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

View Larger Map

Government - Government - Korea-North North Korea International Documentation Project
Newspapers -  1stHeadlines - North Korea Asia Observer - North Korea Naenara
                              Big News Network - North Korea News Indexmundi Korea, North
                              Korean Central News Agency Moreover... Korea news
                              News.Nabou - Korea News NewsNow: Korea Topix - North Korea News
                              North Korea News.Net North Korea zone Sinboj The People's Korea
Tourism -         Ministry Of Tourism

Google News

North Korea Wants World Domination—in Girls Soccer - The Wall Street JournalNorth Korea Wants World Domination—in Girls Soccer  The Wall Street Journal South Korean authorities summon a civilian over alleged drone flights toward North Korea - theweek.inSouth Korean authorities summon a civilian over alleged drone flights toward North Korea  theweek.in Kim Jong-un’s daughter: Heir or regime icon? - Korea JoongAng DailyKim Jong-un’s daughter: Heir or regime icon?  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong says no chance of improved ties with the South - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim Yo Jong says no chance of improved ties with the South  Al Jazeera North Korea vows response as it accuses the South of flying drones across the border - ABC NewsNorth Korea vows response as it accuses the South of flying drones across the border  ABC News North Korea launches ballistic missiles towards sea before South Korean leader’s visit to China - The GuardianNorth Korea launches ballistic missiles towards sea before South Korean leader’s visit to China  The Guardian North Korea reveals new images of its first ‘nuclear-powered’ submarine - CNNNorth Korea reveals new images of its first ‘nuclear-powered’ submarine  CNN North Korean agents are trying to infiltrate Amazon, chief security officer says - NBC NewsNorth Korean agents are trying to infiltrate Amazon, chief security officer says  NBC News North Korea says latest missile tests involved new hypersonic weapons systems - Euronews.comNorth Korea says latest missile tests involved new hypersonic weapons systems  Euronews.com North Korea fires ballistic missiles, condemns US strikes on Venezuela - ReutersNorth Korea fires ballistic missiles, condemns US strikes on Venezuela  Reuters North Korea demands detailed 'explanation' from Seoul over drone incursion - The HinduNorth Korea demands detailed 'explanation' from Seoul over drone incursion  The Hindu Report on North Korea cyber threats - France ONUReport on North Korea cyber threats  France ONU S. Korea fields Hyunmoo-5 missile as North Korea’s nuclear threat grows - The Korea HeraldS. Korea fields Hyunmoo-5 missile as North Korea’s nuclear threat grows  The Korea Herald Exclusive: North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Stresses Dialogue and Denuclearization - ????Exclusive: North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Stresses Dialogue and Denuclearization  ???? North Korea sends tough message to US after Venezuela attack, fires multiple ballistic missiles - WIONNorth Korea sends tough message to US after Venezuela attack, fires multiple ballistic missiles  WION South Korea Investigates Alleged Drone Incursion into North Korea - MitKat Advisory Services Pvt LtdSouth Korea Investigates Alleged Drone Incursion into North Korea  MitKat Advisory Services Pvt Ltd Quick Take: North Korea Silent on Venezuela After Initial Reaction, Turns to Greenland and Iran - 38 NorthQuick Take: North Korea Silent on Venezuela After Initial Reaction, Turns to Greenland and Iran  38 North South Korea Plans First Arctic Container Ship Test Voyage via Russia’s Northern Sea Route - High North NewsSouth Korea Plans First Arctic Container Ship Test Voyage via Russia’s Northern Sea Route  High North News South Korea to probe drones North Korea says violated its airspace - ReutersSouth Korea to probe drones North Korea says violated its airspace  Reuters South Korea signals response after probe into alleged North Korean drone incursions - National HeraldSouth Korea signals response after probe into alleged North Korean drone incursions  National Herald ?????? IRAN TO FOLLOW NORTH KOREA'S EXAMPLE BY CUTTING ITSELF OFF FROM THE INTERNET FOREVER! This would turn Iran into a locked-down intranet where only vetted people get any outside access. Connectivity won't be a right, but a privilege - x.com?????? IRAN TO FOLLOW NORTH KOREA'S EXAMPLE BY CUTTING ITSELF OFF FROM THE INTERNET FOREVER! This would turn Iran into a locked-down intranet where only vetted people get any outside access. Connectivity won't be a right, but a privilege  x.com North Korea takes a cue from Hollywood - CNNNorth Korea takes a cue from Hollywood  CNN South Korea's Lee orders review to look at restoring North Korea military pact - The HinduSouth Korea's Lee orders review to look at restoring North Korea military pact  The Hindu North Korea fires missiles towards sea as South Korean leader visits China - Al JazeeraNorth Korea fires missiles towards sea as South Korean leader visits China  Al Jazeera North Korea Contrasts Greetings Coverage for Xi, Putin - ????North Korea Contrasts Greetings Coverage for Xi, Putin  ???? Former presidential staffers linked to alleged drone intrusion into North Korea - The Korea HeraldFormer presidential staffers linked to alleged drone intrusion into North Korea  The Korea Herald North Korea's Kim Yo Jong says South's hopes for better relations are an illusion - ReutersNorth Korea's Kim Yo Jong says South's hopes for better relations are an illusion  Reuters N Korea’s Kim oversees hypersonic missile tests, cites geopolitical crisis - Al JazeeraN Korea’s Kim oversees hypersonic missile tests, cites geopolitical crisis  Al Jazeera South Korea says North Korea has launched ballistic missile into sea - The HinduSouth Korea says North Korea has launched ballistic missile into sea  The Hindu North Korea's Kim shakes up security detail amid 'decapitation' fears - Euronews.comNorth Korea's Kim shakes up security detail amid 'decapitation' fears  Euronews.com North Korea Steps up Reporting on People’s Livelihoods, Hints Party Congress To Provide More Detailed Economic Plan - 38 NorthNorth Korea Steps up Reporting on People’s Livelihoods, Hints Party Congress To Provide More Detailed Economic Plan  38 North More than 40 countries impacted by North Korea IT worker scams, crypto thefts - The Record from Recorded Future NewsMore than 40 countries impacted by North Korea IT worker scams, crypto thefts  The Record from Recorded Future News North Korea’s Kim slams US-Seoul nuclear submarine deal as ‘offensive act’ - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim slams US-Seoul nuclear submarine deal as ‘offensive act’  Al Jazeera Leaders of South Korea, Japan pledge to work for North Korea’s denuclearization - NK NewsLeaders of South Korea, Japan pledge to work for North Korea’s denuclearization  NK News Coral North FLNG launched in South Korea - Offshore MagazineCoral North FLNG launched in South Korea  Offshore Magazine North Korea searches for a path out of international isolation - East Asia ForumNorth Korea searches for a path out of international isolation  East Asia Forum North Korea in 2026: Will the US and South Korean push for talks succeed? - Chatham HouseNorth Korea in 2026: Will the US and South Korean push for talks succeed?  Chatham House Russia raises quota for North Korean students eligible for free college - NK NewsRussia raises quota for North Korean students eligible for free college  NK News What’s next for North Korea-Venezuela ties after Maduro’s capture - NK NewsWhat’s next for North Korea-Venezuela ties after Maduro’s capture  NK News Investors in inter-Korean projects call for Seoul to lift North Korea sanctions - NK NewsInvestors in inter-Korean projects call for Seoul to lift North Korea sanctions  NK News South Korean Military Surrenders Sacrificed Land to North - ????South Korean Military Surrenders Sacrificed Land to North  ???? North Korea Completes the Second Year of the 20×10 Project - 38 NorthNorth Korea Completes the Second Year of the 20×10 Project  38 North North Korea says it tested long-range cruise missiles - NBC NewsNorth Korea says it tested long-range cruise missiles  NBC News Pyongyang fires ballistic missiles as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung makes state visit to China - CNNPyongyang fires ballistic missiles as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung makes state visit to China  CNN North Korea launches missiles toward sea ahead of South Korean leader's visit to China - NBC NewsNorth Korea launches missiles toward sea ahead of South Korean leader's visit to China  NBC News Over 100K South Koreans separated from family in North Korea have died: Data - NK NewsOver 100K South Koreans separated from family in North Korea have died: Data  NK News How anyone can now read North Korea’s party newspaper at a library in Seoul - NK NewsHow anyone can now read North Korea’s party newspaper at a library in Seoul  NK News S. Korea to simplify import procedures for N. Korean processed foods - The Korea TimesS. Korea to simplify import procedures for N. Korean processed foods  The Korea Times Iran edges towards North Korea model internet amid protests - The New ArabIran edges towards North Korea model internet amid protests  The New Arab Waiting for the Party Congress? - 38 NorthWaiting for the Party Congress?  38 North South Korea's new president changes tactics on North Korea - dw.comSouth Korea's new president changes tactics on North Korea  dw.com What a hit ROK film gets right — and wrong — about Christianity in North Korea - NK NewsWhat a hit ROK film gets right — and wrong — about Christianity in North Korea  NK News North, South Korea in 'very dangerous' standoff: Yonhap quotes President Lee saying - The HinduNorth, South Korea in 'very dangerous' standoff: Yonhap quotes President Lee saying  The Hindu N. Korea marks 80th founding anniv. of youth league #Gallery - Social News XYZN. Korea marks 80th founding anniv. of youth league #Gallery  Social News XYZ Reza Pahlavi: Iran Became North Korea, Not South Korea - ????Reza Pahlavi: Iran Became North Korea, Not South Korea  ???? North Korea Is Not Venezuela: The Real Risks of Trump’s Nuclear Brinkmanship - Jurist.orgNorth Korea Is Not Venezuela: The Real Risks of Trump’s Nuclear Brinkmanship  Jurist.org Kim Jong-un hails North Korea’s ‘invincible alliance’ with Russia in New Year’s message - The GuardianKim Jong-un hails North Korea’s ‘invincible alliance’ with Russia in New Year’s message  The Guardian Seoul seeks to streamline import rules for North Korea food products - NK NewsSeoul seeks to streamline import rules for North Korea food products  NK News North Korea’s Kim oversees test launch of long-range cruise missiles - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim oversees test launch of long-range cruise missiles  Al Jazeera South Korean president urges China to mediate with North Korea - Anadolu AjansiSouth Korean president urges China to mediate with North Korea  Anadolu Ajansi Previewing North Korea’s Grand Strategy for 2026 - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazinePreviewing North Korea’s Grand Strategy for 2026  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine Former Yoon Administration Officials Behind Drone Sent to North Korea - ????Former Yoon Administration Officials Behind Drone Sent to North Korea  ???? North Korea would want nuclear arms acknowledgment, sanctions removal if it accedes to dialogue with U.S.: Ex-U.S. envoy - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea would want nuclear arms acknowledgment, sanctions removal if it accedes to dialogue with U.S.: Ex-U.S. envoy  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korea’s Kim Jong Un pushes more missile production as ‘war deterrent’ - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim Jong Un pushes more missile production as ‘war deterrent’  Al Jazeera This North Korean movie shows things audiences have never seen before - CNNThis North Korean movie shows things audiences have never seen before  CNN North Korea's Kim Jong Un views submarine construction, oversees missile launch, KCNA says - CNBCNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un views submarine construction, oversees missile launch, KCNA says  CNBC North Korea's Kim Yo Jong urges South Korea to investigate drone incidents - The Japan TimesNorth Korea's Kim Yo Jong urges South Korea to investigate drone incidents  The Japan Times Quick Take: The Last 40 Meters - 38 NorthQuick Take: The Last 40 Meters  38 North N. Korea would want nuclear arms acknowledgment, sanctions removal if it accedes to dialogue with US, says ex-US envoy - The Korea TimesN. Korea would want nuclear arms acknowledgment, sanctions removal if it accedes to dialogue with US, says ex-US envoy  The Korea Times Prosecutors seek death penalty for Yoon for martial law, inciting North Korea - NK NewsProsecutors seek death penalty for Yoon for martial law, inciting North Korea  NK News Man claims responsibility for drone allegedly sent into North Korea in media interview - Korea JoongAng DailyMan claims responsibility for drone allegedly sent into North Korea in media interview  Korea JoongAng Daily N Korea, Russia bound in ‘blood’ of war, Kim tells Putin in New Year note - Al JazeeraN Korea, Russia bound in ‘blood’ of war, Kim tells Putin in New Year note  Al Jazeera Reopening Old Doors: North Korea’s Diplomatic Comeback - orfonline.orgReopening Old Doors: North Korea’s Diplomatic Comeback  orfonline.org Lee orders review of scrapped military pact with North Korea after drone claims - NK NewsLee orders review of scrapped military pact with North Korea after drone claims  NK News Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) Update - U.S. Department of State (.gov)Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) Update  U.S. Department of State (.gov) Task force identifies, questions civilian suspect regarding drones that North claims are from South - Korea JoongAng DailyTask force identifies, questions civilian suspect regarding drones that North claims are from South  Korea JoongAng Daily Kim Yo-jong’s back-to-back statements signal N. Korea’s external unease - Inquirer.netKim Yo-jong’s back-to-back statements signal N. Korea’s external unease  Inquirer.net US, partners brief UN on growing threat of North Korean cybercrime - NK NewsUS, partners brief UN on growing threat of North Korean cybercrime  NK News N Korea’s Kim hails ‘ever-victorious’ army’s role in war against Ukraine - Al JazeeraN Korea’s Kim hails ‘ever-victorious’ army’s role in war against Ukraine  Al Jazeera How North Korea gave citizens a one-sided view of alleged ROK drone intrusions - NK NewsHow North Korea gave citizens a one-sided view of alleged ROK drone intrusions  NK News Why claims of North Korea-Russia cybercrime collaboration are likely overblown - NK NewsWhy claims of North Korea-Russia cybercrime collaboration are likely overblown  NK News Chung urges diplomacy to spur North Korea-U.S. talks - upi.comChung urges diplomacy to spur North Korea-U.S. talks  upi.com North Korea tests hypersonic missiles, says nuclear forces ready for war - Le Monde.frNorth Korea tests hypersonic missiles, says nuclear forces ready for war  Le Monde.fr From Buldak noodles to photo booths: North Korea copies South Korean trends - The Korea TimesFrom Buldak noodles to photo booths: North Korea copies South Korean trends  The Korea Times North Korea Touts Kim’s Decade of Leadership, Charts Course for Ninth Party Congress - 38 NorthNorth Korea Touts Kim’s Decade of Leadership, Charts Course for Ninth Party Congress  38 North How North Korea Responded to the US Gambit in Venezuela - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineHow North Korea Responded to the US Gambit in Venezuela  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine North Korea condemns multilateral sanction monitoring activity, KCNA says - ReutersNorth Korea condemns multilateral sanction monitoring activity, KCNA says  Reuters Japan and South Korea pledge stronger ties amid North Asian tensions - Macao NewsJapan and South Korea pledge stronger ties amid North Asian tensions  Macao News North Korea’s First Nuclear Powered Missile Submarine is Revealed - navalnews.comNorth Korea’s First Nuclear Powered Missile Submarine is Revealed  navalnews.com North Korea’s drone allegations, Seoul’s denial and the Lee-Xi summit in China - NK NewsNorth Korea’s drone allegations, Seoul’s denial and the Lee-Xi summit in China  NK News North Korea’s Initial Reaction to US Operations in Venezuela - 38 NorthNorth Korea’s Initial Reaction to US Operations in Venezuela  38 North Ahead of N.K. youth league’s 80th founding anniv. #Gallery - Social News XYZAhead of N.K. youth league’s 80th founding anniv. #Gallery  Social News XYZ North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong says no chance of improved ties with South - Qatar TribuneNorth Korea’s Kim Yo Jong says no chance of improved ties with South  Qatar Tribune North Korea’s elite Ponghak Beer enters Chinese market seeking foreign currency - DailyNKNorth Korea’s elite Ponghak Beer enters Chinese market seeking foreign currency  DailyNK North Korea’s Two Koreas Policy and Prospects of Inter-Korean Relations - East-West CenterNorth Korea’s Two Koreas Policy and Prospects of Inter-Korean Relations  East-West Center What to make of reports that Russia tried to ship a nuke reactor to North Korea - NK NewsWhat to make of reports that Russia tried to ship a nuke reactor to North Korea  NK News North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders factories to make more missiles in 2026 - Le Monde.frNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un orders factories to make more missiles in 2026  Le Monde.fr North Korea’s strategic play in an era of great power confrontation - East Asia ForumNorth Korea’s strategic play in an era of great power confrontation  East Asia Forum Why are North and South Korea divided? - BritannicaWhy are North and South Korea divided?  Britannica South Korea to allow citizens to read North Korean newspaper at select locations - NK NewsSouth Korea to allow citizens to read North Korean newspaper at select locations  NK News