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 appears to be speeding up construction of its 3rd 5,000-ton destroyer - The Korea TimesSatellite imagery shows N. Korea appears to be speeding up construction of its 3rd 5,000-ton destroyer  The Korea Times Puppies, Kitten, Power: North Korea's Kim Jong Un Steals Spotlight At Pet Shop - NDTVPuppies, Kitten, Power: North Korea's Kim Jong Un Steals Spotlight At Pet Shop  NDTV North Korea not ready for a female successor - East Asia ForumNorth Korea not ready for a female successor  East Asia Forum North Korea: Iran, Nuclear Issues, and the Succession of Power. An Interview with Rachel Minyoung Lee - Geopolitica.infoNorth Korea: Iran, Nuclear Issues, and the Succession of Power. 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Korea's Kim visits museum of Combat Feats at Overseas Military Operations - The Korea TimesN. Korea's Kim visits museum of Combat Feats at Overseas Military Operations  The Korea Times North Korea's Kim Jong Un doubles down on nuclear program - DW.comNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un doubles down on nuclear program  DW.com Seoul must defend against North Korea ‘by our strength,’ Lee tells US senators - NK NewsSeoul must defend against North Korea ‘by our strength,’ Lee tells US senators  NK News North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Towards Sea During US-South Korea Drills - NDTVNorth Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Towards Sea During US-South Korea Drills  NDTV Villages Bordering Sohae Satellite Launching Station Razed - 38 NorthVillages Bordering Sohae Satellite Launching Station Razed  38 North North Korea expands its nuclear arsenal after witnessing Iran’s vulnerability - CBCNorth Korea expands its nuclear arsenal after witnessing Iran’s vulnerability  CBC North Korea fires missiles into the sea as US and South Korea conduct military drills - The GuardianNorth Korea fires missiles into the sea as US and South Korea conduct military drills  The Guardian Axios supply chain attack attributed to North Korea, according to Google - TechInformedAxios supply chain attack attributed to North Korea, according to Google  TechInformed N. Korea discusses implementation of parliamentary decisions at Cabinet committee meeting - The Korea TimesN. Korea discusses implementation of parliamentary decisions at Cabinet committee meeting  The Korea Times North Korea condemns UN human rights resolution on Pyongyang: KCNA - thehawk.inNorth Korea condemns UN human rights resolution on Pyongyang: KCNA  thehawk.in Mojtaba Khamenei: North Korea voices support for Iran's new supreme leader amid West Asia tensions - The HinduMojtaba Khamenei: North Korea voices support for Iran's new supreme leader amid West Asia tensions  The Hindu North Korea hackers suspected of attack on widely used software tool - The Japan TimesNorth Korea hackers suspected of attack on widely used software tool  The Japan Times North Korea's Kim Jong Un reappointed as president of state affairs - Le Monde.frNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un reappointed as president of state affairs  Le Monde.fr Chinese electrosurgical device spotted at new North Korean hospital - NK NewsChinese electrosurgical device spotted at new North Korean hospital  NK News The Evangelical Roots of North Korea’s Kim Family - Christianity TodayThe Evangelical Roots of North Korea’s Kim Family  Christianity Today North Korea shifts education costs onto the public with new funding law - DailyNKNorth Korea shifts education costs onto the public with new funding law  DailyNK Longtime North Korean representative to Olympics dies at 87 - NK NewsLongtime North Korean representative to Olympics dies at 87  NK News North Korea courts Chinese private investors for Pyongyang commercial complex - DailyNKNorth Korea courts Chinese private investors for Pyongyang commercial complex  DailyNK Examining European Engagement With North Korea - 38 NorthExamining European Engagement With North Korea  38 North North Korea denounces ‘muscle-flexing’ US-South Korean military exercises - Al JazeeraNorth Korea denounces ‘muscle-flexing’ US-South Korean military exercises  Al Jazeera North Korean hackers compromise major software used by thousands of companies - NK NewsNorth Korean hackers compromise major software used by thousands of companies  NK News North Korea discusses implementation of parliamentary decisions at Cabinet committee meeting - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea discusses implementation of parliamentary decisions at Cabinet committee meeting  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korea's ambassador discusses recent party congress results with Chinese Communist Party officials in Beijing - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea's ambassador discusses recent party congress results with Chinese Communist Party officials in Beijing  Korea JoongAng Daily ROK nonprofit says it seeks to hold an electric vehicle expo in North Korea - NK NewsROK nonprofit says it seeks to hold an electric vehicle expo in North Korea  NK News Kim Yo Jong Condemns South Korea-US Joint Military Exercises - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineKim Yo Jong Condemns South Korea-US Joint Military Exercises  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine How North Korean operatives get hired, and how HR can stop them - HR ExecutiveHow North Korean operatives get hired, and how HR can stop them  HR Executive History of South Korea - Relations with the North - BritannicaHistory of South Korea - Relations with the North  Britannica North Korea promotes Kim Jong Un’s sister as he vows to boost economy - Al JazeeraNorth Korea promotes Kim Jong Un’s sister as he vows to boost economy  Al Jazeera N. Korea condemns UN human rights resolution on Pyongyang: KCNA - The Korea TimesN. Korea condemns UN human rights resolution on Pyongyang: KCNA  The Korea Times North Korea behind social engineering attack on Axios project - techzine.euNorth Korea behind social engineering attack on Axios project  techzine.eu Construction to upgrade North Korea’s space launch complex enters new stage - NK NewsConstruction to upgrade North Korea’s space launch complex enters new stage  NK News Drift crypto platform confirms $280 million stolen in hack as researchers point finger at North Korea - The Record from Recorded Future NewsDrift crypto platform confirms $280 million stolen in hack as researchers point finger at North Korea  The Record from Recorded Future News Google Attributes Axios npm Supply Chain Attack to North Korean Group UNC1069 - The Hacker NewsGoogle Attributes Axios npm Supply Chain Attack to North Korean Group UNC1069  The Hacker News North Korea’s Kim Jong-un says nuclear-armed status ‘irreversible’ - France 24North Korea’s Kim Jong-un says nuclear-armed status ‘irreversible’  France 24 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 Korean hackers bug software used by thousands of US companies in potential crypto heist attempt - cnn.comNorth Korean hackers bug software used by thousands of US companies in potential crypto heist attempt  cnn.com North Korea conducts engine test for missile capable of targeting U.S. mainland - NBC NewsNorth Korea conducts engine test for missile capable of targeting U.S. mainland  NBC News North Korea condemns UN human rights resolution on Pyongyang: KCNA - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea condemns UN human rights resolution on Pyongyang: KCNA  Korea JoongAng Daily Built by Pyongyang: The North Korean company behind Africa’s most iconic monuments - DailyNKBuilt by Pyongyang: The North Korean company behind Africa’s most iconic monuments  DailyNK North Korea to bury soldiers from Ukraine war at new cemetery in mid-April - NK NewsNorth Korea to bury soldiers from Ukraine war at new cemetery in mid-April  NK News North Korea backs Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, slams US-Israel for 'destroying regional peace' - The Times of IndiaNorth Korea backs Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, slams US-Israel for 'destroying regional peace'  The Times of India Assessing North Korea’s AI ambitions - The International Institute for Strategic StudiesAssessing North Korea’s AI ambitions  The International Institute for Strategic Studies N. Korea's Kim inspects service facilities set to open at new housing area in Pyongyang - The Korea TimesN. Korea's Kim inspects service facilities set to open at new housing area in Pyongyang  The Korea Times North Korea-linked hackers suspected in Axios open-source hijack, Google analysts say - Nextgov/FCWNorth Korea-linked hackers suspected in Axios open-source hijack, Google analysts say  Nextgov/FCW North Korea fires ballistic missiles toward sea amid US-South Korea military drills - Le Monde.frNorth Korea fires ballistic missiles toward sea amid US-South Korea military drills  Le Monde.fr Russian businessman appears to play key role in North Korean labor schemes - NK NewsRussian businessman appears to play key role in North Korean labor schemes  NK News Will North Korea exploit the fog of the Iran war to strike South Korea? - The Business StandardWill North Korea exploit the fog of the Iran war to strike South Korea?  The Business Standard North Korean IT Workers' Disguised Employment Attempts Exposed - ????North Korean IT Workers' Disguised Employment Attempts Exposed  ???? Kim Jong Un says North Korea’s nuclear status is irreversible, threatens South - ReutersKim Jong Un says North Korea’s nuclear status is irreversible, threatens South  Reuters North Korea's Kim visits museum of Combat Feats at Overseas Military Operations - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea's Kim visits museum of Combat Feats at Overseas Military Operations  Korea JoongAng Daily ROK police investigating if dead body that washed ashore came from North Korea - NK NewsROK police investigating if dead body that washed ashore came from North Korea  NK News Trump slams Seoul over lack of support on Hormuz, citing US troops in Korea - NK NewsTrump slams Seoul over lack of support on Hormuz, citing US troops in Korea  NK News North Korea's long-serving IOC member Chang Ung dies at 87 - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea's long-serving IOC member Chang Ung dies at 87  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korea’s Kim Jong Un warns South Korea, says US should end hostility - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim Jong Un warns South Korea, says US should end hostility  Al Jazeera S. Korea to move up deployment of Iron Dome-like interceptor against N. Korean threats to 2029 - The Korea TimesS. Korea to move up deployment of Iron Dome-like interceptor against N. Korean threats to 2029  The Korea Times Head of Chinese economic group visiting North Korea to promote trade - NK NewsHead of Chinese economic group visiting North Korea to promote trade  NK News Did Israel attack North Korea embassy? Fact-checking viral claim about missile strike amid Iran war | World News - Hindustan TimesDid Israel attack North Korea embassy? Fact-checking viral claim about missile strike amid Iran war | World News  Hindustan Times How North Korea Armed Iran’s Missile Forces Over Two Decades - Vision TimesHow North Korea Armed Iran’s Missile Forces Over Two Decades  Vision Times North Korea–linked hackers drain $285M from Drift in sophisticated attack - Security AffairsNorth Korea–linked hackers drain $285M from Drift in sophisticated attack  Security Affairs Unlock New B2B Opportunities with the Resurrected Train Service from Beijing, China to North Korea: Boost Your Travel Business and Cross-Border Trade Now - Travel And Tour WorldUnlock New B2B Opportunities with the Resurrected Train Service from Beijing, China to North Korea: Boost Your Travel Business and Cross-Border Trade Now  Travel And Tour World I knew about North Korean hackers—they still tricked me and got into my computer - FortuneI knew about North Korean hackers—they still tricked me and got into my computer  Fortune North Korea-linked hack hits largely invisible software that powers online services - ReutersNorth Korea-linked hack hits largely invisible software that powers online services  Reuters Google links malware compromising Axios software to North Korea - Cybersecurity InsidersGoogle links malware compromising Axios software to North Korea  Cybersecurity Insiders 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 North Korean leader’s sister criticizes U.S. and South Korea for proceeding with joint drills - NBC NewsNorth Korean leader’s sister criticizes U.S. and South Korea for proceeding with joint drills  NBC News Does Iran’s Future Look Like Cuba, Syria, or North Korea? - foreignpolicy.comDoes Iran’s Future Look Like Cuba, Syria, or North Korea?  foreignpolicy.com China resumes direct flights to North Korea after 6 years - NBC NewsChina resumes direct flights to North Korea after 6 years  NBC News Iran Risks Becoming 'Middle East's North Korea' as Military State Concerns Grow - ????Iran Risks Becoming 'Middle East's North Korea' as Military State Concerns Grow  ????