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’s capital described as modern ‘Pyonghattan’ - CNNNorth Korea’s capital described as modern ‘Pyonghattan’  CNN North Korea unveils new missiles, angles for Russian jets amid Ukraine war deal - South China Morning PostNorth Korea unveils new missiles, angles for Russian jets amid Ukraine war deal  South China Morning Post North Korea's air force displays new capabilities - JanesNorth Korea's air force displays new capabilities  Janes North Korea's Kim stresses Air Force's nuclear war deterrence on its 80th anniversary - CNBC TV18North Korea's Kim stresses Air Force's nuclear war deterrence on its 80th anniversary  CNBC TV18 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 Akhilesh Yadav likens Sanchar Saathi to North Korea, BJP hits back - Asianet NewsableAkhilesh Yadav likens Sanchar Saathi to North Korea, BJP hits back  Asianet Newsable North Korean hacking group Lazarus blamed for $30 million crypto exchange Upbit heist - The Korea Economic Daily Global EditionNorth Korean hacking group Lazarus blamed for $30 million crypto exchange Upbit heist  The Korea Economic Daily Global Edition 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 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 Just Before Trump’s Visit to South Korea, North Test-Fires Missiles - The New York TimesJust Before Trump’s Visit to South Korea, North Test-Fires Missiles  The New York Times Kim Yong Nam: North Korea 'head of state' who served under three Kims dies - BBCKim Yong Nam: North Korea 'head of state' who served under three Kims dies  BBC North Korea denounces nuclear agreement between South and US - DWNorth Korea denounces nuclear agreement between South and US  DW South Korea seeks North Korea talks, warns of risk of border clashes - Indo-Pacific Defense FORUMSouth Korea seeks North Korea talks, warns of risk of border clashes  Indo-Pacific Defense FORUM 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 Pursuing nukes would transform Seoul into ‘second North Korea,’ officials warn - NK NewsPursuing nukes would transform Seoul into ‘second North Korea,’ officials warn  NK News Chinese war films shock North Koreans with revelations about regime’s Korean War propaganda - DailyNKChinese war films shock North Koreans with revelations about regime’s Korean War propaganda  DailyNK India vs Pakistan: 'North and South Korea at night' - Times of IndiaIndia vs Pakistan: 'North and South Korea at night'  Times of India 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 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's Kim vows to equip air force with new 'strategic assets' - The Japan TimesNorth Korea's Kim vows to equip air force with new 'strategic assets'  The Japan Times Cybersecurity firm warns of fake tax invoices with North Korea-linked malware - Korea JoongAng DailyCybersecurity firm warns of fake tax invoices with North Korea-linked malware  Korea JoongAng Daily Lee calls for ‘nuclear free’ peninsula, but not North Korea’s denuclearization - NK NewsLee calls for ‘nuclear free’ peninsula, but not North Korea’s denuclearization  NK News N Korea threatens ‘offensive action’ as US aircraft carrier visits S Korea - Al JazeeraN Korea threatens ‘offensive action’ as US aircraft carrier visits S Korea  Al Jazeera DMZ construction, plans to flood the border and North Korea’s air force showcase - NK NewsDMZ construction, plans to flood the border and North Korea’s air force showcase  NK News Collapse of VOA broadcasts leaves North Koreans with sharply reduced access to uncensored foreign news - Milwaukee IndependentCollapse of VOA broadcasts leaves North Koreans with sharply reduced access to uncensored foreign news  Milwaukee Independent 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 Video. North Korea leader Kim Jong Un and daughter mark air force anniversary - Euronews.comVideo. North Korea leader Kim Jong Un and daughter mark air force anniversary  Euronews.com Chinese Embassy promotes resumption of North Korea-China postal service - NK NewsChinese Embassy promotes resumption of North Korea-China postal service  NK News North Korea lures engineers to rent identities in fake IT worker scheme - BleepingComputerNorth Korea lures engineers to rent identities in fake IT worker scheme  BleepingComputer 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 North Korea warns of more ‘offensive action’ after latest missile launch - The HinduNorth Korea warns of more ‘offensive action’ after latest missile launch  The Hindu North Korea's Kim stresses Air Force's nuclear war deterrence on its 80th anniversary - ReutersNorth Korea's Kim stresses Air Force's nuclear war deterrence on its 80th anniversary  Reuters Leaked records show Russia secretly violates oil sanctions on North Korea - TVP WorldLeaked records show Russia secretly violates oil sanctions on North Korea  TVP World Lee proposes restoring communication channels with N. Korea - The Korea HeraldLee proposes restoring communication channels with N. Korea  The Korea Herald North Korea Showcases Reconnaissance and Strike Drones Modeled on U.S. Global Hawk and Reaper - Army RecognitionNorth Korea Showcases Reconnaissance and Strike Drones Modeled on U.S. Global Hawk and Reaper  Army Recognition North Chungcheong Province steps up efforts to attract foreign professionals - The Korea TimesNorth Chungcheong Province steps up efforts to attract foreign professionals  The Korea Times Inside Russia’s system for disguising North Korean workers as student ‘trainees’ - NK NewsInside Russia’s system for disguising North Korean workers as student ‘trainees’  NK News N. Korea's Kim sends congratulatory message to Lao president on ruling party founding anniversary - The Korea TimesN. Korea's Kim sends congratulatory message to Lao president on ruling party founding anniversary  The Korea Times South Korea says North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile toward its eastern waters - The HinduSouth Korea says North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile toward its eastern waters  The Hindu Why are North and South Korea divided? - BritannicaWhy are North and South Korea divided?  Britannica Kim vows to upgrade outdated North Korean air force with new ‘strategic’ assets - NK NewsKim vows to upgrade outdated North Korean air force with new ‘strategic’ assets  NK News North Korea says South Korea's overtures 'great miscalculation' - The HinduNorth Korea says South Korea's overtures 'great miscalculation'  The Hindu South Korea’s president asks Trump to be ‘peacemaker’ with North Korea - The HinduSouth Korea’s president asks Trump to be ‘peacemaker’ with North Korea  The Hindu Ministry stresses humanitarian consideration over home remittance by NK defectors - The Korea TimesMinistry stresses humanitarian consideration over home remittance by NK defectors  The Korea Times North Korea accuses US of ‘wicked’ hostility over cybercrime sanctions - Al JazeeraNorth Korea accuses US of ‘wicked’ hostility over cybercrime sanctions  Al Jazeera North Korea fires ballistic missile towards east, South Korea says - The HinduNorth Korea fires ballistic missile towards east, South Korea says  The Hindu North Korea’s Kim says he is open to talks if US drops denuclearisation demand - DD NewsNorth Korea’s Kim says he is open to talks if US drops denuclearisation demand  DD News North Korean soldier defects to South Korea across the heavily fortified border - The HinduNorth Korean soldier defects to South Korea across the heavily fortified border  The Hindu Curious story of the mystery drones South Korea sent to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s home — and what - The Economic TimesCurious story of the mystery drones South Korea sent to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s home — and what  The Economic Times Spotlight North Korea, Russia Russian oil trade with North Korea soars in 2025 - Intelligence OnlineSpotlight North Korea, Russia Russian oil trade with North Korea soars in 2025  Intelligence Online ROK authorities investigating North Korean hackers’ role in $30M Upbit heist - NK NewsROK authorities investigating North Korean hackers’ role in $30M Upbit heist  NK News South Korea concludes remains recovery operation in DMZ without North Korea - NK NewsSouth Korea concludes remains recovery operation in DMZ without North Korea  NK News North Korea's Kim says military ties with Russia will ‘advance non-stop’ - The HinduNorth Korea's Kim says military ties with Russia will ‘advance non-stop’  The Hindu North Korea Reveals New Air-to-Air Missile Mirroring German IRIS-T - Defense MirrorNorth Korea Reveals New Air-to-Air Missile Mirroring German IRIS-T  Defense Mirror North Korea fires ballistic missile days after Hegseth visit, says Seoul - Al JazeeraNorth Korea fires ballistic missile days after Hegseth visit, says Seoul  Al Jazeera Why the North Korean government is so invested in women’s youth football - The ConversationWhy the North Korean government is so invested in women’s youth football  The Conversation From fairways to firepower: Inside North Korea’s camouflaged missile program - DailyNKFrom fairways to firepower: Inside North Korea’s camouflaged missile program  DailyNK North Korea says South Korea fired warning shots at its soldiers; Seoul says troops crossed border - The HinduNorth Korea says South Korea fired warning shots at its soldiers; Seoul says troops crossed border  The Hindu N. Korea's Kim vows to bestow new strategic assets, duty on air force founding anniversary - The Korea TimesN. Korea's Kim vows to bestow new strategic assets, duty on air force founding anniversary  The Korea Times Today Trump Is Talking to a Different North Korea - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineToday Trump Is Talking to a Different North Korea  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Toward Eastern Waters, Says South Korea - NDTVNorth Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Toward Eastern Waters, Says South Korea  NDTV North Korea's AI research heightens cyber risks, South Korean institute warns - MLexNorth Korea's AI research heightens cyber risks, South Korean institute warns  MLex North Korea accuses G7 of double standards over denuclearization call - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea accuses G7 of double standards over denuclearization call  Anadolu Ajansi North Korea Says Air Force to Bolster Nuclear Deterrent - Khaama PressNorth Korea Says Air Force to Bolster Nuclear Deterrent  Khaama Press North Korea Demonstrates Copy of German IRIS-T Air-to-Air Missile - ??????????North Korea Demonstrates Copy of German IRIS-T Air-to-Air Missile  ?????????? Chinese trader says he sold over 2000 computers, graphics cards to North Korea - NK NewsChinese trader says he sold over 2000 computers, graphics cards to North Korea  NK News North Korea shows off new dogfight missile resembling IRIS-T, Type 04 & PL-10E | Hindustan Times - Hindustan TimesNorth Korea shows off new dogfight missile resembling IRIS-T, Type 04 & PL-10E | Hindustan Times  Hindustan Times Halifax Forum laid bare a depressing truth: No one has solutions on North Korea - NK NewsHalifax Forum laid bare a depressing truth: No one has solutions on North Korea  NK News The phone notes that reveal an alleged plan to bait Kim Jong Un with drones - CNNThe phone notes that reveal an alleged plan to bait Kim Jong Un with drones  CNN Popular YouTuber breaks silence after fans feared for safety as he exposed North Korea's repressive technology - UNILADPopular YouTuber breaks silence after fans feared for safety as he exposed North Korea's repressive technology  UNILAD North Korea's Kim Vows 'Strategic Assets' For Air Force - Barron'sNorth Korea's Kim Vows 'Strategic Assets' For Air Force  Barron's North Korea to equip its air force with ‘new assets’ - Taipei TimesNorth Korea to equip its air force with ‘new assets’  Taipei 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 Will North Korea defend China in a Taiwan war? - Lowy InstituteWill North Korea defend China in a Taiwan war?  Lowy Institute 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 North Korea says South Korea’s peace overtures a ‘pipedream’ - DD NewsNorth Korea says South Korea’s peace overtures a ‘pipedream’  DD News South Korea suspects North Korea behind cryptocurrency exchange hack, theft of $30.4M - New York PostSouth Korea suspects North Korea behind cryptocurrency exchange hack, theft of $30.4M  New York Post [Interview] South Korean military provoked North Korea with balloons first, says whistleblower - Hankyoreh : English Edition[Interview] South Korean military provoked North Korea with balloons first, says whistleblower  Hankyoreh : English Edition North Korea Displays Suspected Copy of German IRIS-T Air-to-Air Missile on MiG-29 Fighters - UNITED24 MediaNorth Korea Displays Suspected Copy of German IRIS-T Air-to-Air Missile on MiG-29 Fighters  UNITED24 Media Faux fur jackets and combat boots fly off shelves as Kim Jong Un sets North Korea’s fashion trends - DailyNKFaux fur jackets and combat boots fly off shelves as Kim Jong Un sets North Korea’s fashion trends  DailyNK THE NORTH KOREA PLAYBOOK? Why India’s New Phone Surveillance Rules Are Sparking Terrifying Comparisons - indiaherald.comTHE NORTH KOREA PLAYBOOK? Why India’s New Phone Surveillance Rules Are Sparking Terrifying Comparisons  indiaherald.com North Korean hotel offers guests karaoke tunes on South Korean machine - NK NewsNorth Korean hotel offers guests karaoke tunes on South Korean machine  NK News North Korea’s former ‘head of state’ Kim Yong Nam dead at 97 - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s former ‘head of state’ Kim Yong Nam dead at 97  Al Jazeera North Korean leader’s sister says South Korea lying about thaw in ties - Al JazeeraNorth Korean leader’s sister says South Korea lying about thaw in ties  Al Jazeera Kim Jong Un bans words like ‘hamburgers’, ‘ice-cream’ in North Korea. Here’s why - The Indian ExpressKim Jong Un bans words like ‘hamburgers’, ‘ice-cream’ in North Korea. 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 Pinpointing where North Korea hides its US-aimed missiles - Asia TimesPinpointing where North Korea hides its US-aimed missiles  Asia Times South Korea says North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward its eastern waters - NBC NewsSouth Korea says North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward its eastern waters  NBC News What I learned about North Korea’s nuclear paranoia in Pyongyang - Lowy InstituteWhat I learned about North Korea’s nuclear paranoia in Pyongyang  Lowy Institute US SEAL Team 6 Reached North Korea To Plant Spy Device. Then Chaos Unfolded - NDTVUS SEAL Team 6 Reached North Korea To Plant Spy Device. Then Chaos Unfolded  NDTV 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 How an emerging North Korean bond market could empower the masses to invest - NK NewsHow an emerging North Korean bond market could empower the masses to invest  NK News 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 Digital 2026: North Korea - DataReportal – Global Digital InsightsDigital 2026: North Korea  DataReportal – Global Digital Insights Seoul warns Pyongyang may grow more hostile in 2026 without renewed dialogue - Stars and StripesSeoul warns Pyongyang may grow more hostile in 2026 without renewed dialogue  Stars and Stripes North Korea threatens 'offensive action', condemns US-South Korea security talks - ReutersNorth Korea threatens 'offensive action', condemns US-South Korea security talks  Reuters North Korea slams US over new sanctions, vows to respond with 'proper measures' - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea slams US over new sanctions, vows to respond with 'proper measures'  Anadolu Ajansi How North Korea Is Outsourcing Espionage to American Companies - nationalinterest.orgHow North Korea Is Outsourcing Espionage to American Companies  nationalinterest.org Kim Yong-nam, North Korean politician, 1928-2025 - Financial TimesKim Yong-nam, North Korean politician, 1928-2025  Financial Times