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🇰🇷 South Korea
South Korea (Asia) has a population of 51,684,564 (2025), ranking 29 out of 213 countries by population. GDP per capita – South Korea: $36,227 /inh. (2025), ranking 46 out of 211. Economic growth is 1 % (2025). The unemployment rate is 2.7 % (2025). Annual inflation stands at 2.1 % (2025).
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Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths – South Korea, according to global rankings (rank/countries ranked): Share of adults with the right to vote (1/173), Women's legal equality: property and inheritance (1/186), Women's legal equality: childcare (1/186).
Weaknesses – South Korea, according to global rankings (rank/countries ranked): Female suicide rate (182/183), Suicide rate (176/183), Male suicide rate (166/183).
Regional comparison
- GDP per capita: South Korea has $36,227 /inh., above the regional median (Asia: $6,540 /inh.).
- Unemployment: South Korea has 2.7 %, below the regional median (Asia: 3.8 %).
- Inflation (consumer prices): South Korea has 2.1 %, below the regional median (Asia: 2.4 %).
- GDP growth: South Korea has 1 %, below the regional median (Asia: 4 %).
Comparable countries
From closest to furthest. The proximity score (0 to 100) compares each country’s position across all the indicators they have in common: 100 = identical profiles.
- 1🇯🇵Japan251 indicators compared54/100
- 2🇱🇹Lithuania243 indicators compared41/100
- 3🇮🇹Italy242 indicators compared39/100
- 4🇵🇱Poland246 indicators compared38/100
- 5🇨🇿Czechia251 indicators compared37/100
- 6🇨🇭Switzerland249 indicators compared36/100
- 7🇫🇷France243 indicators compared35/100
- 8🇪🇪Estonia247 indicators compared34/100
- 9🇳🇱Netherlands246 indicators compared34/100
- 10🇦🇹Austria242 indicators compared34/100
- 11🇩🇪Germany245 indicators compared33/100
- 12🇸🇮Slovenia244 indicators compared33/100
All indicators
·Wealth & Growth 9
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP | $1.9T | 2025 | 13 of 211 |
| GDP, purchasing power parity | $3.3T | 2025 | 14 of 201 |
| Net national income per capita | $28,059 /inh. | 2021 | 26 of 184 |
| GDP per capita, purchasing power parity | $63,125 /inh. | 2025 | 35 of 201 |
| Gross national income per capita (Atlas method) | $37,880 /inh. | 2025 | 37 of 205 |
| GDP per capita | $36,227 /inh. | 2025 | 46 of 211 |
| GDP per capita growth | 1.1 % | 2025 | 140 of 211 |
| Natural resource rents | 0 % | 2021 | 164 of 211 |
| GDP growth | 1 % | 2025 | 173 of 211 |
Prices, Inflation & Currency 7
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broad money supply (M3) | 162.7 % | 2024 | 8 of 164 |
| Price of a Big Mac | $3.84 | 2026 | 14 of 55 |
| Official exchange rate | 1,422 LCU/$ | 2025 | 22 of 211 |
| Inflation (consumer prices) | 2.1 % | 2025 | 66 of 191 |
| Inflation (GDP deflator) | 3.1 % | 2025 | 98 of 210 |
| Real interest rate | 1 % | 2025 | 117 of 146 |
| Lending interest rate | 4.2 % | 2025 | 135 of 146 |
Employment 8
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment | 2.7 % | 2025 | 29 of 184 |
| Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) | 6.7 % | 2025 | 39 of 184 |
| Employment in industry | 23.4 % | 2025 | 51 of 184 |
| Employment in services | 71.5 % | 2025 | 53 of 184 |
| Employment rate (ages 15 and over) | 62.6 % | 2025 | 53 of 184 |
| Labor force participation rate (ages 15 and over) | 64.4 % | 2025 | 70 of 184 |
| Self-employed workers | 22.7 % | 2025 | 120 of 184 |
| Employment in agriculture | 5.1 % | 2025 | 130 of 184 |
Foreign Trade 7
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merchandise exports | $709.3B | 2025 | 8 of 205 |
| High-technology exports | 36.3 % | 2024 | 14 of 185 |
| Services exports | $149.3B | 2025 | 18 of 198 |
| Current account balance | 6.6 % | 2025 | 32 of 198 |
| Exports of goods and services | 45.8 % | 2025 | 68 of 192 |
| Trade openness | 86.4 % | 2025 | 91 of 192 |
| Imports of goods and services | 40.6 % | 2025 | 107 of 192 |
Investment, Tourism & Aid 6
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| International tourism receipts | $11.8B | 2020 | 18 of 201 |
| Foreign direct investment inflows (amount) | $15.8B | 2025 | 28 of 203 |
| International tourist arrivals | 2,519,000 arr. | 2020 | 58 of 202 |
| Foreign direct investment inflows | 0.8 % | 2025 | 149 of 201 |
| Migrant remittances received | 0.4 % | 2025 | 155 of 196 |
| Official development aid received | -0 % | 1999 | 158 of 160 |
Public finances 8
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research and development spending | 4.9 % | 2023 | 3 of 155 |
| Military spending | 2.6 % | 2025 | 44 of 165 |
| Central government debt | 47.8 % | 2024 | 49 of 109 |
| Share of income taxes in government revenue | 27.5 % | 2024 | 60 of 159 |
| Central government spending | 28.3 % | 2023 | 67 of 160 |
| Budget balance | -1.8 % | 2024 | 69 of 158 |
| Government final consumption | 17.6 % | 2025 | 83 of 187 |
| Tax revenue | 13.3 % | 2024 | 104 of 161 |
Finance & Reserves 4
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic credit to the private sector | 160.3 % | 2024 | 5 of 184 |
| Total reserves (including gold) | $436.6B | 2025 | 9 of 180 |
| Stock market capitalization | 147.2 % | 2025 | 10 of 101 |
| Reserves in months of imports | 6.5 months | 2025 | 45 of 177 |
Economic structure 7
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 27.4 % | 2025 | 7 of 201 |
| Gross savings | 35.6 % | 2025 | 22 of 178 |
| Industry (including construction) | 34.3 % | 2025 | 36 of 205 |
| Gross capital formation | 29.1 % | 2025 | 44 of 185 |
| Services | 57.2 % | 2025 | 104 of 202 |
| Household final consumption | 48 % | 2025 | 159 of 189 |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 1.5 % | 2025 | 165 of 203 |
Population & Vital Statistics 12
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age of the population | 44.5 yrs | 2023 | 19 of 226 |
| Population | 51,684,564 inhab. | 2025 | 29 of 213 |
| Share of 15-64 year olds | 69.5 % | 2025 | 33 of 213 |
| Share of people aged 65 and over | 20.3 % | 2025 | 35 of 213 |
| Urban population | 81.2 % | 2025 | 52 of 213 |
| Adults with an official ID | 97.2 % | 2024 | 54 of 145 |
| Boys per 100 girls at birth | 105.9 per 100 girls | 2024 | 61 of 213 |
| Number of men per 100 women | 99.5 per 100 women | 2025 | 82 of 213 |
| Share of men in the population | 49.9 % | 2025 | 82 of 213 |
| Share of women in the population | 50.1 % | 2025 | 132 of 213 |
| Age dependency ratio | 44 per 100 | 2025 | 181 of 213 |
| Share of 0-14 year olds | 10.2 % | 2025 | 213 of 213 |
Births, deaths and life expectancy 14
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy life expectancy | 72 yrs | 2023 | 3 of 183 |
| Female life expectancy at birth | 86.6 yrs | 2024 | 6 of 213 |
| Life expectancy at birth | 83.6 yrs | 2024 | 13 of 213 |
| Infant mortality | 2.3 per 1,000 | 2024 | 16 of 194 |
| Under-5 mortality | 2.8 per 1,000 | 2024 | 17 of 194 |
| Male life expectancy at birth | 80.8 yrs | 2024 | 25 of 213 |
| Road traffic deaths | 8.6 per 100,000 | 2019 | 57 of 188 |
| Death rate | 7 per 1,000 | 2024 | 119 of 213 |
| Male suicide rate | 34.8 per 100,000 | 2023 | 166 of 183 |
| Suicide rate | 23.4 per 100,000 | 2023 | 176 of 183 |
| Population growth | -0.13 % | 2025 | 178 of 213 |
| Female suicide rate | 13.6 per 100,000 | 2023 | 182 of 183 |
| Children per woman | 0.75 children/woman | 2024 | 212 of 213 |
| Birth rate | 4.7 per 1,000 | 2024 | 212 of 213 |
Health and healthcare system 11
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to basic drinking water | 100 % | 2024 | 1 of 211 |
| Open defecation | 0 % | 2024 | 1 of 211 |
| Undernourishment | 2.5 % | 2024 | 1 of 167 |
| Hospital beds | 12.8 per 1,000 | 2022 | 2 of 190 |
| Access to basic sanitation | 99.7 % | 2024 | 29 of 211 |
| Nurses and midwives | 9.09 per 1,000 | 2022 | 30 of 196 |
| Measles vaccination | 97 % | 2024 | 31 of 191 |
| Health expenditure | 8.7 % | 2024 | 48 of 191 |
| Physicians | 2.61 per 1,000 | 2022 | 74 of 193 |
| New tuberculosis cases | 35 per 100,000 | 2024 | 94 of 206 |
| Share of health spending paid directly by patients | 33.7 % | 2024 | 120 of 191 |
Body and lifestyle 14
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity among adult women | 6 % | 2024 | 8 of 196 |
| Adult obesity | 8.4 % | 2024 | 20 of 196 |
| Average weight of men | 73.3 kg | 2019 | 26 of 48 |
| Average weight of women | 58.3 kg | 2019 | 39 of 48 |
| Average height of men | 174.9 cm | 2014 | 50 of 198 |
| Average height of women | 162.3 cm | 2014 | 54 of 198 |
| Obesity among adult men | 10.4 % | 2024 | 58 of 196 |
| Alcohol consumption per capita | 8.3 L/person | 2024 | 59 of 202 |
| Tobacco use among women | 5.6 % | 2024 | 78 of 165 |
| Tobacco use | 18.6 % | 2024 | 81 of 165 |
| Tobacco use among men | 31.5 % | 2024 | 97 of 165 |
| Diabetes prevalence | 9.6 % | 2024 | 117 of 207 |
| Mean body mass index of men | 24.4 kg/m² | 2016 | 127 of 190 |
| Mean body mass index of women | 23.1 kg/m² | 2016 | 170 of 190 |
Origins, languages and religions 15
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share of the population: people with no religious affiliation | 48.3 % | 2020 | 11 of 192 |
| Share of the population: Buddhists | 19 % | 2020 | 13 of 192 |
| Religious diversity (fractionalization index) | 0.66 | 2003 | 43 of 204 |
| Share of the population: Hindus | 0.1 % | 2020 | 64 of 192 |
| Frequent prayer | 19 % | 2022 | 71 of 80 |
| Regular attendance at places of worship | 22.8 % | 2022 | 78 of 112 |
| Importance of religion in life | 35.9 % | 2022 | 94 of 114 |
| Share of the population: Jews | 0 % | 2020 | 94 of 192 |
| Share of immigrants in the population | 3.5 % | 2024 | 126 of 212 |
| Share of the population: Christians | 32 % | 2020 | 127 of 192 |
| Share of the population: other religions (including folk religions) | 0.4 % | 2020 | 134 of 192 |
| Share of the population: Muslims | 0.3 % | 2020 | 139 of 192 |
| Ethnic diversity (fractionalization index) | 0 | 2003 | 188 of 205 |
| Linguistic diversity (fractionalization index) | 0 | 2003 | 191 of 203 |
| Majority religion | No absolute majority | 2020 | 7 countries out of 192 in the same category |
Inequality 4
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme poverty | 0.1 % | 2021 | 17 of 169 |
| Gini index | 32.9 | 2021 | 58 of 169 |
| Income share of the poorest 20% | 7.4 % | 2021 | 69 of 169 |
| Income share of the richest 10% | 25 % | 2021 | 113 of 169 |
Territory & Borders 8
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population density | 530.2 inh./km² | 2024 | 20 of 212 |
| Length of coastline | 2,413 km | 2026 | 52 of 227 |
| Latitude of the country's center | 36.5 ° | 2026 | 66 of 232 |
| Land area | 97,600 km² | 2024 | 105 of 212 |
| Total area | 100,460 km² | 2024 | 108 of 212 |
| Number of neighboring countries | 1 countries | 2026 | 137 of 223 |
| Length of land borders | 237 km | 2026 | 148 of 230 |
| Landlocked country | Has sea access | 2026 | 183 countries out of 227 in the same category |
Terrain, Water & Climate 6
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest point | 0 m | 2026 | 39 of 228 |
| Average annual rainfall | 1,274 mm | 2022 | 72 of 180 |
| Population living less than 5 m above sea level | 2.1 % | 2015 | 90 of 212 |
| Average elevation | 282 m | 2026 | 118 of 166 |
| Renewable fresh water per person | 1,255 m³/inh. | 2022 | 119 of 181 |
| Highest point | 1,950 m | 2026 | 125 of 229 |
Land & Nature 4
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest cover | 64.4 % | 2024 | 23 of 210 |
| Arable land | 13.3 % | 2024 | 79 of 204 |
| Protected land areas | 17.7 % | 2025 | 101 of 210 |
| Agricultural land | 16 % | 2024 | 162 of 207 |
Democracy & Elections 13
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share of adults with the right to vote | 100 % | 2025 | 1 of 173 |
| Minimum voting age | 18 yrs | 2026 | 12 of 222 |
| Egalitarian democracy index | 0.71 | 2025 | 20 of 173 |
| Liberal democracy index | 0.74 | 2025 | 22 of 173 |
| Electoral democracy index | 0.82 | 2025 | 24 of 173 |
| Participatory democracy index | 0.55 | 2025 | 27 of 173 |
| Free and fair elections index | 0.94 | 2025 | 28 of 173 |
| Civil society participation index | 0.8 | 2025 | 51 of 173 |
| Core civil society index | 0.85 | 2025 | 55 of 173 |
| Head of the executive chosen through multiparty elections | Executive from multiparty elections | 2025 | 141 countries out of 173 in the same category |
| Multiparty legislative elections | Multiparty legislative elections | 2025 | 158 countries out of 167 in the same category |
| Multiparty national elections | Multiparty elections | 2025 | 148 countries out of 167 in the same category |
| Political regime | Liberal democracy | 2025 | 31 countries out of 173 in the same category |
Civil Liberties & Human Rights 9
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom of expression index | 0.93 | 2025 | 12 of 173 |
| Index of individual liberties and equality before the law | 0.94 | 2025 | 23 of 173 |
| Human rights index (V-Dem) | 0.91 | 2025 | 27 of 173 |
| Protection from physical violence by the state (V-Dem) | 0.95 | 2025 | 28 of 174 |
| Political civil liberties index | 0.91 | 2025 | 32 of 173 |
| Private civil liberties index | 0.89 | 2025 | 34 of 173 |
| Academic freedom index | 0.85 | 2025 | 35 of 173 |
| Equality of civil liberties across social groups | 1.45 | 2025 | 56 of 173 |
| Freedom of association index | 0.84 | 2025 | 59 of 173 |
Governance & Rule of Law 11
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government effectiveness (WGI) | 1.5 | 2025 | 20 of 203 |
| Rule of law (WGI) | 1.2 | 2025 | 30 of 205 |
| Corruption Perceptions Index | 64 pts | 2024 | 30 of 179 |
| Rule of law index (V-Dem) | 0.92 | 2025 | 31 of 173 |
| Absence of corruption in the judiciary | 1.61 | 2025 | 33 of 173 |
| Regulatory quality (WGI) | 1 | 2025 | 33 of 203 |
| Political corruption index | 0.16 | 2025 | 35 of 173 |
| Judicial constraints on the executive index | 0.87 | 2025 | 36 of 173 |
| Control of corruption (WGI) | 0.92 | 2025 | 41 of 205 |
| Political stability and absence of violence (WGI) | 0.92 | 2025 | 50 of 205 |
| Voice and accountability (WGI) | 0.88 | 2025 | 50 of 203 |
Women's rights 16
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share of women among ministers | 22.2 % | 2025 | 84 of 192 |
| Share of women in parliament | 20.3 % | 2025 | 123 of 192 |
| Year women gained the right to vote | 1,948 | 2025 | 127 of 189 |
| Paid maternity leave | 98 days or more of paid leave | 2025 | 121 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Paid paternity leave | 14 days or more of paid leave | 2025 | 60 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Women's right to vote | Right to vote granted to all women | 2025 | 189 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Women's right to take a job without permission | Same right as men | 2025 | 168 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Women's right to travel abroad | Same right as men | 2025 | 171 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Equal inheritance between sons and daughters | Equal rights for sons and daughters | 2025 | 146 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Equal pay for work of equal value | Not written into law | 2025 | 88 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Equal property ownership rights | Equal rights for men and women | 2025 | 165 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Ban on gender discrimination in employment | Discrimination prohibited by law | 2025 | 157 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Femicide law | No specific provision | 2025 | 151 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Law on sexual harassment | Four areas covered | 2025 | 11 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Law on domestic violence | Comprehensive law | 2025 | 93 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Legal quota for women on company boards | Lower quota (under 40% or at least one woman) | 2025 | 25 countries out of 186 in the same category |
Women's Legal Equality (Indices) 11
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women's legal equality: property and inheritance | 100 /100 | 2025 | 1 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: childcare | 100 /100 | 2025 | 1 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: marriage | 100 /100 | 2025 | 1 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: mobility | 100 /100 | 2025 | 1 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: retirement | 100 /100 | 2025 | 1 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: entrepreneurship | 87.5 /100 | 2025 | 3 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: overall index | 85.6 /100 | 2025 | 35 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: parental leave and pregnancy | 87.5 /100 | 2025 | 47 of 186 |
| Legal protection of women against violence | 50 /100 | 2025 | 51 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: access to employment | 75 /100 | 2025 | 61 of 186 |
| Women's legal equality: pay and occupations | 56.3 /100 | 2025 | 154 of 186 |
LGBTQ+ rights 17
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| LGBT rights index (composite policy index) | 2.6 pts | 2025 | 81 of 194 |
| Joint adoption by a same-sex couple | Not allowed | 2025 | 155 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Age of sexual consent: same-sex couples | Same as for different-sex couples | 2025 | 120 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Legal change of gender marker | Possible by court decision | 2025 | 7 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Anti-LGBT hate crimes: aggravating circumstance | Not covered | 2025 | 126 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Ban on incitement to anti-LGBT hatred | Not prohibited | 2025 | 141 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Ban on non-consensual surgeries on intersex children | Not banned | 2025 | 182 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Ban on conversion therapies | Not banned | 2025 | 169 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Laws limiting public LGBT expression (“propaganda”) | No restrictions | 2025 | 149 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Same-sex marriage and civil union | No legal provision | 2025 | 45 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Death penalty for same-sex relations | No death penalty provided for | 2025 | 185 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Protection against employment discrimination (sexual orientation, gender identity) | Sexual orientation only | 2025 | 32 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Protection from discrimination in goods and services (LGBT) | Sexual orientation only | 2025 | 21 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Protection of sexual orientation and gender identity in the constitution | Not mentioned | 2025 | 180 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Legal recognition of a third gender | Not recognized | 2025 | 174 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Same-sex sexual relations | Legal | 2025 | 130 countries out of 194 in the same category |
| Gender-affirming care: coverage and restrictions | Neither coverage nor national restriction | 2025 | 149 countries out of 194 in the same category |
Justice and security 7
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 0.5 per 100,000 | 2023 | 12 of 192 |
| United Nations Convention against Torture | State party | 2026 | 171 countries out of 202 in the same category |
| International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) | State party | 2026 | 172 countries out of 202 in the same category |
| Civilian access to handguns | Prohibited for civilians | 2026 | 60 countries out of 113 in the same category |
| Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court | State party | 2026 | 117 countries out of 202 in the same category |
| Legal status of the death penalty | Abolitionist in practice (no executions for 10 years) | 2026 | 23 countries out of 195 in the same category |
| Legal status of cannabis (recreational use) | Prohibited | 2026 | 144 countries out of 194 in the same category |
Health and reproductive rights 6
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Births attended by skilled health personnel | 100 % | 2015 | 1 of 204 |
| Adolescent birth rate | 0.5 per 1,000 | 2024 | 3 of 213 |
| Maternal mortality | 4 per 100,000 | 2023 | 14 of 192 |
| Unmet need for contraception | 8.6 % | 2021 | 21 of 150 |
| Use of modern contraceptives | 67.6 % | 2021 | 22 of 181 |
| Abortion: grounds allowed by law | Allowed on request (within a time limit set by law) | 2026 | 67 countries out of 191 in the same category |
Work and social rights 8
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory monthly minimum wage in purchasing power parity | $2,362 | 2024 | 12 of 168 |
| Legal monthly minimum wage | $1,511 | 2024 | 17 of 168 |
| Legal retirement age (women) | 60 yrs | 2026 | 47 of 78 |
| Population covered by at least one social benefit | 80.2 % | 2022 | 58 of 210 |
| Legal retirement age (men) | 60 yrs | 2026 | 60 of 78 |
| Employees covered by a collective agreement | 15.6 % | 2019 | 68 of 99 |
| Trade union membership rate | 12.4 % | 2020 | 88 of 137 |
| Non-respect of freedom of association and collective bargaining | 5.6 /10 | 2024 | 160 of 186 |
Family & Nationality 9
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age of civil majority | 19 yrs | 2026 | 19 of 187 |
| Years of residence required for naturalization | 5 yrs | 2026 | 66 of 152 |
| Dual nationality | Not recognised | 2026 | 98 countries out of 191 in the same category |
| Women's right to be head of household | Same right as men | 2025 | 157 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Women's right to divorce | Same right as men | 2025 | 142 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Legal framework on child marriage | At least one condition is missing | 2025 | 141 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Nationality acquired by birth on the territory | Not acquired automatically by birth in the country | 2026 | 154 countries out of 192 in the same category |
| Wife's legal duty of obedience to her husband | No duty of obedience in the law | 2025 | 168 countries out of 186 in the same category |
| Legal status of polygamy | Not recognized (prohibited) | 2026 | 107 countries out of 167 in the same category |
Civic duties 4
| Indicator | Value | Year | World position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age of entry into primary school | 6 yrs | 2025 | 33 of 207 |
| Duration of compulsory schooling | 9 yrs | 2025 | 113 of 194 |
| Compulsory military service | Compulsory military service | 2025 | 61 countries out of 134 in the same category |
| Compulsory voting | Voluntary voting | 2026 | 199 countries out of 226 in the same category |
Frequently asked questions
How many people live in South Korea?
South Korea has about 51,684,564 inhabitants (2025), ranking 29 worldwide out of 213 countries.
What is the GDP per capita of South Korea?
GDP per capita is $36,227 /inh. (2025): South Korea ranks 46 out of 211 countries.
What is the inflation rate in South Korea?
Annual inflation is 2.1 % (2025); South Korea ranks 66 out of 191 (ranked from lowest to highest).
What is the unemployment rate in South Korea?
The unemployment rate is 2.7 % (2025); South Korea ranks 29 out of 184 (ranked from lowest to highest).
Where does South Korea stand in its region (Asia)?
GDP per capita: South Korea has $36,227 /inh., above the regional median (Asia: $6,540 /inh.).
Where do the figures on South Korea come from?
The data comes from public sources (World Bank, CIA World Factbook…), cited on each indicator page, with the year of each value.
Rank is the position in the world ranking for each indicator (the ranking direction is given on the indicator's page). Sources and update dates are on each indicator's page.