Quality of life comparison

compared to

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

Health

be 19.5% less likely to be obese

In North Korea, 11.9% of adults are obese as of 2024. In Philippines, that number is 9.6% of people as of 2024.

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be 62.5% less likely to die by suicide

North Korea has a suicide rate of 9.3 per 100,000 people as of 2021. In Philippines, it is 3.5 per 100,000 as of 2021.

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live 3.8 years less

In North Korea, the average life expectancy is 74 years (72 years for men, 76 years for women) as of 2024. In Philippines, that number is 70 years (67 years for men, 73 years for women) as of 2024.

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have 14.7% less access to essential health services

North Korea scores 68 out of 100 on the universal health coverage index as of 2021. Philippines scores 58 as of 2021.

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Economy

be 37.0% less likely to be unemployed

In North Korea, 3.5% of the labor force is unemployed as of 2025. In Philippines, that number is 2.2% as of 2025.

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Life

have 23.6% more children

In North Korea, there are approximately 12.9 babies per 1,000 people as of 2024. In Philippines, there are 15.9 babies per 1,000 people as of 2024.

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be 25.4% more 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 Philippines, 84.0 women do as of 2023.

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be 63.2% more likely to die during infancy

In North Korea, approximately 13.3 children (per 1,000 live births) die before they reach the age of one as of 2024. In Philippines, on the other hand, 21.7 children do as of 2024.

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Basic Needs

be 70.4% 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 Philippines, that number is 98% of people on average (98% in urban areas, and 98% in rural areas) as of 2023.

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Geography

see 14.5 times more coastline

North Korea has a total of 2,495 km of coastline. In Philippines, that number is 36,289 km.

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Infrastructure

use 17.2% more electricity

North Korea uses 789 kWh of electricity per person each year as of 2023. Philippines uses 925 kWh as of 2023.

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Environment

emit 40.0% less CO2

North Korea emits 2.5 tonnes of CO2 per person each year as of 2024. Philippines emits 1.5 tonnes as of 2024.

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Sources: World Bank (2021–2025), World Health Organization (2024), United Nations SDG Indicators (2021), The World Factbook. How we calculate this

Compare further: North Korea vs. Philippines

Cost of Living Comparison · 4 categories - 2026 data
Philippines is 18.7% more expensive than North Korea overall
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Size Comparison · See true size
North Korea is about 2.5 times smaller than Philippines.
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Moving from North Korea to Philippines · UN DESA 2020
6,123 people born in North Korea live in Philippines.
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Philippines: At a glance

Philippines is a sovereign country in East/Southeast Asia, with a total land area of approximately 298,170 sq km. The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence. A 20-year rule by Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a "people power" movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts that prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992. His administration was marked by increased stability and by progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") demanded his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. Her presidency was marred by several corruption allegations but the Philippine economy was one of the few to avoid contraction following the 2008 global financial crisis, expanding each year of her administration. Benigno AQUINO III was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2010. The Philippine Government faces threats from several groups, some of which are on the US Government's Foreign Terrorist Organization list. Manila has waged a decades-long struggle against ethnic Moro insurgencies in the southern Philippines, which has led to a peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front and ongoing peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The decades-long Maoist-inspired New People's Army insurgency also operates through much of the country. The Philippines faces increased tension with China over disputed territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea.
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