Pyongyang's 2026 population is now estimated at 4,000,888. In 1993, the population of Pyongyang was 2,741,260. Pyongyang has grown by 45,579 in the last year, which represents a 1.15% annual change. These population values and projections come from North Korea top-level unit census series 1993-2008 via CityPopulation official citation and World Population Review Internal Projections .
Pyongyang is the capital city of North Korea. It is also the largest city in terms of population, with the 2008 Census putting the population at 3,255,388. It is considered the industrial center of North Korea because of the availability of natural resources.
The total population of Pyongyang is over 3 million. Most of the residents are in the 15 to 64-year demographic. There are slightly more females than males in the city. Approximately 99% of the people who live here are Korean. There are also smaller populations of Russian, Chinese, and Japanese residents. The official language is Korean.
According to mythology, the city was founded in 1122 B.C. In 668, Pyongyang was designed as the capital of the Protectorate General to Pacify the East. Less than 10 years later, the city was taken by Silla. During the Joseon dynasty, the city was the provincial capital of the Pyeongan Province.
The city was captured in the late 1500s by the Japanese. They were later defeated during the Siege of Pyongyang. During the 16th century, the city became a center for Christian expansion throughout Korea. By the late 1800s, there were over 100 churches constructed. During this time, the population had grown to about 40,000 people.
However, the city was soon depopulated and destroyed during the First Sino-Japanese War. However, the city’s population rebounded after it became an industrial center.
By the time the 1930s rolled around, the city’s population exceeded 235,000. In the 1940s, the city became the capital of the Provisional People’s Committee for North Korea. Later in the decade, it was designated as the de facto capital of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. During the Korean War, the city was damaged yet again and was the target of an aerial raid that was the largest in the entire war.
The city began to rebuild using Soviet aid, and new buildings were constructed in the Socialist Classicism style. The entire city had to be rebuilt and was designed through Kim II-sung’s plan. Pyongyang launched a modernization program in 2001 to further improve the city. Today, the city is the industrial center of North Korea and has an abundance of natural resources including iron, limestone and coal. Heavy industries including cement, weapons, and mechanical engineering, as well as light industries like textiles, food, and footwear contribute to the local economy. The city is also the main transportation hub of North Korea.
The city has seen massive population growth over the years. Its thriving economy, landmarks, retail shopping and other modern establishments, and universities make it an appealing place to call home. The city’s population is only expected to continue to grow into the future.
| City | 2026 Pop. ↓ | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| South Pyongan | 4,672,958 | 0.8% |
| Pyongyang | 4,000,888 | 1.15% |
| South Hamgyong | 3,520,803 | 0.77% |
| North Pyongan | 3,124,412 | 0.76% |
| South Hwanghae | 2,729,384 | 0.93% |
| North Hamgyong | 2,693,250 | 0.81% |
| P'yongyang | 2,521,785 | 0% |
| North Hwanghae | 2,485,796 | 0.91% |
| Kangwon Province | 1,715,885 | 0.83% |
| Chagang Province | 1,501,329 | 0.8% |
| Ryanggang Province | 829,830 | 0.8% |
| Hamhung | 703,610 | 0% |
| Ch'ongjin | 614,892 | 0% |
| Sinuiju | 334,031 | 0% |
| Wonsan | 328,467 | 0% |
| Namp'o | 310,531 | 0% |
| Sariwon | 271,434 | 0% |
| Kaech'on | 262,389 | 0% |
| Kanggye | 251,971 | 0% |
| Sunch'on | 250,738 | 0% |
| Haeju | 241,599 | 0% |
| Tanch'on | 240,873 | 0% |
| P'yongsong | 236,583 | 0% |
| Tokch'on | 210,571 | 0% |
| Kaesong | 192,578 | 0% |
| Hyesan | 174,015 | 0% |
| Anju | 167,646 | 0% |
| Rason | 158,337 | 0% |
| Kimch'aek | 155,284 | 0% |
| Kusong | 155,181 | 0% |
| Huich'on | 136,093 | 0% |
| Sinp'o | 130,951 | 0% |
| Kangso | 119,848 | 0% |
| Chongju | 102,659 | 0% |
| Ch'ollima | 102,436 | 0% |
| Songrim | 95,878 | 0% |
| Munch'on | 92,525 | 0% |
| Hoeryong | 92,494 | 0% |
| Manp'o | 82,631 | 0% |
| Taean | 66,261 | 0% |
| Samjiyon | 25,558 | 0% |