Country	Korea-North
Capital	Pyongyang
Continent	Asia
Currency	North Korean won(KPW)
Languages	Korean

Locaion

Eastern Asia, northern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, between China and South Korea

Geographic Co ordinates

40 00 N, 127 00 E

Land Boundries

Total:1,673 km
Border countries:China 1,416 km, South Korea 238 km, Russia 19 km

Geography - note

strategic location bordering China, South Korea, and Russia; mountainous interior is isolated and sparsely populated

Population

22,757,275 (July 2010 est.)
Country comparison to the world:50

Nationality

Noun:Korean(s)
Adjective:Korean

Ethnic groups

racially homogeneous; there is a small Chinese community and a few ethnic Japanese

Religions

traditionally Buddhist and Confucianist, some Christian and syncretic Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way)
note: autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent; government-sponsored religious groups exist to provide illusion of religious freedom

Languages

Korean

Country Name

Conventional long form:Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Conventional short form:North Korea
Local long form:Choson-minjujuui-inmin-konghwaguk
Local short form:Choson
abbreviation: DPRK

Government Type

Communist state one-man dictatorship

Capital

Name:Pyongyang
Geographic coordinates:39 01 N, 125 45 E
Time difference:UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions

9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 2 municipalities (si, singular and plural)
provinces: Chagang-do (Chagang), Hamgyong-bukto (North Hamgyong), Hamgyong-namdo (South Hamgyong), Hwanghae-bukto (North Hwanghae), Hwanghae-namdo (South Hwanghae), Kangwon-do (Kangwon), P'yongan-bukto (North P'yongan), P'yongan-namdo (South P'yongan), Yanggang-do (Yanggang)
municipalities: Nason-si, P'yongyang-si

Independence

15 August 1945 (from Japan)

National Holiday

Founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), 9 September (1948)

Constitution

adopted 1948; revised several times most recently in 2009

Legal system

based on Prussian civil law system with Japanese influences and Communist legal theory; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage

17 years of age; universal

Executive branch

Chief of state:KIM Jong Il (since July 1994); note - on 9 April 2009, rubberstamp Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) reelected KIM Jong Il chairman of the National Defense Commission, a position accorded nation's "highest administrative authority"; SPA reelected KIM Yong Nam in 2009 president of its Presidium also with responsibility of representing state and receiving diplomatic credentials
Head of government:Premier KIM Yong Il (since 11 April 2007); Vice Premier KWAK Pom Gi (since 5 September 1998), Vice Premier O Su Yong (since 13 April 2009), Vice Premier PAK Su Gil (since 18 September 2009), Vice Premier PAK Myong Su (since 4 September 2009), Vice Premier RO Tu Chol (since 3 September 2003)
Cabinet:Naegak (cabinet) members, except for Minister of People's Armed Forces, are appointed by SPA
(For more information visit the World Leaders website)
Elections:last election held in September 2003; date of next election NA
Election results:KIM Jong Il and KIM Yong Nam were only nominees for positions and ran unopposed

Legislative branch

unicameral Supreme People's Assembly or Ch'oego Inmin Hoeui (687 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
Elections: last held on 8 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2014)
Election results:percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; ruling party approves a list of candidates who are elected without opposition; a token number of seats are reserved for minor parties

Judicial branch

Central Court (judges are elected by the Supreme People's Assembly)

Political Parties and Leaders

major party - Korean Workers' Party or KWP [KIM Jong Il]; minor parties - Chondoist Chongu Party [RYU Mi Yong] (under KWP control), Social Democratic Party [KIM Yong Dae] (under KWP control)

Political pressure groups and leaders

none

International organization participation

ARF, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US

none; North Korea has a Permanent Mission to the UN in New York

Diplomatic representation from the US

none; note - Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang represents the US as consular protecting power

Flag description

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red band is edged in white; on the hoist side of the red band is a white disk with a red five-pointed star

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South Korean president mulls apology to North - Al JazeeraSouth Korean president mulls apology to North  Al Jazeera North Korea’s capital described as modern ‘Pyonghattan’ - CNNNorth Korea’s capital described as modern ‘Pyonghattan’  CNN 'Surveillance State': Cong MP Draws North Korea Parallel Over Sanchar Saathi App Row - Times of India'Surveillance State': Cong MP Draws North Korea Parallel Over Sanchar Saathi App Row  Times of India South Korea’s Lee praises Trump, hopes US can resume North Korea dialogue - ThePrintSouth Korea’s Lee praises Trump, hopes US can resume North Korea dialogue  ThePrint Kim Jong Un's Su-25 fighters have a new weapon, and it looks a lot like a Western cruise missile with a 300-mile range - Business InsiderKim Jong Un's Su-25 fighters have a new weapon, and it looks a lot like a Western cruise missile with a 300-mile range  Business Insider Lee Jae-myung’s Latest Policy Signals to North Korea - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineLee Jae-myung’s Latest Policy Signals to North Korea  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine South Korea Says US Drills Can Be Reviewed for North Korea Talks - Bloomberg.comSouth Korea Says US Drills Can Be Reviewed for North Korea Talks  Bloomberg.com South Korean president weighs apology to North Korea over allegations of leafleting and drone use - The New Indian ExpressSouth Korean president weighs apology to North Korea over allegations of leafleting and drone use  The New Indian Express Seoul says six nationals held in North Korea, vows to help them - Gulf NewsSeoul says six nationals held in North Korea, vows to help them  Gulf News North Korea's air force displays new capabilities - JanesNorth Korea's air force displays new capabilities  Janes Seoul demands release of six South Koreans detained in North Korea since 2013 - News Arena IndiaSeoul demands release of six South Koreans detained in North Korea since 2013  News Arena India North Korea Appears to Reject Trump’s Offer for Talks - Arms Control AssociationNorth Korea Appears to Reject Trump’s Offer for Talks  Arms Control Association South Korea calls for dialogue to secure return of detainees held by North Korea - NK NewsSouth Korea calls for dialogue to secure return of detainees held by North Korea  NK News Several Ukrainian children abducted by Russia forcibly sent to North Korea, expert tells US Senate - The Kyiv IndependentSeveral Ukrainian children abducted by Russia forcibly sent to North Korea, expert tells US Senate  The Kyiv Independent Why North Korea’s December plenary meeting matters for the Ninth Party Congress - DailyNKWhy North Korea’s December plenary meeting matters for the Ninth Party Congress  DailyNK How to Deter North Korea while Pursuing America First Policy - Small Wars JournalHow to Deter North Korea while Pursuing America First Policy  Small Wars Journal Seoul’s search for stability: political turmoil underscores need for a consistent North Korea policy - The Korea HeraldSeoul’s search for stability: political turmoil underscores need for a consistent North Korea policy  The Korea Herald N. Korea’s Lazarus Group suspected to be behind $30M Upbit hack - CoinGeekN. Korea’s Lazarus Group suspected to be behind $30M Upbit hack  CoinGeek Presidential office addresses detention of six South Koreans held by North Korea - Korea JoongAng DailyPresidential office addresses detention of six South Koreans held by North Korea  Korea JoongAng Daily South Korean president weighs apology to North Korea over allegations of leafleting and drone use - AP NewsSouth Korean president weighs apology to North Korea over allegations of leafleting and drone use  AP News South Korea’s President Lee Hails Trump, Hopes for North Korea Dialogue Restart - Modern DiplomacySouth Korea’s President Lee Hails Trump, Hopes for North Korea Dialogue Restart  Modern Diplomacy Russia-North Korea talks likely focused on resources and energy, photos suggest - NK NewsRussia-North Korea talks likely focused on resources and energy, photos suggest  NK News South Korea proposes talks with North Korea on military demarcation line - Al JazeeraSouth Korea proposes talks with North Korea on military demarcation line  Al Jazeera Seoul praises legal change banning activist balloon launches toward North Korea - NK NewsSeoul praises legal change banning activist balloon launches toward North Korea  NK News Joëlle Hivonnet: How the North Korean threat came knocking on the EU’s door - NK NewsJoëlle Hivonnet: How the North Korean threat came knocking on the EU’s door  NK News Front company for North Korean military set to export aphrodisiacs to Russia - NK NewsFront company for North Korean military set to export aphrodisiacs to Russia  NK News Foreign Minister Cho stresses need for North Korea diplomacy alongside South Korea-U.S. deterrence efforts - Korea JoongAng DailyForeign Minister Cho stresses need for North Korea diplomacy alongside South Korea-U.S. deterrence efforts  Korea JoongAng Daily Seoul says six nationals held in North Korea, vows to help them - The Standard (HK)Seoul says six nationals held in North Korea, vows to help them  The Standard (HK) Analyzing North Korea’s New Air-Launched Guided Weapons - The War ZoneAnalyzing North Korea’s New Air-Launched Guided Weapons  The War Zone North Korea’s capital described as modern ‘Pyonghattan’ - CNNNorth Korea’s capital described as modern ‘Pyonghattan’  CNN Officials accuse North Korea’s Lazarus of $30 million theft from crypto exchange - The Record from Recorded Future NewsOfficials accuse North Korea’s Lazarus of $30 million theft from crypto exchange  The Record from Recorded Future News North Korea says US-South Korea deal to set off 'nuclear domino' effect - ReutersNorth Korea says US-South Korea deal to set off 'nuclear domino' effect  Reuters North Korea’s secret police crack down on officials’ wives consulting fortune tellers ahead of year-end reshuffle - DailyNKNorth Korea’s secret police crack down on officials’ wives consulting fortune tellers ahead of year-end reshuffle  DailyNK Presidential office confirms 6 citizens detained in N. Korea, vows efforts to release them - upi.comPresidential office confirms 6 citizens detained in N. Korea, vows efforts to release them  upi.com Row erupts as South Korea’s president says he wants to say sorry to North Korea - The IndependentRow erupts as South Korea’s president says he wants to say sorry to North Korea  The Independent Moon Chung-in: Revising Constitution Could Spur North Korea Dialogue - ????Moon Chung-in: Revising Constitution Could Spur North Korea Dialogue  ???? 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A diminished Russia risks losing control of Far East territory as China and North Korea expand influence - Milwaukee IndependentA diminished Russia risks losing control of Far East territory as China and North Korea expand influence  Milwaukee Independent How North Korea Is Outsourcing Espionage to American Companies - RealClearDefenseHow North Korea Is Outsourcing Espionage to American Companies  RealClearDefense Seoul raises military budget 7.5% for ‘self-reliant defense’ against North Korea - NK NewsSeoul raises military budget 7.5% for ‘self-reliant defense’ against North Korea  NK News US, ROK officials agree to coordinate closely to restart talks with North Korea - NK NewsUS, ROK officials agree to coordinate closely to restart talks with North Korea  NK News North Korea Unveils New UAS, Air-Launched Weapons at Air Force Event - Aviation Week NetworkNorth Korea Unveils New UAS, Air-Launched Weapons at Air Force Event  Aviation Week Network S. Korea's Lee proposes restoring communication channels with N. Korea - QazinformS. Korea's Lee proposes restoring communication channels with N. Korea  Qazinform North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Toward Eastern Waters, Says South Korea - NDTVNorth Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Toward Eastern Waters, Says South Korea  NDTV Unification ministry says revised law will likely end anti-N. Korea leaflet launches - The Korea TimesUnification ministry says revised law will likely end anti-N. Korea leaflet launches  The Korea Times Seoul says six nationals held in North Korea, vows to help them - Iosco County News HeraldSeoul says six nationals held in North Korea, vows to help them  Iosco County News Herald Ukrainian Children Abducted by Russia Reportedly Sent to North Korea, US Senators Examine Evidence - UNITED24 MediaUkrainian Children Abducted by Russia Reportedly Sent to North Korea, US Senators Examine Evidence  UNITED24 Media North Korea threatens offensive action over US-South Korea security talks - India TodayNorth Korea threatens offensive action over US-South Korea security talks  India Today Lee says he ‘lacks info’ on S. Koreans held in North Korea - The Korea HeraldLee says he ‘lacks info’ on S. Koreans held in North Korea  The Korea Herald Akhilesh Yadav on Sanchar Saathi app: ‘Is the govt following path of North Korea’s Kim Jong Un?’ - news24online.comAkhilesh Yadav on Sanchar Saathi app: ‘Is the govt following path of North Korea’s Kim Jong Un?’  news24online.com The Two Koreas: Could a North-South Summit Be in the Works? - RealClearDefenseThe Two Koreas: Could a North-South Summit Be in the Works?  RealClearDefense North Korea accuses G7 of double standards over denuclearization call - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea accuses G7 of double standards over denuclearization call  Anadolu Ajansi Allies reaffirm coordination on N. Korea’s return to ‘meaningful’ dialogue - The Korea HeraldAllies reaffirm coordination on N. Korea’s return to ‘meaningful’ dialogue  The Korea Herald Ukraine accuses Russia of sending abducted children to North Korea - Dagens.comUkraine accuses Russia of sending abducted children to North Korea  Dagens.com South Korean President considers apologizing to North Korea over leaflet and drone allegations - United News of BangladeshSouth Korean President considers apologizing to North Korea over leaflet and drone allegations  United News of Bangladesh North Korean firm eyeing construction of meat plant in Russia, officials say - NK NewsNorth Korean firm eyeing construction of meat plant in Russia, officials say  NK News President Lee Unaware of North Korean Detainees; U.S. Mobilizes - ????President Lee Unaware of North Korean Detainees; U.S. Mobilizes  ???? South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung Pushes for Peaceful Dialogue with North Korea - ?????South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung Pushes for Peaceful Dialogue with North Korea  ????? 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Here’s why  The Indian Express North Korea parade: Is Kim Jong Un stronger than ever? - Times of IndiaNorth Korea parade: Is Kim Jong Un stronger than ever?  Times of India 'Bull of peace' laid to rest on border hill after drifting from N. Korea in 1996 flood - The Korea Times'Bull of peace' laid to rest on border hill after drifting from N. Korea in 1996 flood  The Korea Times Ahn Hak-seop, the 95-year-old ex-combatant who wants to return to North Korea: ‘I must die there’ - EL PAÍS EnglishAhn Hak-seop, the 95-year-old ex-combatant who wants to return to North Korea: ‘I must die there’  EL PAÍS English Pie in the sky: North Korea flaunts new aerial assets out of step with its needs - NK NewsPie in the sky: North Korea flaunts new aerial assets out of step with its needs  NK News Pinpointing where North Korea hides its US-aimed missiles - Asia TimesPinpointing where North Korea hides its US-aimed missiles  Asia Times How 'Free North Korea Radio' smuggles truth across the border, and why it may go silent - YnetnewsHow 'Free North Korea Radio' smuggles truth across the border, and why it may go silent  Ynetnews North Korea’s Su-25 Jets Reveal Indigenous Taurus-Style Cruise Missile and New Precision Munitions - Army RecognitionNorth Korea’s Su-25 Jets Reveal Indigenous Taurus-Style Cruise Missile and New Precision Munitions  Army Recognition South Korean Hit Echoes in 'God's Band' North Korea - ????South Korean Hit Echoes in 'God's Band' North Korea  ???? Some of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia were transported to DPRK, where they were placed in military camps - ??????.???Some of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia were transported to DPRK, where they were placed in military camps  ??????.??? 'Bull of peace' laid to rest on border hill after drifting from North Korea in 1996 flood - Korea JoongAng Daily'Bull of peace' laid to rest on border hill after drifting from North Korea in 1996 flood  Korea JoongAng Daily SK President Lee weighs apology to North - Taipei TimesSK President Lee weighs apology to North  Taipei Times South Korea to maintain backing for UN resolution on North Korea human rights - ReutersSouth Korea to maintain backing for UN resolution on North Korea human rights  Reuters South Korea confirms six citizens held in North Korea for years - The Sun MalaysiaSouth Korea confirms six citizens held in North Korea for years  The Sun Malaysia North Korea warns of more 'offensive action' after latest missile launch - The Japan TimesNorth Korea warns of more 'offensive action' after latest missile launch  The Japan Times Seoul says six nationals held in North Korea, vows to help them - Northeast Mississippi Daily JournalSeoul says six nationals held in North Korea, vows to help them  Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal India appoints ambassador to North Korea after four-year envoy absence - NK NewsIndia appoints ambassador to North Korea after four-year envoy absence  NK News South Korea, Japan, U.S. hold aerial drill in demonstration of strength against North Korea - The HinduSouth Korea, Japan, U.S. hold aerial drill in demonstration of strength against North Korea  The Hindu