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 North Korea calls South Korea 'No. 1 hostile country' at indoctrination centre - The Hans IndiaNorth Korea calls South Korea 'No. 1 hostile country' at indoctrination centre  The Hans India North Korea-linked hackers target Naver, Google ads to spread malware - Siasat.comNorth Korea-linked hackers target Naver, Google ads to spread malware  Siasat.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?????? 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 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 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 Drones in the Crossfire: Tensions Escalate Between North and South Korea - DevdiscourseDrones in the Crossfire: Tensions Escalate Between North and South Korea  Devdiscourse 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 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 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 demands detailed 'explanation' from Seoul over drone incursion - The HinduNorth Korea demands detailed 'explanation' from Seoul over drone incursion  The Hindu North Korea - Economy, Resources, Trade - BritannicaNorth Korea - Economy, Resources, Trade  Britannica South Korea deploying ‘monster’ ballistic missile to deter North Korea: Report - Anadolu AjansiSouth Korea deploying ‘monster’ ballistic missile to deter North Korea: Report  Anadolu Ajansi North Korea calls Sotuh Korea 'No. 1 hostile country' at indoctrination center - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea calls Sotuh Korea 'No. 1 hostile country' at indoctrination center  Korea JoongAng Daily South Korea plans joint taekwondo UNESCO bid following North Korea - Kursiv MediaSouth Korea plans joint taekwondo UNESCO bid following North Korea  Kursiv Media Report on North Korea cyber threats - France ONUReport on North Korea cyber threats  France ONU North Korea keeps China ties cool politically, trade grows - upi.comNorth Korea keeps China ties cool politically, trade grows  upi.com RFA to resume operations in South Korea, paving way for broadcasts to North - NK NewsRFA to resume operations in South Korea, paving way for broadcasts to North  NK News North Korea Installs ‘South Korea is No. 1 Hostile Nation’ Post at Education Hall - ????North Korea Installs ‘South Korea is No. 1 Hostile Nation’ Post at Education Hall  ???? Opinion | North Korea is a nuclear power. Trump’s omission is an admission. - The Washington PostOpinion | North Korea is a nuclear power. Trump’s omission is an admission.  The Washington Post South and North Korea aim for joint UNESCO listing for taekwondo - Latest news from AzerbaijanSouth and North Korea aim for joint UNESCO listing for taekwondo  Latest news from Azerbaijan 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 - Nuclear, Juche, Reunification - BritannicaNorth Korea - Nuclear, Juche, Reunification  Britannica 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-linked hackers pose as human rights activists, report says - upi.comNorth Korea-linked hackers pose as human rights activists, report says  upi.com 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 How North Korea’s cutting-edge sanctions evasion became a model for other states - NK NewsHow North Korea’s cutting-edge sanctions evasion became a model for other states  NK News Iran could have been ‘S. Korea of the Middle East' but became its North Korea: exiled crown prince - The Korea HeraldIran could have been ‘S. Korea of the Middle East' but became its North Korea: exiled crown prince  The Korea Herald China-North Korea trade jumps 26% as relations thaw - Nikkei AsiaChina-North Korea trade jumps 26% as relations thaw  Nikkei Asia North Korea's Kim Jong Un attends New Year celebrations with daughter - NBC NewsNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un attends New Year celebrations with daughter  NBC News Kim Jong-Un - BritannicaKim Jong-Un  Britannica 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 N. Korea-linked hacking group exploits Naver, Google ads to spread malware: report - The Korea TimesN. Korea-linked hacking group exploits Naver, Google ads to spread malware: report  The Korea Times 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 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 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 North Korea takes a cue from Hollywood - CNNNorth Korea takes a cue from Hollywood  CNN 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 China-N. Korea trade rises 25% in 2025, recovers to pre-COVID levels - ????China-N. Korea trade rises 25% in 2025, recovers to pre-COVID levels  ???? 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 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 Resumes Criticism of the US While Moderating Rhetoric, Accelerates Exchanges With China - 38 NorthNorth Korea Resumes Criticism of the US While Moderating Rhetoric, Accelerates Exchanges With China  38 North 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 says it tested long-range cruise missiles - NBC NewsNorth Korea says it tested long-range cruise missiles  NBC News 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 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 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 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 China-North Korea trade grows after countries' leaders agreed to bolster ties - nhk.or.jpChina-North Korea trade grows after countries' leaders agreed to bolster ties  nhk.or.jp North Korea Media Downplays Xi, Highlights Putin - ????North Korea Media Downplays Xi, Highlights Putin  ???? Washington Post: Trump Administration De Facto Acknowledges North Korea's Nuclear Status - ????Washington Post: Trump Administration De Facto Acknowledges North Korea's Nuclear Status  ???? North Korean Official Denies Cheonan Sinking Responsibility - ????North Korean Official Denies Cheonan Sinking Responsibility  ???? South Korea's new president changes tactics on North Korea - DW.comSouth Korea's new president changes tactics on North Korea  DW.com 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 Iran edges towards North Korea model internet amid protests - The New ArabIran edges towards North Korea model internet amid protests  The New Arab 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 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 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 Exclusive: Kim Jong-un Stresses US-North Korea Dialogue Necessity - ????Exclusive: Kim Jong-un Stresses US-North Korea Dialogue Necessity  ???? 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 North Korea says it has ‘no interest’ in dialogue with South Korea - Al JazeeraNorth Korea says it has ‘no interest’ in dialogue with South Korea  Al Jazeera 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 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 Korean War | Dates, Countries, Summary, Map, Casualties, & Facts - BritannicaKorean War | Dates, Countries, Summary, Map, Casualties, & Facts  Britannica South Korea fires warning shots as North Korean ship crosses sea boundary - Al JazeeraSouth Korea fires warning shots as North Korean ship crosses sea boundary  Al Jazeera News - NK NewsNews  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’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 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 Suspect behind drone sent to North Korea worked at South Korea's ex-Prez Yoon's office: Report - Social News XYZSuspect behind drone sent to North Korea worked at South Korea's ex-Prez Yoon's office: Report  Social News XYZ 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 Quick Take: The Last 40 Meters - 38 NorthQuick Take: The Last 40 Meters  38 North 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 North Korea displays apparent progress in construction of nuclear-powered submarine - NBC NewsNorth Korea displays apparent progress in construction of nuclear-powered submarine  NBC News North Korea's Kim oversaw hypersonic missile test, KCNA says - ReutersNorth Korea's Kim oversaw hypersonic missile test, KCNA says  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 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 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 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 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 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 Former Yoon Administration Contractors Linked to Drone Sent to North Korea - ????Former Yoon Administration Contractors Linked to Drone Sent to North Korea  ???? North Korea’s Initial Reaction to US Operations in Venezuela - 38 NorthNorth Korea’s Initial Reaction to US Operations in Venezuela  38 North Seoul takes aim at North Korea’s leadership bunkers with ‘monster missile’ - South China Morning PostSeoul takes aim at North Korea’s leadership bunkers with ‘monster missile’  South China Morning Post North Korea contrasts greetings coverage for Xi, Putin - MSNNorth Korea contrasts greetings coverage for Xi, Putin  MSN 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 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 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 North Korea reveals new images of its first ‘nuclear-powered’ submarine - CNNNorth Korea reveals new images of its first ‘nuclear-powered’ submarine  CNN 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 Satellite analysis shows North Korea’s showcase Sepo ranch reverting to wilderness - DailyNKSatellite analysis shows North Korea’s showcase Sepo ranch reverting to wilderness  DailyNK 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 fires ballistic missiles towards Sea of Japan in first test of 2026 - France 24North Korea fires ballistic missiles towards Sea of Japan in first test of 2026  France 24 North Korea's Media Contrasts Xi Jinping, Putin in New Year Greetings - ????North Korea's Media Contrasts Xi Jinping, Putin in New Year Greetings  ???? Seoul Fields Hyunmoo-5 “Bunker-Buster” Missile to Counter North Korea Threat - KoreabizwireSeoul Fields Hyunmoo-5 “Bunker-Buster” Missile to Counter North Korea Threat  Koreabizwire 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 This time, Russia stands in the way of any US-North Korea deal - lowyinstitute.orgThis time, Russia stands in the way of any US-North Korea deal  lowyinstitute.org Former PM Yoon administration staff linked to alleged North Korea drone intrusion - The StarFormer PM Yoon administration staff linked to alleged North Korea drone intrusion  The Star North Korea accuses the South of flying drones across the border - NBC NewsNorth Korea accuses the South of flying drones across the border  NBC News