rd of 190rank0.356ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
top 17% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
South Korea 0.356 · world median 0.45 (better)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
All 30 editions · 2024 table
CO₂ Emissions per Capita21st of 210position · derived · 1 = worst11.29Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
bottom 10% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
South Korea 11.29 · world median 3.21 (worse)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
No real change since 2014
All 75 editions · 2024 table
Ecological Footprint14th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst5.106Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
bottom 10% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
South Korea 5.106 · world median 2.296 (worse)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
All 65 editions · 2025 table
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)bottom 16%4.914Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
bottom 16% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
South Korea 4.914 · world median 2.738 (worse)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
All 37 editions · 2024 table
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare23rd of 188position · derived262.31Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 12% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
South Korea 262.31 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
All 63 editions · 2023 table
Forest Area21st of 210position · derived64.11Forest area (% of land area)2023
top 9% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
South Korea 64.11 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
All 34 editions · 2023 table
Internal Displacements by Disaster69th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst11,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
bottom 43% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
South Korea 11,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2016
All 17 editions · 2024 table
Land Under Cereal Production87th of 179position · derived776,099Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
top 48% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
South Korea 776,099 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
No real change since 2013
All 63 editions · 2023 table
Livestock Density8th of 188position · derived4.63Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
top 4% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
South Korea 4.63 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
All 63 editions · 2023 table
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation89th of 190position · derived39.89Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
top 46% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
South Korea 39.89 · world median 35.66 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
All 25 editions · 2024 table
ND-GAIN Country Index7th of 190rank68.29ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
top 3% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
South Korea 68.29 · world median 47.44 (better)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
All 30 editions · 2024 table
Organic Agricultural Area51st of 150position · derived2.42Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
top 32% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
South Korea 2.42 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
All 20 editions · 2024 table
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita120th of 181position · derived1,255Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
bottom 34% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
South Korea 1,255 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
All 62 editions · 2022 table
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation149th of 190position · derived9.709Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 23% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
South Korea 9.709 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2014
All 25 editions · 2024 table
Water Stress21st of 177position · derived · 1 = worst85.22Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
bottom 11% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
South Korea 85.22 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
All 24 editions · 2023 table
Water Withdrawal by Sector92nd of 171position · derived58.93Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
bottom 47% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
South Korea 58.93 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
All 33 editions · 2022 table
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationtop 50%5.769Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
top 50% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
South Korea 5.769 · world median 5.769
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
All 25 editions · 2024 table
World Risk Index49th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst11.01WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 25% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
South Korea 11.01 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
All 26 editions · 2025 table

Gender & Equality4

Gender Social Norms Index54th of 91position · derived · 1 = worst89.88People with at least one bias against gender equality (%)2023
top 41% of 91 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · People with at least one bias against gender equality (%)
South Korea 89.88 · world median 91.81 (better)
Best in the world 27.39 (New Zealand)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2023 table
Sex Ratio at Birthtop 32%105.8Male births per 100 female births2023
top 32% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
South Korea 105.8 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table
Social Institutions and Gender Index87th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst19.8SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
top 38% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
South Korea 19.8 · world median 25.2 (better)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2023 table
Women's Political Empowerment Index37th of 176position · derived0.878Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
top 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
South Korea 0.878 · world median 0.772 (better)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table

Democracy & Civil Liberties8

Deliberative Democracy Index16th of 176position · derived0.751Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
top 9% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
South Korea 0.751 · world median 0.339 (better)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Egalitarian Democracy Index20th of 176position · derived0.712Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
top 11% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
South Korea 0.712 · world median 0.321 (better)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index12th of 176position · derived0.933Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
top 7% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
South Korea 0.933 · world median 0.693 (better)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▲ +45 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Government Censorship of the Media29th of 176position · derived1.867Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
top 16% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
South Korea 1.867 · world median 0.565 (better)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▲ +39 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Government Internet Shutdowns3rd of 176position · derived1.979Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
top 1% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
South Korea 1.979 · world median 1.023 (better)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
No real change since 2015
All 26 editions · 2025 table
Military Dimension Indextop 21%0Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
top 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
South Korea 0 · world median 0.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Participatory Democracy Index27th of 176position · derived0.551Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
top 15% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
South Korea 0.551 · world median 0.298 (better)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Physical Violence Index28th of 176position · derived0.952Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 15% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
South Korea 0.952 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table

Peace & Security6

Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
South Korea 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
All 37 editions · 2025 table
Global Militarisation Index17th of 149rank · 1 = worst189.87GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
bottom 11% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
South Korea 189.87 · world median 100.66 (worse)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
All 34 editions · 2023 table
INFORM Risk Index173rd of 191position · derived · 1 = worst2INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
top 9% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
South Korea 2 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2016
All 10 editions · 2026 table
Political Stability and Absence of Violence53rd of 211position · derived0.917Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 25% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
South Korea 0.917 · world median 0.171 (better)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2015
All 27 editions · 2025 table
Political Violence by Non-State Actors110th of 171position · derived · 1 = worst-1.112Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
top 36% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
South Korea -1.112 · world median -0.661 (better)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table
Refugees by Country of Originbottom 27%117Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
bottom 27% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
South Korea 117 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
All 34 editions · 2025 table

Risk & Resilience2

Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumtop 15%39,106Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
top 15% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
South Korea 39,106 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2015
All 26 editions · 2025 table
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumbottom 40%4,407Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
bottom 40% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
South Korea 4,407 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
All 36 editions · 2025 table

Mobility & Trade3

Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs12th of 174position · derived · 1 = worst15.44Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
bottom 6% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
South Korea 15.44 · world median 4.456 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2025 table
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 28%78.5Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 28% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
South Korea 78.5 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2012
All 22 editions · 2022 table
Net Migration Ratetop 30%1.697Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
top 30% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
South Korea 1.697 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table

Energy5

Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)bottom 44%0Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)2024
bottom 44% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)
South Korea 0 · world median 0
Highest 707.07 (Palestine)
No real change since 2014
All 25 editions · 2024 table
Nuclear Share of Electricity Generationtop 5%30.18Nuclear (% of electricity generated)2024
top 5% of 183 countries measured
Ember · Nuclear (% of electricity generated)
South Korea 30.18 · world median 0
Highest 67.4 (France)
No real change since 2014
All 25 editions · 2024 table
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitatop 6%240.08Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
top 6% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
South Korea 240.08 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
No real change since 2014
All 45 editions · 2024 table
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scoretop 1%95.93Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
top 1% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
South Korea 95.93 · world median 48.23 (better)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2013
All 14 editions · 2023 table
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scoretop 22%61.24Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
top 22% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
South Korea 61.24 · world median 33.26 (better)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▲ +22 percentile points since 2013
All 14 editions · 2023 table

Digital & Technology2

Mobile Phone Ownership30th of 140position · derived96.05Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 21% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)
South Korea 96.05 · world median 91.68 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Libya)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2024 table
Smartphone Ownership19th of 140position · derived89.84Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 13% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)
South Korea 89.84 · world median 78.78 (better)
Best in the world 97.36 (Sweden)
No earlier reading to compare
This statistic · 2024 table

People & Population10

Crude Birth Ratebottom 1%4.568Births per 1,000 population2023
bottom 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
South Korea 4.568 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table
Crude Death Ratebottom 38%6.677Deaths per 1,000 population2023
bottom 38% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
South Korea 6.677 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table
Median Age of the Populationtop 7%44.49Median age (years)2023
top 7% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
South Korea 44.49 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table
Population Aged 65 and Overtop 19%18.34Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
top 19% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
South Korea 18.34 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table
Population Densitytop 10%523.02People per square kilometre of land2023
top 10% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
South Korea 523.02 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table
Population Growth Ratebottom 20%-0.041Population growth (% per year)2023
bottom 20% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
South Korea -0.041 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▼ -24 percentile points since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table
Population Under Age 15bottom 1%10.97Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
bottom 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
South Korea 10.97 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationtop 37%99.67Males per 100 females2023
top 37% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
South Korea 99.67 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table
Total Dependency Ratiobottom 10%41.45People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
bottom 10% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
South Korea 41.45 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table
Total Fertility Ratebottom 1%0.72Live births per woman2023
bottom 1% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
South Korea 0.72 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
No real change since 2013
All 74 editions · 2023 table

Not currently covered

The newest edition of these reports does not include South Korea. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.

08Keep reading

Explore further

More countries

09Method

Sources and how to read them

How to read this page

The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.

How a standing is built from percentiles, why South Korea can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.

Sources

Statistics: 34 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.

Photographs

All 6 photographs of South Korea on this page come from Wikimedia Commons and are shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.

Cite this page

Nations Inquiry (2026). South Korea: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/south-korea

South Korea in the Nations Inquiry Country Index