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 to permit public access to N. Korea's main newspaper - The Korea TimesS. Korea to permit public access to N. Korea's main newspaper  The Korea Times Putin Hails ‘Invincible Friendship’ With Kim Jong Un As North Korean Troops Die For Russia; Kim Vows Nuclear Submarine Push - EurAsian TimesPutin Hails ‘Invincible Friendship’ With Kim Jong Un As North Korean Troops Die For Russia; Kim Vows Nuclear Submarine Push  EurAsian Times N. Korea's Kim attends ceremony marking adoption of its constitution - The Korea TimesN. Korea's Kim attends ceremony marking adoption of its constitution  The Korea Times Is Russian technology behind North Korea’s new nuclear submarine? - The Korea HeraldIs Russian technology behind North Korea’s new nuclear submarine?  The Korea Herald Cryptocurrency Operator Sentenced for Military Secrets Leak to North Korea - BlockmanityCryptocurrency Operator Sentenced for Military Secrets Leak to North Korea  Blockmanity Kim Jong Un calls North Korea-Russia bond ‘alliance of sharing blood, life and death’ in new year message to Putin - livemint.comKim Jong Un calls North Korea-Russia bond ‘alliance of sharing blood, life and death’ in new year message to Putin  livemint.com North Korea's Kim Jong Un lauds sending troops overseas in 2025, state media says - NBC NewsNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un lauds sending troops overseas in 2025, state media says  NBC News UN Command reasserts authority over Korea border amid South shift - Anadolu AjansiUN Command reasserts authority over Korea border amid South shift  Anadolu Ajansi 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 Kim Stresses Shared Bloodshed in New Year Message to Putin - The Moscow TimesNorth Korea’s Kim Stresses Shared Bloodshed in New Year Message to Putin  The Moscow Times Nuclear submarine arms race heats up between North and South Korea - NPRNuclear submarine arms race heats up between North and South Korea  NPR “Sharing Blood”: How the Ukraine war has cemented the Russia–North Korea alliance - BLiTZ - Fears None But God“Sharing Blood”: How the Ukraine war has cemented the Russia–North Korea alliance  BLiTZ - Fears None But God N. Korea's Kim logs most public appearances in nine years in 2025 - The Korea TimesN. Korea's Kim logs most public appearances in nine years in 2025  The Korea Times 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 Korean, Russian leadership hint at closer ties - The Korea HeraldNorth Korean, Russian leadership hint at closer ties  The Korea Herald 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 China’s Stance on the Entry of US Submarines into the Korean Peninsula - Modern DiplomacyChina’s Stance on the Entry of US Submarines into the Korean Peninsula  Modern Diplomacy Medvedev Congratulates Kim Jong-un, Expects Expanded Cooperation - ????Medvedev Congratulates Kim Jong-un, Expects Expanded Cooperation  ???? North Korea leader Kim sends New Year's message to Putin, calls bilateral ties 'precious common asset' - suryaa.comNorth Korea leader Kim sends New Year's message to Putin, calls bilateral ties 'precious common asset'  suryaa.com Amazon blocks 1,800 job applications from suspected North Korean agents - BBCAmazon blocks 1,800 job applications from suspected North Korean agents  BBC South Korea moves to allow public access to North Korea's primary newspaper - Anadolu AjansiSouth Korea moves to allow public access to North Korea's primary newspaper  Anadolu Ajansi North Korea Reveals Scale of Iskander Missiles Copies Production - Militarnyi - ??????????North Korea Reveals Scale of Iskander Missiles Copies Production - Militarnyi  ?????????? Russia's Putin sent a message to North Korea's Kim to celebrate New Year's Day, KCNA says - ReutersRussia's Putin sent a message to North Korea's Kim to celebrate New Year's Day, KCNA says  Reuters Kim Jong-un orders North Korea to boost missile production in 2026 - Euronews.comKim Jong-un orders North Korea to boost missile production in 2026  Euronews.com North Korea's Kim calls for expanding country's missile, shell production capacity - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea's Kim calls for expanding country's missile, shell production capacity  Anadolu Ajansi Russia's Iskanders in North Korea? Kim's 'doom factory' houses 100s of KN-23 missiles ready to. . . - Hindustan TimesRussia's Iskanders in North Korea? Kim's 'doom factory' houses 100s of KN-23 missiles ready to. . .  Hindustan Times North Korea's Kim Jong Un views submarine construction, oversees missile launch, KCNA says - ReutersNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un views submarine construction, oversees missile launch, KCNA says  Reuters North Korea marks year-end home stretch with closer ties to Russia - NK NewsNorth Korea marks year-end home stretch with closer ties to Russia  NK News Kim praises North Korea-Russia ties in New Year message - Qatar TribuneKim praises North Korea-Russia ties in New Year message  Qatar Tribune North Korea leader Kim sends New Year's message to Putin, calls bilateral ties 'precious common asset' - Punjab News ExpressNorth Korea leader Kim sends New Year's message to Putin, calls bilateral ties 'precious common asset'  Punjab News Express South Korea's Unification ministry reviewing permitting public access to North Korea's newspaper - thehawk.inSouth Korea's Unification ministry reviewing permitting public access to North Korea's newspaper  thehawk.in ‘Maximum deterrence’: why North Korea just revealed its new nuclear submarine - South China Morning Post‘Maximum deterrence’: why North Korea just revealed its new nuclear submarine  South China Morning Post High-level North Korean defector reports top official was executed by burning - NK NewsHigh-level North Korean defector reports top official was executed by burning  NK News North Korea-Russia bound by war's 'blood': Kim tells Putin - NewsBytesNorth Korea-Russia bound by war's 'blood': Kim tells Putin  NewsBytes North Korea’s Kim Jong Un signals continued missile development in next 5 years By Reuters - Investing.comNorth Korea’s Kim Jong Un signals continued missile development in next 5 years By Reuters  Investing.com The Return of Factional Conflict in South Korea’s Foreign Policy - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineThe Return of Factional Conflict in South Korea’s Foreign Policy  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine Naval nativity: As their mothers fled North Korean forces 75 years ago, five Christmas babies were born at sea - CNNNaval nativity: As their mothers fled North Korean forces 75 years ago, five Christmas babies were born at sea  CNN North Korea's Kim Jong Un tours hotels with daughter, lauds economic progress - ReutersNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un tours hotels with daughter, lauds economic progress  Reuters Why are North and South Korea divided? - BritannicaWhy are North and South Korea divided?  Britannica Woman reveals North Korea’s true reality in 2025 by finding loophole to explore without a guide - Times of IndiaWoman reveals North Korea’s true reality in 2025 by finding loophole to explore without a guide  Times of India New images of North Korea’s first nuclear-powered submarine - CNNNew images of North Korea’s first nuclear-powered submarine  CNN North Korea reveals progress on 8,700-ton nuclear submarine project - Interesting EngineeringNorth Korea reveals progress on 8,700-ton nuclear submarine project  Interesting Engineering How an Elusive Banker Allegedly Kept North Korea’s Dirty Money Flowing - The Wall Street JournalHow an Elusive Banker Allegedly Kept North Korea’s Dirty Money Flowing  The Wall Street Journal North Korea Unveils its First Nuclear-Powered Submarine - The Maritime ExecutiveNorth Korea Unveils its First Nuclear-Powered Submarine  The Maritime Executive North Korea Unveils Near-Complete 8,700-Ton Nuclear Submarine as Kim Jong Un Issues Warning - Indian Defence ReviewNorth Korea Unveils Near-Complete 8,700-Ton Nuclear Submarine as Kim Jong Un Issues Warning  Indian Defence Review S. Korea to merge defector resettlement centers as arrivals from North decline - The Korea TimesS. Korea to merge defector resettlement centers as arrivals from North decline  The Korea Times 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’s nuclear submarine drive to deepen uncertainty on peninsula - The Korea HeraldNorth Korea’s nuclear submarine drive to deepen uncertainty on peninsula  The Korea Herald Reopening Old Doors: North Korea’s Diplomatic Comeback - orfonline.orgReopening Old Doors: North Korea’s Diplomatic Comeback  orfonline.org South Korea Seeks UN Role in Reviving Dialogue with North Korea - ????? ?????South Korea Seeks UN Role in Reviving Dialogue with North Korea  ????? ????? 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Korea, economic cooperation during January trip  The Korea Times ?North Korea Unveils the Completed Hull of What It Calls a Nuclear Submarine - The New York Times?North Korea Unveils the Completed Hull of What It Calls a Nuclear Submarine  The New York Times NK leader Kim sends New Year's message to Putin, calls bilateral ties 'precious common asset' - The Korea TimesNK leader Kim sends New Year's message to Putin, calls bilateral ties 'precious common asset'  The Korea Times North Korea’s Kim Orders Arms Modernization Before Congress, Says KCNA - Bloomberg.comNorth Korea’s Kim Orders Arms Modernization Before Congress, Says KCNA  Bloomberg.com Seoul takes first step to open access to North Korean materials - The Korea HeraldSeoul takes first step to open access to North Korean materials  The Korea Herald If russia Receives Hwasal-1 Ra-3 Cruise Missiles with a One-Ton Warhead from north Korea, What Threats Would This Pose? - Defense ExpressIf russia Receives Hwasal-1 Ra-3 Cruise Missiles with a One-Ton Warhead from north Korea, What Threats Would This Pose?  Defense Express North Korea Shows Major Progress On First Nuclear-Powered Submarine - Marine InsightNorth Korea Shows Major Progress On First Nuclear-Powered Submarine  Marine Insight 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 Korea’s Kim orders increase in missile production - Taipei TimesNorth Korea’s Kim orders increase in missile production  Taipei Times 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 North Korea's Hwasong-11 Short-Range Ballistic Missile Factory Reveals Two Active Variants - Army RecognitionNorth Korea's Hwasong-11 Short-Range Ballistic Missile Factory Reveals Two Active Variants  Army Recognition Gov't to tap seasoned N. Korea hands for new task force on inter-Korean dialogue - The Korea TimesGov't to tap seasoned N. Korea hands for new task force on inter-Korean dialogue  The Korea Times North Korea’s nuclear sub reveal jolts US-Russia-China dynamics - Asia TimesNorth Korea’s nuclear sub reveal jolts US-Russia-China dynamics  Asia Times North Korea’s Kim Orders Factories to Make More Missiles in 2026 - The Defense PostNorth Korea’s Kim Orders Factories to Make More Missiles in 2026  The Defense Post North Korea criticizes US for “raising nuclear tensions” on Korean Peninsula - arabnews.jpNorth Korea criticizes US for “raising nuclear tensions” on Korean Peninsula  arabnews.jp Kim Jong-un Emphasizes Patriotic Zeal at Constitution Day Event - ????Kim Jong-un Emphasizes Patriotic Zeal at Constitution Day Event  ???? The Korea International Broadcasting Foundation - Arirang NewsThe Korea International Broadcasting Foundation  Arirang News Kim Jong Un hails bond of 'blood, life and death' with Moscow in New Years message to Vladimir Putin - New York PostKim Jong Un hails bond of 'blood, life and death' with Moscow in New Years message to Vladimir Putin  New York Post Kim calls for boosting munitions output as North Korea advances weapons programs - Türkiye TodayKim calls for boosting munitions output as North Korea advances weapons programs  Türkiye Today Video. Kim Jong-un orders North Korea to boost missile production in 2026 - Euronews.comVideo. Kim Jong-un orders North Korea to boost missile production in 2026  Euronews.com North Korea's Kim warns Seoul's nuclear-powered submarine plan will 'worsen instability' - The Korea HeraldNorth Korea's Kim warns Seoul's nuclear-powered submarine plan will 'worsen instability'  The Korea Herald Former S. Korean security officials acquitted in border killing cover-up case - Anadolu AjansiFormer S. Korean security officials acquitted in border killing cover-up case  Anadolu Ajansi South to permit public access to North Korea's main newspaper - Korea JoongAng DailySouth to permit public access to North Korea's main newspaper  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korea’s Kim visits nuclear subs as Putin hails ‘invincible’ bond - DawnNorth Korea’s Kim visits nuclear subs as Putin hails ‘invincible’ bond  Dawn North Korea frames nuclear sub work as response to Seoul debate - upi.comNorth Korea frames nuclear sub work as response to Seoul debate  upi.com December 27: North Korea Nuclear Sub Progress Lifts Geopolitical Risk - MeykaDecember 27: North Korea Nuclear Sub Progress Lifts Geopolitical Risk  Meyka North Korea’s Leader Kim Jong Un Signals Continued Missile Development Over Next Five Year - Arise NewsNorth Korea’s Leader Kim Jong Un Signals Continued Missile Development Over Next Five Year  Arise News South Korea to open North Korea's Rodong Sinmun to public access - upi.comSouth Korea to open North Korea's Rodong Sinmun to public access  upi.com Why Russia sent Ukrainian children to North Korea, explained - The Kyiv IndependentWhy Russia sent Ukrainian children to North Korea, explained  The Kyiv Independent North Korea touts 8,700-ton nuclear sub as deterrence shift - upi.comNorth Korea touts 8,700-ton nuclear sub as deterrence shift  upi.com Government to tap seasoned North Korea hands for new task force - The Korea TimesGovernment to tap seasoned North Korea hands for new task force  The Korea Times North Korea's Kim calls for expanding missile, shell production capacity - lokmattimes.comNorth Korea's Kim calls for expanding missile, shell production capacity  lokmattimes.com 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 North Korea’s Strategic Bet: Why Pyongyang Chose to Side With Russia in the Ukraine Conflict - Modern DiplomacyNorth Korea’s Strategic Bet: Why Pyongyang Chose to Side With Russia in the Ukraine Conflict  Modern Diplomacy National security adviser reportedly asks U.N. chief to visit N. Korea: sources - Korea JoongAng DailyNational security adviser reportedly asks U.N. chief to visit N. Korea: sources  Korea JoongAng Daily 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 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 Former officials accused of covering up North Korea shooting acquitted in trial - NK NewsFormer officials accused of covering up North Korea shooting acquitted in trial  NK News North Korea displays apparent progress in construction of nuclear-powered submarine - Santa Fe New MexicanNorth Korea displays apparent progress in construction of nuclear-powered submarine  Santa Fe New Mexican North Korea touts progress on nuclear-powered submarine - Sky NewsNorth Korea touts progress on nuclear-powered submarine  Sky News