When you scan the globe’s 195 sovereign nations, it might surprise you that just five countries begin with the letter “K.” Even more surprising? In English, only three of those names actually start with the “K” sound. This sound may seem uncommon in English conversation, but it’s far from rare on a global scale — it features in roughly 90% of the world’s languages.

In fact, a detailed linguistic study from Cornell University, which analyzed 40,000 English words, revealed that the “K” sound appears in just 0.69% of them. So, while it might not be frequent in English, it’s a major player in language around the world.

In 2025, average annual temperatures in K-starting countries range from -4°C in Kyrgyzstan to 28°C in Kuwait. The origins behind each country that starts with K reveal fascinating historical and cultural stories worth exploring.

Table of Contents

Countries That Start and End with K (2025 Data Table)

Below is a comprehensive table listing all countries starting with K and the one that ends with K, along with their population as of 2025, official currency, and their respective world region.

Country Name	Population (2025 est.)	Currency	Region
Kazakhstan	19.8 million	Tenge	Central Asia
Kenya	56.1 million	Kenyan Shilling	East Africa
Kingdom of Serbia/Yugoslavia*	(Historical reference)	Yugoslav Dinar*	Europe
Kiribati	132,000	Australian Dollar	Oceania
Korea (North)	25.9 million	North Korean Won	East Asia
Korea (South)	52.3 million	South Korean Won	East Asia
Kosovo	1.8 million	Euro	Europe
Kuwait	4.7 million	Kuwaiti Dinar	Middle East
Kyrgyzstan	7.1 million	Kyrgyzstani Som	Central Asia
Denmark	5.9 million	Danish Krone	Northern Europe

Country That Ends With K

Denmark

When it comes to countries ending with the letter K, Denmark is the only one in the English language. Despite its small size, Denmark is highly influential in areas like design, sustainability, and human rights.

Capital: Copenhagen
Language: Danish
Region: Northern Europe
Key Fact: Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world.

Denmark is also part of the Scandinavian region and plays a vital role in the European Union (although it opted out of the euro and continues to use the Danish Krone).

Why Countries Starting With K Matter?

Each country that starts with K offers unique contributions to the world stage—whether it’s in energy resources, technology, geopolitics, environmental challenges, or cultural influence.

Kazakhstan and Kuwait are vital in global energy production.
Kenya and Kyrgyzstan showcase rich biodiversity and mountainous terrains.
South Korea is a tech powerhouse, while North Korea remains an enigma in international diplomacy.
Kosovo symbolizes the ongoing evolution of statehood in modern politics.
Kiribati reminds us of the critical urgency of climate change.

Together, these nations embody the spectrum of global experiences—from prosperity to challenges, from ancient heritage to newly formed governance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the countries that start with K opens up a fascinating lens into global diversity, geopolitics, and culture. From the vast steppes of Kazakhstan to the remote islands of Kiribati, every country that starts with K adds a different thread to the world’s tapestry.

Whether you’re a student, a traveler, or a global affairs enthusiast, knowing about these countries deepens your grasp of the world’s complexity and interconnectedness. And let’s not forget Denmark, the only country that ends with the letter K, standing proudly in Northern Europe as a beacon of progress and happiness.

So next time you browse a globe or plan an international adventure, remember the unique and intriguing profiles of the nations that begin—or end—with the letter K.

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