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-US deterrence efforts  The Korea Times How North Korea Is Outsourcing Espionage to American Companies - RealClearDefenseHow North Korea Is Outsourcing Espionage to American Companies  RealClearDefense 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 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 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 Allies reaffirm coordination on N. Korea’s return to ‘meaningful’ dialogue - The Korea HeraldAllies reaffirm coordination on N. Korea’s return to ‘meaningful’ dialogue  The Korea Herald North Korea slams U.S. sanctions on cybercrimes, says pressure tactics will fail - The HinduNorth Korea slams U.S. sanctions on cybercrimes, says pressure tactics will fail  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 South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung Pushes for Peaceful Dialogue with North Korea - ?????South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung Pushes for Peaceful Dialogue with North Korea  ????? 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 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 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 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 Korean state-media slams US approval of South Korea’s drive to build nuclear-powered submarines - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korean state-media slams US approval of South Korea’s drive to build nuclear-powered submarines  Anadolu Ajansi 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 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 North Korea says South Korea's overtures 'great miscalculation' - The HinduNorth Korea says South Korea's overtures 'great miscalculation'  The Hindu 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 SK President Lee weighs apology to North - Taipei TimesSK President Lee weighs apology to North  Taipei Times 'Bull of peace' laid to rest on border hill after drifting from N. Korea in 1996 flood - The Korea Times'Bull of peace' laid to rest on border hill after drifting from N. Korea in 1996 flood  The Korea Times South Korean president weighs apology to North Korea over allegations of leafleting and drone use - AP NewsSouth Korean president weighs apology to North Korea over allegations of leafleting and drone use  AP News 'Bull of peace' laid to rest on border hill after drifting from North Korea in 1996 flood - Korea JoongAng Daily'Bull of peace' laid to rest on border hill after drifting from North Korea in 1996 flood  Korea JoongAng Daily 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 South Korea president hints at apology to North over leaflets - Daily TimesSouth Korea president hints at apology to North over leaflets  Daily Times 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 accuses US of ‘wicked’ hostility over cybercrime sanctions - Al JazeeraNorth Korea accuses US of ‘wicked’ hostility over cybercrime sanctions  Al Jazeera 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 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 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 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 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 Fires Ballistic Missile Toward Eastern Waters, Says South Korea - NDTVNorth Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Toward Eastern Waters, Says South Korea  NDTV Gov't 2026 budget for inter-Korean cooperative projects restored to over $681.4 mil. - The Korea TimesGov't 2026 budget for inter-Korean cooperative projects restored to over $681.4 mil.  The Korea Times 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 denounces nuclear agreement between South and US - dw.comNorth Korea denounces nuclear agreement between South and US  dw.com 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 S. Korea Calls For ASEAN To Support Its Efforts For Dialogue With N. Korea - bernamaS. Korea Calls For ASEAN To Support Its Efforts For Dialogue With N. Korea  bernama North Korea accuses G7 of double standards over denuclearization call - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea accuses G7 of double standards over denuclearization call  Anadolu Ajansi South Korea's Lee praises Trump, hopes US can resume North Korea dialogue - CNASouth Korea's Lee praises Trump, hopes US can resume North Korea dialogue  CNA 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 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 Lee signals intention to apologize to NK over predecessor's dispatch of drones to Pyongyang - The Korea TimesLee signals intention to apologize to NK over predecessor's dispatch of drones to Pyongyang  The Korea Times South Korean leader feels should say sorry to North over leaflet drops - The Manila TimesSouth Korean leader feels should say sorry to North over leaflet drops  The Manila Times 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 North Korea Demonstrates Copy of German IRIS-T Air-to-Air Missile - ??????????North Korea Demonstrates Copy of German IRIS-T Air-to-Air Missile  ?????????? President Lee Jae-myung Weighs North Korea Apology, Cautions Risks - ????President Lee Jae-myung Weighs North Korea Apology, Cautions Risks  ???? 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'She's definitely the successor': North Korea's Kim Jong Un's daughter goes viral for striking new look during rare public appearance - Indiatimes'She's definitely the successor': North Korea's Kim Jong Un's daughter goes viral for striking new look during rare public appearance  Indiatimes 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 South Korean Leader Feels Should Say Sorry To North Over Leaflet Drops - Barron'sSouth Korean Leader Feels Should Say Sorry To North Over Leaflet Drops  Barron's 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 Pinpointing where North Korea hides its US-aimed missiles - Asia TimesPinpointing where North Korea hides its US-aimed missiles  Asia Times 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 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 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 South Korean President Intends To Apologize To North Korea About The Eid Of Propaganda And Its Previous Drones - VOI.IDSouth Korean President Intends To Apologize To North Korea About The Eid Of Propaganda And Its Previous Drones  VOI.ID 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 North Korea parade: Is Kim Jong Un stronger than ever? - The Times of IndiaNorth Korea parade: Is Kim Jong Un stronger than ever?  The Times of India 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 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