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

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North Korea slams US over new sanctions, vows to respond with 'proper measures' - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea slams US over new sanctions, vows to respond with 'proper measures'  Anadolu Ajansi North Korea’s former ‘head of state’ Kim Yong Nam dead at 97 - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s former ‘head of state’ Kim Yong Nam dead at 97  Al Jazeera 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 is a model of what China would look like in future’ - Times of India‘North Korea is a model of what China would look like in future’  Times of India South Korea's spy agency sees chance of US-North Korea summit, lawmaker says - ReutersSouth Korea's spy agency sees chance of US-North Korea summit, lawmaker says  Reuters North Korea's Kim Leads State Funeral for Longtime Ceremonial Head of State - News18North Korea's Kim Leads State Funeral for Longtime Ceremonial Head of State  News18 U.S. Sanctions 10 North Korean Entities for Laundering $12.7M in Crypto and IT Fraud - The Hacker NewsU.S. Sanctions 10 North Korean Entities for Laundering $12.7M in Crypto and IT Fraud  The Hacker News N Korea vows response on US sanctions; Russian military delegation visits Pyongyang - Tribune IndiaN Korea vows response on US sanctions; Russian military delegation visits Pyongyang  Tribune India Lee Jae-myung’s North Korea Policy Is Built on Outdated Assumptions - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineLee Jae-myung’s North Korea Policy Is Built on Outdated Assumptions  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine North Korea says US sanctions antagonise it, will respond - ThePrintNorth Korea says US sanctions antagonise it, will respond  ThePrint North Korea | Facts, Map, & History - BritannicaNorth Korea | Facts, Map, & History  Britannica North Korea slams US sanctions on Pyongyang, vows corresponding response - AP7AMNorth Korea slams US sanctions on Pyongyang, vows corresponding response  AP7AM North Korea accuses US of ‘wicked’ hostility over cybercrime sanctions - Al JazeeraNorth Korea accuses US of ‘wicked’ hostility over cybercrime sanctions  Al Jazeera North Korea slams US for ‘wicked’ hostility over sanctions linked to cybercrime - South China Morning PostNorth Korea slams US for ‘wicked’ hostility over sanctions linked to cybercrime  South China Morning Post Seoul Considers Sanctions on North Korea Following US Crypto Crackdown - DecryptSeoul Considers Sanctions on North Korea Following US Crypto Crackdown  Decrypt North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Toward Eastern Waters, Says South Korea - NDTVNorth Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Toward Eastern Waters, Says South Korea  NDTV North Korea launches market crackdown as Chinese imports surge - DailyNKNorth Korea launches market crackdown as Chinese imports surge  DailyNK North Korea - Economy, Resources, Trade - BritannicaNorth Korea - Economy, Resources, Trade  Britannica North Korea says its longtime ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam has died - The HinduNorth Korea says its longtime ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam has died  The Hindu Australia imposes sanctions on alleged cybercriminals for funding North Korea’s weapons programs - Anadolu AjansiAustralia imposes sanctions on alleged cybercriminals for funding North Korea’s weapons programs  Anadolu Ajansi North Korea says antagonised by US sanctions, will respond - ReutersNorth Korea says antagonised by US sanctions, will respond  Reuters Kim Jong-Un - BritannicaKim Jong-Un  Britannica U.S. wants U.N. sanctions on seven vessels over North Korea exports - The HinduU.S. wants U.N. sanctions on seven vessels over North Korea exports  The Hindu North Korea test-fires cruise missiles as Trump visits South Korea - Al JazeeraNorth Korea test-fires cruise missiles as Trump visits South Korea  Al Jazeera North Korea - Nuclear, Juche, Reunification - BritannicaNorth Korea - Nuclear, Juche, Reunification  Britannica Could Iran buy nuclear weapons from North Korea? - The International Institute for Strategic StudiesCould Iran buy nuclear weapons from North Korea?  The International Institute for Strategic Studies Seth Rogen Says ‘I Still Don’t Know For Sure’ Who Did the Sony Hack, 11 Years After ‘The Interview’: ‘Probably North Korea, but Maybe With People in America?’ - VarietySeth Rogen Says ‘I Still Don’t Know For Sure’ Who Did the Sony Hack, 11 Years After ‘The Interview’: ‘Probably North Korea, but Maybe With People in America?’  Variety North Korea says former ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam dies - ReutersNorth Korea says former ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam dies  Reuters North Korea, Russia discuss cooperation, exchanges between their military-political organs - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea, Russia discuss cooperation, exchanges between their military-political organs  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korea slams US sanctions on Pyongyang, vows corresponding response - Punjab News ExpressNorth Korea slams US sanctions on Pyongyang, vows corresponding response  Punjab News Express Detecting fraudulent North Korean hires: A CISO playbook - Sophos NewsDetecting fraudulent North Korean hires: A CISO playbook  Sophos News North Korea test-fires multiple ballistic missiles as APEC summit nears - Al JazeeraNorth Korea test-fires multiple ballistic missiles as APEC summit nears  Al Jazeera Kim Yong Nam: North Korea 'head of state' who served under three Kims dies - BBCKim Yong Nam: North Korea 'head of state' who served under three Kims dies  BBC 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 poised for 7th nuclear test: Defence Intelligence agency - The Sentinel - of this Land, for its PeopleNorth Korea poised for 7th nuclear test: Defence Intelligence agency  The Sentinel - of this Land, for its People North Korea - Engagement, South Korea, US - BritannicaNorth Korea - Engagement, South Korea, US  Britannica Sanctions on cyber criminals funding North Korean weapons of mass destruction - Australian Minister for Foreign AffairsSanctions on cyber criminals funding North Korean weapons of mass destruction  Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs North Korea Cites U.S. 'Malicious Nature,' Vows Patient Response to Sanctions - ????North Korea Cites U.S. 'Malicious Nature,' Vows Patient Response to Sanctions  ???? North Korea appears to be ready for nuclear test once Kim makes decision: Defence Intelligence - MorungExpressNorth Korea appears to be ready for nuclear test once Kim makes decision: Defence Intelligence  MorungExpress North Korea ready for 7th nuclear test, claims South Korea - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea ready for 7th nuclear test, claims South Korea  Anadolu Ajansi North Korean defector beaten by in-laws after failed escape attempt in China - DailyNKNorth Korean defector beaten by in-laws after failed escape attempt in China  DailyNK North Korea's Kim could conduct a nuclear test near term if he chose, South Korean intelligence says - ReutersNorth Korea's Kim could conduct a nuclear test near term if he chose, South Korean intelligence says  Reuters With FIFA and Counter-Strike, a North Korean cafe levels up gaming for the elite - NK NewsWith FIFA and Counter-Strike, a North Korean cafe levels up gaming for the elite  NK News Russian Nuclear Submarine Technology Will Make North Korean Threat More Palpable - 38 NorthRussian Nuclear Submarine Technology Will Make North Korean Threat More Palpable  38 North Treasury Sanctions North Korean Hackers, Companies in Major Cybercrime Sweep - MeriTalkTreasury Sanctions North Korean Hackers, Companies in Major Cybercrime Sweep  MeriTalk North Korea fires artillery rockets ahead of US defence secretary's border visit, Seoul says - France 24North Korea fires artillery rockets ahead of US defence secretary's border visit, Seoul says  France 24 South Korea warns North Korea ready for 7th nuclear test - WIONSouth Korea warns North Korea ready for 7th nuclear test  WION North Korea says its latest missile tests demonstrate a new hypersonic system - NBC NewsNorth Korea says its latest missile tests demonstrate a new hypersonic system  NBC News North Korea Ready for Seventh Nuclear Test at Kim Jong Un’s Command, Seoul Warns - UNITED24 MediaNorth Korea Ready for Seventh Nuclear Test at Kim Jong Un’s Command, Seoul Warns  UNITED24 Media US-North Korea Ties: US Sanctioned Eight Individuals, Two Entities This Week - WIONUS-North Korea Ties: US Sanctioned Eight Individuals, Two Entities This Week  WION Kim Yong-nam, Longtime Ceremonial Leader of North Korea, Dies at 97 - The New York TimesKim Yong-nam, Longtime Ceremonial Leader of North Korea, Dies at 97  The New York Times News Explorer — South Korea May Reconsider Sanctions on North Korea Over Crypto Theft for Weapons - DecryptNews Explorer — South Korea May Reconsider Sanctions on North Korea Over Crypto Theft for Weapons  Decrypt Hegseth says US-South Korea alliance focused on North Korea but 'flexibility' needed - ReutersHegseth says US-South Korea alliance focused on North Korea but 'flexibility' needed  Reuters It Is Autumn in North Korea, and the Missiles Are Changing. Are They Past Peak? - 38 NorthIt Is Autumn in North Korea, and the Missiles Are Changing. Are They Past Peak?  38 North US imposes North Korea-related sanctions over cybercrime, money laundering - Anadolu AjansiUS imposes North Korea-related sanctions over cybercrime, money laundering  Anadolu Ajansi Seoul Considers Sanctions on North Korea Following US Crypto Crackdown - Yahoo FinanceSeoul Considers Sanctions on North Korea Following US Crypto Crackdown  Yahoo Finance 'It's foolish': North Korea strikes off possibility of dialogue after US imposes sanctions on Pyongyang - Firstpost'It's foolish': North Korea strikes off possibility of dialogue after US imposes sanctions on Pyongyang  Firstpost North Korea slams US sanctions on cybercrimes - Morning Star | The People’s DailyNorth Korea slams US sanctions on cybercrimes  Morning Star | The People’s Daily North Korean hackers spread malware from a defector’s messaging app, police say - NK NewsNorth Korean hackers spread malware from a defector’s messaging app, police say  NK News OFAC lists 53 crypto addresses of sanctioned North Korean Cheil Credit Bank - EllipticOFAC lists 53 crypto addresses of sanctioned North Korean Cheil Credit Bank  Elliptic Japan’s new leader Takaichi says she wants to meet North Korea’s Kim Jong Un - CNNJapan’s new leader Takaichi says she wants to meet North Korea’s Kim Jong Un  CNN Maarten Jongsma: Growing potatoes, and partnerships, in North Korea - NK NewsMaarten Jongsma: Growing potatoes, and partnerships, in North Korea  NK News Hegseth Visits Vietnam Looking To Pull Hanoi Away From Russia and North Korea - Foundation for Defense of DemocraciesHegseth Visits Vietnam Looking To Pull Hanoi Away From Russia and North Korea  Foundation for Defense of Democracies North Korea is preparing for potential summit with US, Seoul’s spy agency says - NK NewsNorth Korea is preparing for potential summit with US, Seoul’s spy agency says  NK News Treasury sanctions 8 for laundering North Korea earnings from cybercrime, IT worker scheme - The Record from Recorded Future NewsTreasury sanctions 8 for laundering North Korea earnings from cybercrime, IT worker scheme  The Record from Recorded Future News North Korea Says US Sanctions Won’t Bring Pyongyang to Dialogue - bloomberg.comNorth Korea Says US Sanctions Won’t Bring Pyongyang to Dialogue  bloomberg.com China extends 'deep condolences' over death of North Korea's former ceremonial head of state - ReutersChina extends 'deep condolences' over death of North Korea's former ceremonial head of state  Reuters US imposes North Korea-related sanctions on individuals, entities for money laundering - ReutersUS imposes North Korea-related sanctions on individuals, entities for money laundering  Reuters North Korea sent 5,000 construction troops to Russia, says South Korean intelligence agency - EuractivNorth Korea sent 5,000 construction troops to Russia, says South Korean intelligence agency  Euractiv North Korea parade: Is Kim Jong Un stronger than ever? - Times of IndiaNorth Korea parade: Is Kim Jong Un stronger than ever?  Times of India Russian military brass visit North Korea amid signs of prep for troop dispatch - NK NewsRussian military brass visit North Korea amid signs of prep for troop dispatch  NK News North Korea says US should ‘not expect’ dialogue due to latest sanctions - NK NewsNorth Korea says US should ‘not expect’ dialogue due to latest sanctions  NK News Pyongyang Papers, mystery site monitoring North Korea sanctions, goes offline - NK NewsPyongyang Papers, mystery site monitoring North Korea sanctions, goes offline  NK News Reign check: is North Korea’s Kim Jong-un preparing daughter to take power? - South China Morning PostReign check: is North Korea’s Kim Jong-un preparing daughter to take power?  South China Morning Post Seoul Intel Confirms Thousands of N. Korea Troops in Russia Under Construction Cover - The Defense PostSeoul Intel Confirms Thousands of N. Korea Troops in Russia Under Construction Cover  The Defense Post North Korea Preparing for Potential Trump-Kim Meeting, Seoul Says - bloomberg.comNorth Korea Preparing for Potential Trump-Kim Meeting, Seoul Says  bloomberg.com Kim Jong Un Prepares for Possible Trump Summit as North Korea Deepens Russia Links - UNITED24 MediaKim Jong Un Prepares for Possible Trump Summit as North Korea Deepens Russia Links  UNITED24 Media Kim Yong Nam, North Korea’s former nominal head of state, dies at 97 - NK NewsKim Yong Nam, North Korea’s former nominal head of state, dies at 97  NK News US blacklists North Korean bankers accused of laundering cybercrime funds - NK NewsUS blacklists North Korean bankers accused of laundering cybercrime funds  NK News How North Korea impacted the APEC summit from afar - NK NewsHow North Korea impacted the APEC summit from afar  NK News ‘Sacred sanctuary’: North Korea starts building memorial to soldiers killed in Ukraine war - The Guardian‘Sacred sanctuary’: North Korea starts building memorial to soldiers killed in Ukraine war  The Guardian North Korea's former symbolic head of state Kim Yong Nam dies - France 24North Korea's former symbolic head of state Kim Yong Nam dies  France 24 Kim Yong Nam was a rare survivor in the cutthroat world of North Korean politics - NK NewsKim Yong Nam was a rare survivor in the cutthroat world of North Korean politics  NK News North Korea Poised for Nuclear Test on Kim’s Orders - NewsweekNorth Korea Poised for Nuclear Test on Kim’s Orders  Newsweek Rare photos inside North Korea's £600 million 'Hotel of Doom' where no one has ever stayed - LADbibleRare photos inside North Korea's £600 million 'Hotel of Doom' where no one has ever stayed  LADbible 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 S.Korea says North fired artillery shells as US defense chief visited joint security area - Anadolu AjansiS.Korea says North fired artillery shells as US defense chief visited joint security area  Anadolu Ajansi North Korea likely ready to carry out major nuclear test as soon as Kim gives order, say South spies - The IndependentNorth Korea likely ready to carry out major nuclear test as soon as Kim gives order, say South spies  The Independent US ‘War Chief’ Backs Trump’s Nuke Sub Plan For Seoul Amid North Korea Threat; ‘Stronger Than...’ | Hindustan Times - Hindustan TimesUS ‘War Chief’ Backs Trump’s Nuke Sub Plan For Seoul Amid North Korea Threat; ‘Stronger Than...’ | Hindustan Times  Hindustan Times North Korea’s longtime ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam has died - AP NewsNorth Korea’s longtime ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam has died  AP News Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju Ae, likely successor to North Korea’s Supreme Leader; makes international debut at China military parade - The HinduKim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju Ae, likely successor to North Korea’s Supreme Leader; makes international debut at China military parade  The Hindu North Korea's Military Rise and New Cold War on the Peninsula - JAPAN ForwardNorth Korea's Military Rise and New Cold War on the Peninsula  JAPAN Forward North Korea's former ceremonial head of state dies aged 97 - DWNorth Korea's former ceremonial head of state dies aged 97  DW North Korea's Kim says military ties with Russia will 'advance nonstop' - NBC NewsNorth Korea's Kim says military ties with Russia will 'advance nonstop'  NBC News US aircraft carrier sails into ROK port as allies pledge to deter North Korea - NK NewsUS aircraft carrier sails into ROK port as allies pledge to deter North Korea  NK News Japan's summit proposal to North Korea remains unanswered - Yeni Safak EnglishJapan's summit proposal to North Korea remains unanswered  Yeni Safak English North Korea vows to match US ‘hostility’ with patience after new sanctions - The Korea HeraldNorth Korea vows to match US ‘hostility’ with patience after new sanctions  The Korea Herald Russian military delegation arrives in North Korea, KCNA reports - Korea JoongAng DailyRussian military delegation arrives in North Korea, KCNA reports  Korea JoongAng Daily Hegseth praises South Korea's plans to raise its military spending and boost defense capabilities - abcnews.go.comHegseth praises South Korea's plans to raise its military spending and boost defense capabilities  abcnews.go.com Russia-North Korea Military Collaboration Amid US Sanctions - DevdiscourseRussia-North Korea Military Collaboration Amid US Sanctions  Devdiscourse