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

China's Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong Un pledge closer ties as meeting enters second day - follow live - BBC China's Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong Un pledge closer ties as meeting enters second day - follow live  BBC Xi, Kim express hopes for greater ties between China and North Korea  The Hindu China's Xi hails deeper understanding at end of North Korea summit  Reuters The World’s Most Surprising Economic Success Story Is…North Korea - WSJThe World’s Most Surprising Economic Success Story Is…North Korea  WSJ A ‘Miraculous Transformation’: How Kim Jong-un Fortified North Korea - The New York TimesA ‘Miraculous Transformation’: How Kim Jong-un Fortified North Korea  The New York Times South Korea reaffirms goal of denuclearising Korean Peninsula following Kim-Xi summit - The Hans IndiaSouth Korea reaffirms goal of denuclearising Korean Peninsula following Kim-Xi summit  The Hans India Xi And Kim Forge a New Path For China-North Korea Relations - WIONXi And Kim Forge a New Path For China-North Korea Relations  WION North Korea unveils a new plant to produce fuel for nuclear weapons - NPRNorth Korea unveils a new plant to produce fuel for nuclear weapons  NPR North Korea launches ballistic missile and other weapons over the sea in latest show of force - AP NewsNorth Korea launches ballistic missile and other weapons over the sea in latest show of force  AP News Xi to visit North Korea, showing China’s importance to a nuclear-armed neighbor - The Washington PostXi to visit North Korea, showing China’s importance to a nuclear-armed neighbor  The Washington Post North Korea Tests New Lightweight Launch System and Tactical Cruise Missiles - USNI NewsNorth Korea Tests New Lightweight Launch System and Tactical Cruise Missiles  USNI News China Needs North Korea on Its Side - Foreign PolicyChina Needs North Korea on Its Side  Foreign Policy Analysis: Why China’s Xi wants a ‘brighter’ future with North Korea - CNNAnalysis: Why China’s Xi wants a ‘brighter’ future with North Korea  CNN What happened when China’s Xi Jinping visited North Korea for first time in 7 years - The Indian ExpressWhat happened when China’s Xi Jinping visited North Korea for first time in 7 years  The Indian Express ‘As close as lips and teeth’: The highs and lows of China-North Korea ties - Al Jazeera‘As close as lips and teeth’: The highs and lows of China-North Korea ties  Al Jazeera Xi Jinping wraps up North Korea visit; announces reaching 'important concensus' with Kim Jong Un - Deccan HeraldXi Jinping wraps up North Korea visit; announces reaching 'important concensus' with Kim Jong Un  Deccan Herald How North Korean TV Comes Together for News About Kim Jong Un - 38 NorthHow North Korean TV Comes Together for News About Kim Jong Un  38 North Video | Xi Jinping in North Korea: China Reasserts DPRK Influence - NDTVVideo | Xi Jinping in North Korea: China Reasserts DPRK Influence  NDTV The relationship between China and North Korea - NPRThe relationship between China and North Korea  NPR While world makes beeline for Beijing, Xi flies to North Korea - Why China is worried about Kim Jong Un and Russia - The Times of IndiaWhile world makes beeline for Beijing, Xi flies to North Korea - Why China is worried about Kim Jong Un and Russia  The Times of India China's Xi says he reached important consensus with Kim in North Korea visit, KCNA reports - ReutersChina's Xi says he reached important consensus with Kim in North Korea visit, KCNA reports  Reuters Video. Xi Jinping meets Kim Jong Un as China and North Korea tighten alliance - Euronews.comVideo. Xi Jinping meets Kim Jong Un as China and North Korea tighten alliance  Euronews.com Xi Seeks to Draw North Korea Back Into China’s Orbit - Foreign PolicyXi Seeks to Draw North Korea Back Into China’s Orbit  Foreign Policy Xi Jinping wraps up trip to North Korea, hails ‘ever-renewing friendship’ - NBC NewsXi Jinping wraps up trip to North Korea, hails ‘ever-renewing friendship’  NBC News Xi Cements Sway Over North Korea as Kim Names China Top Priority - Bloomberg.comXi Cements Sway Over North Korea as Kim Names China Top Priority  Bloomberg.com Russia–North Korea Military Cooperation in Response to China’s Tactical Ambiguity - Asia SocietyRussia–North Korea Military Cooperation in Response to China’s Tactical Ambiguity  Asia Society Xi Jinping arrives in Pyongyang on trip to revitalise China-North Korea ties - The GuardianXi Jinping arrives in Pyongyang on trip to revitalise China-North Korea ties  The Guardian Asia Minute: Why did Xi Jinping go to North Korea? - Hawaii Public RadioAsia Minute: Why did Xi Jinping go to North Korea?  Hawaii Public Radio What was left unsaid may be biggest takeaway from Xi-Kim summit - The Japan TimesWhat was left unsaid may be biggest takeaway from Xi-Kim summit  The Japan Times Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un vow stronger ties in North Korea visit - BBCXi Jinping and Kim Jong Un vow stronger ties in North Korea visit  BBC Why It’s Harder for China to Keep North Korea in Line - Bloomberg.comWhy It’s Harder for China to Keep North Korea in Line  Bloomberg.com North Korea needs China for survival: Why does Beijing need Pyongyang? - Al JazeeraNorth Korea needs China for survival: Why does Beijing need Pyongyang?  Al Jazeera Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un vow to deepen China–North Korea ties after Pyongyang visit - Daily PioneerXi Jinping and Kim Jong Un vow to deepen China–North Korea ties after Pyongyang visit  Daily Pioneer China’s Xi, North Korea’s Kim pledge to boost ties at rare Pyongyang summit - Al JazeeraChina’s Xi, North Korea’s Kim pledge to boost ties at rare Pyongyang summit  Al Jazeera China and Russia are competing for influence over North Korea - The EconomistChina and Russia are competing for influence over North Korea  The Economist Friendship or leverage: Why is Xi Jinping in North Korea? - BBCFriendship or leverage: Why is Xi Jinping in North Korea?  BBC Chinese president returns from landmark trip to North Korea - Anadolu AjansiChinese president returns from landmark trip to North Korea  Anadolu Ajansi Analysis: Chinese President Xi's silence on nuclear arms is a gift to North Korea's Kim Jong Un - AP NewsAnalysis: Chinese President Xi's silence on nuclear arms is a gift to North Korea's Kim Jong Un  AP News Why is Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting North Korea now? - Al JazeeraWhy is Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting North Korea now?  Al Jazeera How significant is Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea? - Al JazeeraHow significant is Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea?  Al Jazeera The New York Times. . China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, arrived in North Korea on Monday and delivered what analysts said was a subtle reminder to the country’s newly emboldened dictator, Kim Jong-un, that China is his most important benefactor, economic p - facebook.comThe New York Times. . China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, arrived in North Korea on Monday and delivered what analysts said was a subtle reminder to the country’s newly emboldened dictator, Kim Jong-un, that China is his most important benefactor, economic p  facebook.com Xi Jinping Sidesteps Denuclearization in North Korea, Touts 'Traditional Friendship' - JAPAN ForwardXi Jinping Sidesteps Denuclearization in North Korea, Touts 'Traditional Friendship'  JAPAN Forward Xi, Kim pledge deeper ties as North Korea visit ends - upi.comXi, Kim pledge deeper ties as North Korea visit ends  upi.com What Xi Jinping’s motorcade said about North Korea-China ties - NK NewsWhat Xi Jinping’s motorcade said about North Korea-China ties  NK News China’s Xi Jinping arrives in North Korea on rare state visit - Al JazeeraChina’s Xi Jinping arrives in North Korea on rare state visit  Al Jazeera North Korea Continues To Display Their Force With Recent Missile Launch - The Organization for World PeaceNorth Korea Continues To Display Their Force With Recent Missile Launch  The Organization for World Peace CHINA – NORTH KOREA Xi in Pyongyang reiterates 'historic alliance' (and no longer mentions nuclear issues) - AsiaNewsCHINA – NORTH KOREA Xi in Pyongyang reiterates 'historic alliance' (and no longer mentions nuclear issues)  AsiaNews Has Xi Jinping’s North Korea visit helped cement China’s vital role? - South China Morning PostHas Xi Jinping’s North Korea visit helped cement China’s vital role?  South China Morning Post XI Jinping Looking to Bring North Korea Back Into China’s Orbit: Analyst - Center for a New American Security | CNASXI Jinping Looking to Bring North Korea Back Into China’s Orbit: Analyst  Center for a New American Security | CNAS China’s President Xi returns home after closely watched trip to North Korea - AP NewsChina’s President Xi returns home after closely watched trip to North Korea  AP News North Korea’s economy is apparently booming - Morning BrewNorth Korea’s economy is apparently booming  Morning Brew How China keeps North Korea's economy alive - DW.comHow China keeps North Korea's economy alive  DW.com North Korean Hackers—Posing As Fake IT Workers—Behind Nearly Half Of All Tech Firm Attacks, Report Says - ForbesNorth Korean Hackers—Posing As Fake IT Workers—Behind Nearly Half Of All Tech Firm Attacks, Report Says  Forbes The Debate - Unbreakable Kim? China's Xi visits Russia-backed North Korean leader - France 24The Debate - Unbreakable Kim? China's Xi visits Russia-backed North Korean leader  France 24 Kim, Xi vow stronger North Korea-China ties, silent on denuclearization - The Korea HeraldKim, Xi vow stronger North Korea-China ties, silent on denuclearization  The Korea Herald Is China giving up on denuclearising North Korea? - ThinkChinaIs China giving up on denuclearising North Korea?  ThinkChina Xi and Kim push for greater ties between China and North Korea - AP NewsXi and Kim push for greater ties between China and North Korea  AP News Japan wary of closer China-North Korea military ties after Xi visit - The Japan TimesJapan wary of closer China-North Korea military ties after Xi visit  The Japan Times China’s Xi to Visit North Korea After Meetings With Trump, Putin - Kyiv PostChina’s Xi to Visit North Korea After Meetings With Trump, Putin  Kyiv Post China’s Xi says he reached important consensus with Kim in North Korea visit, KCNA reports - InternazionaleChina’s Xi says he reached important consensus with Kim in North Korea visit, KCNA reports  Internazionale China’s Xi Jinping calls for strengthened ‘strategic cooperation’ with North Korea in rare summit with Kim Jong Un - CNNChina’s Xi Jinping calls for strengthened ‘strategic cooperation’ with North Korea in rare summit with Kim Jong Un  CNN What Xi and Kim Want From Their Summit in North Korea - WSJWhat Xi and Kim Want From Their Summit in North Korea  WSJ Behind the Pageantry in Pyongyang With Xi and Kim - The New York TimesBehind the Pageantry in Pyongyang With Xi and Kim  The New York Times Xi Jinping lands in North Korea for Kim Jong Un meeting - Financial TimesXi Jinping lands in North Korea for Kim Jong Un meeting  Financial Times China's Xi to visit North Korea for first time in seven years as Beijing tests its influence over Kim - CNBCChina's Xi to visit North Korea for first time in seven years as Beijing tests its influence over Kim  CNBC Can Xi bring North Korea closer into Beijing's orbit? - DW.comCan Xi bring North Korea closer into Beijing's orbit?  DW.com Xi Jinping completed a rare North Korea visit, Kim Jong Un agreed to expand cooperation - mezha.netXi Jinping completed a rare North Korea visit, Kim Jong Un agreed to expand cooperation  mezha.net Chinese leader Xi Jinping makes rare trip to North Korea in show of unity - The Washington PostChinese leader Xi Jinping makes rare trip to North Korea in show of unity  The Washington Post China's Xi vows to bring ties with North Korea to 'new heights' during rare visit - Euronews.comChina's Xi vows to bring ties with North Korea to 'new heights' during rare visit  Euronews.com Kim Jong-Un 'at the top of his game' as North Korea to boost ties with China - France 24Kim Jong-Un 'at the top of his game' as North Korea to boost ties with China  France 24 Watch: Why is China's Xi Jinping visiting North Korea? - BBCWatch: Why is China's Xi Jinping visiting North Korea?  BBC North Korea's Kim pledges 'exponential' boost in nuclear forces - Le Monde.frNorth Korea's Kim pledges 'exponential' boost in nuclear forces  Le Monde.fr Xi and Kim express hopes for greater ties between China and North Korea - NPRXi and Kim express hopes for greater ties between China and North Korea  NPR Why Xi Jinping made an exception to see Kim Jong Un in person - Australian Broadcasting CorporationWhy Xi Jinping made an exception to see Kim Jong Un in person  Australian Broadcasting Corporation Peeking into North Korea: Rare glimpses of daily life from across the border - ReutersPeeking into North Korea: Rare glimpses of daily life from across the border  Reuters Xi Jinping drops big Taiwan invasion hint, checks ally North Korea's weapons for war during trip? | Videos - Hindustan TimesXi Jinping drops big Taiwan invasion hint, checks ally North Korea's weapons for war during trip? | Videos  Hindustan Times China and North Korea expand ties at Pyongyang summit as Xi Jinping visits Kim Jong Un - The Jerusalem PostChina and North Korea expand ties at Pyongyang summit as Xi Jinping visits Kim Jong Un  The Jerusalem Post Analysis: Chinese President Xi's silence on nuclear arms is a gift to North Korea's Kim Jong Un - Sentinel ColoradoAnalysis: Chinese President Xi's silence on nuclear arms is a gift to North Korea's Kim Jong Un  Sentinel Colorado North Korea Adopts Policy For Nuclear Strike If Kim Jong Un Is Killed: Report - NDTVNorth Korea Adopts Policy For Nuclear Strike If Kim Jong Un Is Killed: Report  NDTV Video: Xi Jinping Makes Rare Trip to North Korea to Court Kim Jong-Un - The New York TimesVideo: Xi Jinping Makes Rare Trip to North Korea to Court Kim Jong-Un  The New York Times China, North Korea mum on North's nuclear program after summit - nhk.or.jpChina, North Korea mum on North's nuclear program after summit  nhk.or.jp What to know about a rare visit by China’s Xi to North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un - AP NewsWhat to know about a rare visit by China’s Xi to North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un  AP News China’s President Xi returns home after closely watched trip to North Korea - WBAL News RadioChina’s President Xi returns home after closely watched trip to North Korea  WBAL News Radio Inside North Korea’s hidden IT worker pipeline on Western payrolls - Stock TitanInside North Korea’s hidden IT worker pipeline on Western payrolls  Stock Titan North Korea bans border gatherings, targets speech - DailyNKNorth Korea bans border gatherings, targets speech  DailyNK Why Xi’s silence on North Korea’s nuclear weapons is a victory for Kim Jong Un - The IndependentWhy Xi’s silence on North Korea’s nuclear weapons is a victory for Kim Jong Un  The Independent The religious roots of North Korea’s Kim dynasty - Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)The religious roots of North Korea’s Kim dynasty  Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Xi calls on China, North Korea to consolidate trust, boost practical cooperation - African News AgencyXi calls on China, North Korea to consolidate trust, boost practical cooperation  African News Agency Chinese President Xi returns home after closely watched trip to North Korea - The Korea TimesChinese President Xi returns home after closely watched trip to North Korea  The Korea Times China’s Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un meet in Pyongyang - Al JazeeraChina’s Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un meet in Pyongyang  Al Jazeera Chinese leader Xi arrives in North Korea for closely watched talks with Kim - Gulf NewsChinese leader Xi arrives in North Korea for closely watched talks with Kim  Gulf News Kim Jong Un hosts Xi Jinping from a position of rare strength - NBC NewsKim Jong Un hosts Xi Jinping from a position of rare strength  NBC News Xi Jinping says China’s support for North Korea and Kim Jong-un is ‘unwavering’ - South China Morning PostXi Jinping says China’s support for North Korea and Kim Jong-un is ‘unwavering’  South China Morning Post Xi shores up China's sway in Pyongyang, wary of North Korea-Russia ties - Nikkei AsiaXi shores up China's sway in Pyongyang, wary of North Korea-Russia ties  Nikkei Asia Why are North and South Korea divided? - BritannicaWhy are North and South Korea divided?  Britannica Leaders hope for greater ties between China, North Korea - huntingdondailynews.comLeaders hope for greater ties between China, North Korea  huntingdondailynews.com China's Xi vows unwavering support for North Korea's Kim in rare Pyongyang visit - ReutersChina's Xi vows unwavering support for North Korea's Kim in rare Pyongyang visit  Reuters Xi wraps up North Korea trip with visits to friendship tower, cadre school - NK NewsXi wraps up North Korea trip with visits to friendship tower, cadre school  NK News Xi Jinping heads back to China after North Korea visit - Latest news from AzerbaijanXi Jinping heads back to China after North Korea visit  Latest news from Azerbaijan Inside the ultra-exclusive guesthouse hosting Xi Jinping in North Korea - Yahoo News New ZealandInside the ultra-exclusive guesthouse hosting Xi Jinping in North Korea  Yahoo News New Zealand North Korea Cashing In on Russia’s War – and Its Economy Shows It - Kyiv PostNorth Korea Cashing In on Russia’s War – and Its Economy Shows It  Kyiv Post North Korea illegally exported 1.5M tons of coal last year: ROK lawmaker - NK NewsNorth Korea illegally exported 1.5M tons of coal last year: ROK lawmaker  NK News