Quality of life comparison

compared to

If you lived in Bhutan instead of North Korea, you would:

Health

be 47.4% less likely to die by suicide

North Korea has a suicide rate of 9.3 per 100,000 people as of 2021. In Bhutan, it is 4.9 per 100,000 as of 2021.

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have 11.8% less access to essential health services

North Korea scores 68 out of 100 on the universal health coverage index as of 2021. Bhutan scores 60 as of 2021.

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Life

be 29.9% less likely to die during childbirth

In North Korea, approximately 67.0 women die from pregnancy or childbirth per 100,000 live births as of 2023. In Bhutan, 47.0 women do as of 2023.

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Basic Needs

be 73.9% more likely to have access to electricity

In North Korea, approximately 58% of people have electricity access (36% in urban areas, and 11% in rural areas) as of 2023. In Bhutan, that number is 100% of people on average (100% in urban areas, and 100% in rural areas) as of 2023.

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Infrastructure

live with 94.9% less strain on fresh water

North Korea withdraws 28% of its available fresh water each year as of 2022. Bhutan withdraws 1% as of 2022.

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Environment

be 33.7% less likely to die from air pollution

In North Korea, air pollution causes 86.0 deaths per 100,000 people as of 2019. In Bhutan, it causes 57.0 as of 2019.

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emit 19.6% less CO2

North Korea emits 2.5 tonnes of CO2 per person each year as of 2024. Bhutan emits 2.0 tonnes as of 2024.

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Sources: World Bank (2021–2024), United Nations SDG Indicators (2019–2021). How we calculate this

Compare further: North Korea vs. Bhutan

Cost of Living Comparison · 4 categories - 2026 data
Bhutan is 21.5% cheaper than North Korea overall
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Size Comparison · See true size
North Korea is about 3.1 times bigger than Bhutan.
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Moving from North Korea to Bhutan · Cost, visas & climate
Compare cost of living, salary and climate.
→

Bhutan: At a glance

Bhutan is a sovereign country in South Asia, with a total land area of approximately 38,394 sq km. In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land to British India. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs, and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned to Bhutan the areas annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. In March 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the government's draft constitution - which introduced major democratic reforms - and pledged to hold a national referendum for its approval. In December 2006, the King abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK, in order to give him experience as head of state before the democratic transition. In early 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty, eliminating the clause that stated that Bhutan would be "guided by" India in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate closely with New Delhi. Elections for seating the country's first parliament were completed in March 2008; the king ratified the country's first constitution in July 2008. Bhutan experienced a peaceful turnover of power following parliamentary elections in 2013, which routed the incumbent party. The disposition of some 30,000 Bhutanese refugees - housed in two UN refugee camps in Nepal - remains unresolved.
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