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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- OdishaBytesIs Kim Jong-Un’s North Korea Killing Kids For Watching Squid Games And K-Drama?  OdishaBytes North Korea Reportedly Executes Teenagers for Watching Squid Game and Listening to K-Pop - The420.inNorth Korea Reportedly Executes Teenagers for Watching Squid Game and Listening to K-Pop  The420.in North Korea to hold Party Congress in late February: state media - NK NewsNorth Korea to hold Party Congress in late February: state media  NK News A wealthier North Korea widens Kim Jong-un’s options - East Asia ForumA wealthier North Korea widens Kim Jong-un’s options  East Asia Forum North Korea's key ruling party congress set for late February, Pyongyang's state media reports - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea's key ruling party congress set for late February, Pyongyang's state media reports  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korea demands detailed 'explanation' from Seoul over drone incursion - thehindu.comNorth Korea demands detailed 'explanation' from Seoul over drone incursion  thehindu.com North Korea to convene key party congress in late February - thehawk.inNorth Korea to convene key party congress in late February  thehawk.in Kim expected to issue major policy goals at North Korea party congress in late February - AP NewsKim expected to issue major policy goals at North Korea party congress in late February  AP News North Korea’s Kim to outline plans to boost nuclear arsenal - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim to outline plans to boost nuclear arsenal  Al Jazeera South Korea hopes for positive North Korean response after UN lifts aid restrictions - Anadolu AjansiSouth Korea hopes for positive North Korean response after UN lifts aid restrictions  Anadolu Ajansi Pentagon to reduce its role in deterrence of North Korea - The GuardianPentagon to reduce its role in deterrence of North Korea  The Guardian North Korea Executes Students for Watching Squid Game - www.israelhayom.comNorth Korea Executes Students for Watching Squid Game  www.israelhayom.com Why sanctions have entrenched conflict with North Korea, not resolved it - Pearls and IrritationsWhy sanctions have entrenched conflict with North Korea, not resolved it  Pearls and Irritations South Korea's Lee orders review to look at restoring North Korea military pact - thehindu.comSouth Korea's Lee orders review to look at restoring North Korea military pact  thehindu.com 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 UN Security Council to exempt sanctions on humanitarian aid for North Korea, source says - ReutersUN Security Council to exempt sanctions on humanitarian aid for North Korea, source says  Reuters North Korea's 9th Congress Set to Define Future Policies - DevdiscourseNorth Korea's 9th Congress Set to Define Future Policies  Devdiscourse North Korean Soldiers Provide More Advanced Support for Russia’s War on Ukraine - The Wall Street JournalNorth Korean Soldiers Provide More Advanced Support for Russia’s War on Ukraine  The Wall Street Journal Inside Pyongyang’s secret playbook: North Korea’s Kim dynasty plans brutal transition for succession | Videos - Hindustan TimesInside Pyongyang’s secret playbook: North Korea’s Kim dynasty plans brutal transition for succession | Videos  Hindustan Times ‘New developments’ on North Korea likely in next few days, Seoul official says - NK News‘New developments’ on North Korea likely in next few days, Seoul official says  NK News North Korea includes area near inter-Korean border in regional development plan - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea includes area near inter-Korean border in regional development plan  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korea’s Kim Jong Un fires vice premier, publicly rebukes officials - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim Jong Un fires vice premier, publicly rebukes officials  Al Jazeera UN to grant North Korea aid project sanction waivers: Report - FirstpostUN to grant North Korea aid project sanction waivers: Report  Firstpost China, Russia, North Korea & Pakistan Defend Iran's Slaughter – Shocking UN Debate Exposed - UN WatchChina, Russia, North Korea & Pakistan Defend Iran's Slaughter – Shocking UN Debate Exposed  UN Watch Is North Korea is ‘executing’ children for watching Squid Game, listening to K-pop? - FirstpostIs North Korea is ‘executing’ children for watching Squid Game, listening to K-pop?  Firstpost New poll shows strong support for peace with North Korea & dialogue with China - American Friends Service CommitteeNew poll shows strong support for peace with North Korea & dialogue with China  American Friends Service Committee North Korea holds national winter games as it sits out Winter Olympics - Dubai Eye 103.8North Korea holds national winter games as it sits out Winter Olympics  Dubai Eye 103.8 Belarus shipped tons of meat to North Korea with help of Polish firm: Report - NK NewsBelarus shipped tons of meat to North Korea with help of Polish firm: Report  NK News Ukraine has legal obligation not to repatriate North Korean POWs: UN envoy - NK NewsUkraine has legal obligation not to repatriate North Korean POWs: UN envoy  NK News North, South Korea in 'very dangerous' standoff: Yonhap quotes President Lee saying - thehindu.comNorth, South Korea in 'very dangerous' standoff: Yonhap quotes President Lee saying  thehindu.com North Korea Launches Missile Test Amid Rising Tensions - Evrim AgaciNorth Korea Launches Missile Test Amid Rising Tensions  Evrim Agaci 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 Across The River A Forbidden Faith: One South Korean’s Mission To Reach The North - Religion UnpluggedAcross The River A Forbidden Faith: One South Korean’s Mission To Reach The North  Religion Unplugged North Korea appears to give veiled response to human rights lawsuit in Japan - NK NewsNorth Korea appears to give veiled response to human rights lawsuit in Japan  NK News Hope for thaw? Seoul hints at ‘new progress’ in US-North Korea ties - South China Morning PostHope for thaw? 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UN Security Council to grant sanctions exemption for humanitarian aid to North Korea: Source - Korea JoongAng DailyUN Security Council to grant sanctions exemption for humanitarian aid to North Korea: Source  Korea JoongAng Daily Is North Korea in the Olympics? What to know about nation's ban, qualification issues for 2026 Winter showcase - Yahoo SportsIs North Korea in the Olympics? What to know about nation's ban, qualification issues for 2026 Winter showcase  Yahoo Sports North Korea to hold party congress later this month: KCNA - The Korea HeraldNorth Korea to hold party congress later this month: KCNA  The Korea Herald North Korea Announces 9th Workers’ Party Congress in Late February 2026 - ????North Korea Announces 9th Workers’ Party Congress in Late February 2026  ???? N. Korea to convene key party congress in late February - The Korea HeraldN. Korea to convene key party congress in late February  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 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 North Korean POW in Ukraine: 'There is nothing I can do if they don't take me' - The Korea TimesNorth Korean POW in Ukraine: 'There is nothing I can do if they don't take me'  The Korea Times UN's North Korea rights monitor says now 'nearly impossible' to defect - Nikkei AsiaUN's North Korea rights monitor says now 'nearly impossible' to defect  Nikkei Asia North Korea’s Kim fires vice premier, calls him ‘a goat yoked to pull an ox cart’ - cnn.comNorth Korea’s Kim fires vice premier, calls him ‘a goat yoked to pull an ox cart’  cnn.com Trump administration grants sanctions relief for humanitarian aid to N. Korea - The Korea TimesTrump administration grants sanctions relief for humanitarian aid to N. Korea  The Korea Times North Korea's Kim purges vice premier, slams ‘incompetent’ officials - France 24North Korea's Kim purges vice premier, slams ‘incompetent’ officials  France 24 North Korea to hold party congress in February, first since 2021 - CNANorth Korea to hold party congress in February, first since 2021  CNA Kim expected to issue major policy goals at North Korea party congress in late February - The Tribune-DemocratKim expected to issue major policy goals at North Korea party congress in late February  The Tribune-Democrat 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 Cheong Wa Dae hopes for N. Korea's response after UN decides to exempt sanctions on humanitarian aid - The Korea TimesCheong Wa Dae hopes for N. Korea's response after UN decides to exempt sanctions on humanitarian aid  The Korea Times Kim expected to issue major policy goals at North Korea party congress in late February - Oskaloosa HeraldKim expected to issue major policy goals at North Korea party congress in late February  Oskaloosa Herald Sex, death and betrayal: This North Korean movie shows things audiences have never seen before - cnn.comSex, death and betrayal: This North Korean movie shows things audiences have never seen before  cnn.com Kim expected to issue major policy goals at North Korea party congress in late February - Ottumwa CourierKim expected to issue major policy goals at North Korea party congress in late February  Ottumwa Courier 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 Tokyo court finds North Korea’s “Paradise on Earth” survivors were misled - Lowy InstituteTokyo court finds North Korea’s “Paradise on Earth” survivors were misled  Lowy Institute North expected to open 9th Congress soon amid speculation over Kim Jong-un adopting 'president' title - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth expected to open 9th Congress soon amid speculation over Kim Jong-un adopting 'president' title  Korea JoongAng Daily Kim expected to issue major policy goals at North Korea party congress in late February - Toronto StarKim expected to issue major policy goals at North Korea party congress in late February  Toronto Star Assessing the Impact of the US’ New Foreign Policy Approach on North Korea’s Arms Trafficking Activity - 38 NorthAssessing the Impact of the US’ New Foreign Policy Approach on North Korea’s Arms Trafficking Activity  38 North North Korea Takes Its Place at “Eurasian Charter” Table - 38 NorthNorth Korea Takes Its Place at “Eurasian Charter” Table  38 North 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 to convene ruling party congress in late February - nhk.or.jpNorth Korea to convene ruling party congress in late February  nhk.or.jp 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 A new start for Pyongyang? Fears mount as US-Russia nuclear pact expires - South China Morning PostA new start for Pyongyang? Fears mount as US-Russia nuclear pact expires  South China Morning Post Kim expected to issue major policy goals at North Korea party congress in late February - The Sun ChronicleKim expected to issue major policy goals at North Korea party congress in late February  The Sun Chronicle North Korea sits out Winter Olympics as it holds own national games - The IndependentNorth Korea sits out Winter Olympics as it holds own national games  The Independent North Korea slams ‘dangerous’ drills by US, Japan, South Korea - Al JazeeraNorth Korea slams ‘dangerous’ drills by US, Japan, South Korea  Al Jazeera North Korea-Belarus Trade: Meat for Automotive Parts - ????North Korea-Belarus Trade: Meat for Automotive Parts  ???? UN special rapporteur urges media restraint on North Korean POWs, dialogue with Pyongyang - Korea JoongAng DailyUN special rapporteur urges media restraint on North Korean POWs, dialogue with Pyongyang  Korea JoongAng Daily 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 ‘I won’t survive’: North Korean soldier caught by Ukraine dreads going home - South China Morning Post‘I won’t survive’: North Korean soldier caught by Ukraine dreads going home  South China Morning Post North Korea holds own national games after failing to qualify for Winter Olympics - The IndependentNorth Korea holds own national games after failing to qualify for Winter Olympics  The Independent Seoul calls for freeze of North’s nuclear programme, Chinese mediation - Al JazeeraSeoul calls for freeze of North’s nuclear programme, Chinese mediation  Al Jazeera North Korea to hold party congress in February, first since 2021 - The Straits TimesNorth Korea to hold party congress in February, first since 2021  The Straits 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 South Korea to probe drones North Korea says violated its airspace - ReutersSouth Korea to probe drones North Korea says violated its airspace  Reuters U.N. rapporteur says Ukraine obliged to not send N.K. soldiers to risk of torture - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWSU.N. rapporteur says Ukraine obliged to not send N.K. soldiers to risk of torture  Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS 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 North Korea touts Sinuiju mega-greenhouse as showcase ahead of party congress - HortidailyNorth Korea touts Sinuiju mega-greenhouse as showcase ahead of party congress  Hortidaily 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