What country uses the internet the least?

The Hermit Kingdom’s Digital Divide: North Korea and the World’s Lowest Internet Penetration

The internet, a ubiquitous force shaping modern life, has woven itself into the fabric of nearly every nation on Earth. Yet, even in our hyper-connected world, one country remains stubbornly disconnected: North Korea. While the precise level of internet access within its borders remains shrouded in secrecy, it’s undeniable that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) boasts the lowest internet penetration rate globally.

The commonly held belief is that only a minuscule percentage of the North Korean population enjoys internet access. Estimates, while largely speculative due to the regime’s stringent information control, point to a number in the low thousands, a stark contrast to the billions connected worldwide. This isn’t simply about limited infrastructure; it’s a deliberate policy reflecting the DPRK’s authoritarian regime and its prioritization of absolute control over information flow.

Unlike many countries with low internet penetration due to infrastructural limitations or economic constraints, North Korea’s case is unique. The government actively restricts access, employing sophisticated censorship and surveillance measures to prevent its citizens from engaging with the outside world. Instead of the open internet, a heavily controlled intranet, known as Kwangmyong, serves as the primary access point for a select few – primarily government officials, academics, and those in privileged positions. Even within this limited network, access is meticulously monitored and content is rigorously vetted.

The lack of widespread internet access has profound consequences. It limits North Koreans’ ability to access information, education, and global perspectives, reinforcing isolation and hindering economic development. The restricted flow of information perpetuates the regime’s propaganda and prevents the emergence of independent thought and dissent.

The difficulty in obtaining accurate data on North Korea’s internet usage underscores the regime’s secrecy and opacity. International organizations and researchers struggle to gather reliable information, relying on anecdotal evidence, defector testimonies, and limited technological analysis to piece together a fragmented picture. This lack of transparency further highlights the extreme isolation of the DPRK and the challenges in assessing the true extent of its digital divide.

In conclusion, while pinpointing the exact number of North Koreans with internet access is impossible, the undeniable fact remains that the country holds the unenviable title of having the world’s lowest internet penetration. This isn’t a matter of technological limitations, but rather a consequence of a deliberate policy designed to maintain absolute control and preserve the regime’s grip on power. The hermit kingdom’s digital isolation stands as a stark reminder of the power of information control and the profound impact of disconnecting a nation from the global network.