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

Video

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Korea's Kim visits war cemeteries on Korean War armistice anniversary - The Korea TimesN. Korea's Kim visits war cemeteries on Korean War armistice anniversary  The Korea Times North Korea's Firm Nuclear Stance Challenges Global Diplomacy - DevdiscourseNorth Korea's Firm Nuclear Stance Challenges Global Diplomacy  Devdiscourse North Korea Planning Largest Ever Foreign Deployment with 30,000 Troops Heading to Russia - Reports - Military Watch MagazineNorth Korea Planning Largest Ever Foreign Deployment with 30,000 Troops Heading to Russia - Reports  Military Watch Magazine The Waters Shift: North Korea's Naval Awakening and a New Calculus of Deterrence - IndraStra GlobalThe Waters Shift: North Korea's Naval Awakening and a New Calculus of Deterrence  IndraStra Global North Korea’s Nuclear Doctrine: Implications and Strategic Countermeasures for the US-ROK Alliance - 38 NorthNorth Korea’s Nuclear Doctrine: Implications and Strategic Countermeasures for the US-ROK Alliance  38 North Kim orders major expansion of North Korea intelligence network - upi.comKim orders major expansion of North Korea intelligence network  upi.com Kim Jong-un's sister criticizes ARF's call for North Korea's denuclearization - Korea JoongAng DailyKim Jong-un's sister criticizes ARF's call for North Korea's denuclearization  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korea covers Panmungak building at JSA for apparent repairs - The Korea HeraldNorth Korea covers Panmungak building at JSA for apparent repairs  The Korea Herald Russia unveils commemorative plaque honoring North Korean troops - Korea JoongAng DailyRussia unveils commemorative plaque honoring North Korean troops  Korea JoongAng Daily Russia wants 30,000 more troops from North Korea, Zelenskyy says - politico.euRussia wants 30,000 more troops from North Korea, Zelenskyy says  politico.eu Korean Armistice endures as collective defense achievement, regional security foundation - Indo-Pacific Defense FORUMKorean Armistice endures as collective defense achievement, regional security foundation  Indo-Pacific Defense FORUM Opinion | America’s North Korea strategy needs a dose of reality - South China Morning PostOpinion | America’s North Korea strategy needs a dose of reality  South China Morning Post North Korea says nuclear capability will be updated steadily, KCNA says - Awani InternationalNorth Korea says nuclear capability will be updated steadily, KCNA says  Awani International Japan Condemns N. Korea for Sending Troops to Russia - nippon.comJapan Condemns N. Korea for Sending Troops to Russia  nippon.com A heavily armed border still divides North and South Korea 70 years after the armistice - iNFOnews.caA heavily armed border still divides North and South Korea 70 years after the armistice  iNFOnews.ca A heavily armed border still divides North and South Korea 70 years after the armistice - ????A heavily armed border still divides North and South Korea 70 years after the armistice  ???? Senior Chinese delegation visits North Korea for talks - Al JazeeraSenior Chinese delegation visits North Korea for talks  Al Jazeera N. Korea covers inter-Korean border building in screens for renovation - Inquirer.netN. Korea covers inter-Korean border building in screens for renovation  Inquirer.net Lee’s North Korea policy ‘reset’ waits on a Pyongyang that sees no need - NK NewsLee’s North Korea policy ‘reset’ waits on a Pyongyang that sees no need  NK News Zelenskyy claims Russia seeks to bring 30,000 North Korean troops for war - Anadolu AjansiZelenskyy claims Russia seeks to bring 30,000 North Korean troops for war  Anadolu Ajansi Kim Yo-jong Dismisses ARF Denuclearization as 'Foolish Delusion' - ????Kim Yo-jong Dismisses ARF Denuclearization as 'Foolish Delusion'  ???? North Korea backs ASEAN role, criticizes US pursuit of own 'security, prosperity' in Southeast Asia - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea backs ASEAN role, criticizes US pursuit of own 'security, prosperity' in Southeast Asia  Anadolu Ajansi South Korea airs concerns over North Korean border activity - dw.comSouth Korea airs concerns over North Korean border activity  dw.com North Korea Rejects ASEAN Forum's Call for Denuclearization - Qatar news agencyNorth Korea Rejects ASEAN Forum's Call for Denuclearization  Qatar news agency Russia wants 30,000 more North Korean troops for Ukraine war: Zelenskyy - The Japan TimesRussia wants 30,000 more North Korean troops for Ukraine war: Zelenskyy  The Japan Times Life in North Korea -- the loyalty I mistook for foolishness - upi.comLife in North Korea -- the loyalty I mistook for foolishness  upi.com ARF statement calls for 'complete denuclearization' of Korean Peninsula for 2nd straight year - The Korea HeraldARF statement calls for 'complete denuclearization' of Korean Peninsula for 2nd straight year  The Korea Herald Russia preparing to receive additional North Korean troops, Zelensky says - The Kyiv IndependentRussia preparing to receive additional North Korean troops, Zelensky says  The Kyiv Independent Kim Jong-un Visits War Martyrs’ Cemeteries, Hails Korean War Victory - ????Kim Jong-un Visits War Martyrs’ Cemeteries, Hails Korean War Victory  ???? 'It was like being in North Korea': Wangchuk alleges harassment at Safdarjung before shift to Medanta - The New Indian Express'It was like being in North Korea': Wangchuk alleges harassment at Safdarjung before shift to Medanta  The New Indian Express North Korea’s Kim hails ‘unshakeable will’ to develop ties with China’s Xi - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim hails ‘unshakeable will’ to develop ties with China’s Xi  Al Jazeera North Korea and China: What drives their “unbreakable friendship”? - ??????North Korea and China: What drives their “unbreakable friendship”?  ?????? Kim Yo Jong of North Korea Calls ARF Statement on "Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" "Utterly Ridiculous" - ?????Kim Yo Jong of North Korea Calls ARF Statement on "Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" "Utterly Ridiculous"  ????? North Korea says nuclear capability will be updated steadily, KCNA reports - GMA NetworkNorth Korea says nuclear capability will be updated steadily, KCNA reports  GMA Network Russia requests 30,000 more North Korean soldiers for Ukraine war - The Jerusalem PostRussia requests 30,000 more North Korean soldiers for Ukraine war  The Jerusalem Post Russia seeks 30,000 extra North Korea troops: Zelensky - The Daily StarRussia seeks 30,000 extra North Korea troops: Zelensky  The Daily Star A heavily armed border still divides North and South Korea 73 years after the armistice - New Castle NewsA heavily armed border still divides North and South Korea 73 years after the armistice  New Castle News Coffee-less coffee and chocolates without cocoa - survival and politics of North Korea subsitute economy - The Korea HeraldCoffee-less coffee and chocolates without cocoa - survival and politics of North Korea subsitute economy  The Korea Herald Russia preparing to receive another 30,000 N. Korean troops for Ukraine war: Zelenskyy - The Korea TimesRussia preparing to receive another 30,000 N. Korean troops for Ukraine war: Zelenskyy  The Korea Times Russia seeks 30k more North Korean troops in Ukraine war, Zelensky warns - NK NewsRussia seeks 30k more North Korean troops in Ukraine war, Zelensky warns  NK News International efforts to end North Korea’s nuclear weapons program have failed. Here’s what comes next - The ConversationInternational efforts to end North Korea’s nuclear weapons program have failed. Here’s what comes next  The Conversation From Burden to Asset: China's Recalibration of North Korea - orfonline.orgFrom Burden to Asset: China's Recalibration of North Korea  orfonline.org ‘Sealed in blood’: Where does the China-North Korea alliance stand today? - Al Jazeera‘Sealed in blood’: Where does the China-North Korea alliance stand today?  Al Jazeera Dealing with North Korea cannot wait for a distracted Washington - East Asia ForumDealing with North Korea cannot wait for a distracted Washington  East Asia Forum Russia to get 30,000 more N. Korean troops - TVP WorldRussia to get 30,000 more N. Korean troops  TVP World Putin may seek 30,000 more North Korean troops — but at what price? - Korea JoongAng DailyPutin may seek 30,000 more North Korean troops — but at what price?  Korea JoongAng Daily N. Korea quietly buries deadly gas station explosion - DailyNKN. Korea quietly buries deadly gas station explosion  DailyNK Russia can't fill its own ranks—so it asks North Korea for 30,000 more soldiers and new missile launchers, Ukraine says - Euromaidan PressRussia can't fill its own ranks—so it asks North Korea for 30,000 more soldiers and new missile launchers, Ukraine says  Euromaidan Press South Korean prosecutors clear former President Moon - upi.comSouth Korean prosecutors clear former President Moon  upi.com Russia asks North Korea to send 30,000 extra troops for Ukraine war: Zelensky - South China Morning PostRussia asks North Korea to send 30,000 extra troops for Ukraine war: Zelensky  South China Morning Post North Korea Escalates Ballistic Missile Deliveries to Russia as Productive Capacity Expands Rapidly - Military Watch MagazineNorth Korea Escalates Ballistic Missile Deliveries to Russia as Productive Capacity Expands Rapidly  Military Watch Magazine Korean Armistice Endures As Collective Defense Achievement, Regional Security Foundation - Eurasia ReviewKorean Armistice Endures As Collective Defense Achievement, Regional Security Foundation  Eurasia Review The Russia-North Korea Axis is Here to Stay - orfonline.orgThe Russia-North Korea Axis is Here to Stay  orfonline.org Zelenskyy Says Russia Wants To Bring More North Korean Troops Into Ukraine War - Radio Free Europe/Radio LibertyZelenskyy Says Russia Wants To Bring More North Korean Troops Into Ukraine War  Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty N. Korea border guard duty loses its appeal as bribes dry up - DailyNKN. Korea border guard duty loses its appeal as bribes dry up  DailyNK North Korean nuclear weapons program | History, Nuclear Tests, & Ballistic Missiles - Encyclopedia BritannicaNorth Korean nuclear weapons program | History, Nuclear Tests, & Ballistic Missiles  Encyclopedia Britannica North Korea arrests bank hacking ring tied to crypto laundering: Report - TradingViewNorth Korea arrests bank hacking ring tied to crypto laundering: Report  TradingView Sonam Wangchuk opens up on 'prisoner-like' treatment at Delhi hospital: 'Like being in North Korea' - Moneycontrol.comSonam Wangchuk opens up on 'prisoner-like' treatment at Delhi hospital: 'Like being in North Korea'  Moneycontrol.com South Korea asks the North to help search for missing sailor - The Japan TimesSouth Korea asks the North to help search for missing sailor  The Japan Times Photos show North and South Korea still divided 73 years after the armistice - The SpecPhotos show North and South Korea still divided 73 years after the armistice  The Spec N. Korea says will bolster nuclear force, expand S. Korea spy activities in ‘radical way’ - France 24N. Korea says will bolster nuclear force, expand S. Korea spy activities in ‘radical way’  France 24 Zelensky: Russia Seeks to Deploy Another 30,000 North Korean Troops and Additional Ballistic Missiles - ??????????Zelensky: Russia Seeks to Deploy Another 30,000 North Korean Troops and Additional Ballistic Missiles  ?????????? Senator Lummis: CLARITY Act Targets Crypto Loopholes Used by North Korea’s Lazarus Group - Bitcoin WorldSenator Lummis: CLARITY Act Targets Crypto Loopholes Used by North Korea’s Lazarus Group  Bitcoin World The real question isn't why North Koreans don't resist - upi.comThe real question isn't why North Koreans don't resist  upi.com Trump hints at new approach to North Korea’s nuclear programme - Al JazeeraTrump hints at new approach to North Korea’s nuclear programme  Al Jazeera Arrangements underway to fly body of M'sian stabbing victim home from S. Korea - The StarArrangements underway to fly body of M'sian stabbing victim home from S. Korea  The Star How China keeps North Korea's economy alive - dw.comHow China keeps North Korea's economy alive  dw.com PM vows to defend freedom, peace based on solid alliance with US - The Korea TimesPM vows to defend freedom, peace based on solid alliance with US  The Korea Times Facing The North Korea-Russia Alliance: EU-ROK Strategies For Deterrence And Cooperation - Analysis - Eurasia ReviewFacing The North Korea-Russia Alliance: EU-ROK Strategies For Deterrence And Cooperation - Analysis  Eurasia Review Zelenskyy says Russia wants 30,000 more troops - ????Zelenskyy says Russia wants 30,000 more troops  ???? South Korea abandons hardline stance on North’s nuclear weapons programme - The IndependentSouth Korea abandons hardline stance on North’s nuclear weapons programme  The Independent The Rise of North Korea’s Nuclear-Armed Navy - Foundation for Defense of DemocraciesThe Rise of North Korea’s Nuclear-Armed Navy  Foundation for Defense of Democracies Zelensky says Russia seeks 30,000 extra North Korean troops for Ukraine war - CNAZelensky says Russia seeks 30,000 extra North Korean troops for Ukraine war  CNA Top North Korea official blasts Asean for urging denuclearization - Inquirer.netTop North Korea official blasts Asean for urging denuclearization  Inquirer.net Saving Socialism: What North Korea Learned from the Collapse of the Soviet Union - Texas National Security ReviewSaving Socialism: What North Korea Learned from the Collapse of the Soviet Union  Texas National Security Review Kim Jong Un was meant to be their only idol - then North Koreans discovered K-pop - BBCKim Jong Un was meant to be their only idol - then North Koreans discovered K-pop  BBC DW News. . North Korea is increasingly becoming a direct – yet underappreciated – security concern for Europe. While traditionally viewed as an Indo-Pacific issue, recent developments suggest Pyongyang is now more deeply embedded in Europe’s strategic - facebook.comDW News. . North Korea is increasingly becoming a direct – yet underappreciated – security concern for Europe. While traditionally viewed as an Indo-Pacific issue, recent developments suggest Pyongyang is now more deeply embedded in Europe’s strategic  facebook.com WSJ: Kim Jong Un ordered a "radical" strengthening of North Korea's military intelligence - LIGA.netWSJ: Kim Jong Un ordered a "radical" strengthening of North Korea's military intelligence  LIGA.net Zelenskyy: Russia to bring in 30,000 more North Korean troops - nhk.or.jpZelenskyy: Russia to bring in 30,000 more North Korean troops  nhk.or.jp Kim Yo-jong Says North Korea's Nuclear Capability Will Be Constantly Upgraded - Seoul Economic DailyKim Yo-jong Says North Korea's Nuclear Capability Will Be Constantly Upgraded  Seoul Economic Daily North Korea condemns NATO summit, says denuclearisation should start with US allies - ReutersNorth Korea condemns NATO summit, says denuclearisation should start with US allies  Reuters South Korea slams North Korea's 'intensified' border fencing - Anadolu AjansiSouth Korea slams North Korea's 'intensified' border fencing  Anadolu Ajansi North Korea Is Supplying Russia With Upgraded Ballistic Missiles for Strikes on Ukraine - UNITED24 MediaNorth Korea Is Supplying Russia With Upgraded Ballistic Missiles for Strikes on Ukraine  UNITED24 Media North Korea says it will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul - NPRNorth Korea says it will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul  NPR