South Korea
Asia
South Korea Overview & Key Global Indicators
South Korea is a significant nation located in the Asia region. With a current population of 51,667,029 people, South Korea plays a vital role in its regional ecosystem. The economic profile of the country features a total GDP of $1790 billion and a GDP per capita of $34,640.
Beyond economic output, South Korea has a Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.929, which classes it as a very high development nation. Citizens have an average life expectancy of 83.5 years. According to the World Happiness Index, South Korea ranks #55 globally, with a national happiness score of 6.00.
Population
51,667,029
Happiness Index
6.00
Rank: 55
Total GDP
$1,790B
GDP per Capita
$34,640
HDI
0.929
Human Development Index
Trend Analysis: The chart above demonstrates the historical progression of key metrics for South Korea over the past decade. These trends in GDP, population, and life expectancy provide crucial context for understanding the nation's long-term stability, economic trajectory, and social evolution.
Population Growth
-0.1%
yearly
Median Age
45.6years
Urbanization
82.4%
Net Migration
0.7
per 1,000 people
South Korea Economy Data
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
Inflation Rate
1.7%
Gini Index
35.5
Inequality measure
Poverty Rate
14.4%
Corruption Index
63
Higher is less corrupt
Major Exports
- Integrated Circuits
- Machinery
- Vehicles and Parts
- Mineral Fuels
- Plastics
South Korea Environment Statistics
Carbon Emissions
10.5t/capita
Renewable Energy
5.2%
of electricity
Air Quality (PM2.5)
25µg/m³
Forest Area
63.5%
Waste Recycling Rate
45%
South Korea Global Governance Standing
Global Peace Index
1.85
Lower is more peaceful
Military Spending
2.6%
of GDP
Press Freedom Index
45
Lower is freer
Democracy Index
8.00
out of 10
South Korea Technology & Infrastructure
Internet Penetration
96%
Mobile Subscriptions
135
per 100 people
Innovation Index
60
Global Rank
Transport Quality
8.5
out of 7
Tourist Arrivals
15M
per year
Key Insights about South Korea
As of 2025, South Korea's population is growing at an annual rate of -0.1%, showing a stabilizing trend. The unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, while the nation manages an inflation rate of 1.7%.
Socially, South Korea maintains a robust democracy index of 8.00/10 and a literacy rate of 98%. The nation's commitment to safety is reflected in its Global Peace Index rank, where it is scored at 1.85 (where lower numbers indicate higher peacefulness).
Frequently Asked Questions about South Korea
The current population of South Korea is approximately 51,667,029.
South Korea's GDP per capita is $34,640.
Data Sources & Accuracy
Data for South Korea is sourced and compiled from globally recognized organizations such as the World Bank,UNDP, World Happiness Report, andOur World in Data. We aggregate this multidimensional dataset to provide a comprehensive look at South Korea's economic output, social progress, and environmental impact.
Reference Statistics for South Korea:
- The World Bank Open Data
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- World Happiness Report
- Institute for Economics & Peace (Global Peace Index)
- Transparency International (Corruption Perception Index)
- Our World in Data
- Reporters Without Borders (Press Freedom Index)
Last updated: March 2026
Permanent URL for South Korea data
South Korea Social & Health Profile
Life Expectancy
83.5years
Literacy Rate
98%
Education Index
0.840
Gender Equality Index
0.650
out of 1.0