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 may stipulate Kim Jong-un's guiding ideology in party charter at congress: expert - The Korea TimesN. Korea may stipulate Kim Jong-un's guiding ideology in party charter at congress: expert  The Korea Times 'Complete denuclearization' of North Korea remains US policy, says envoy - Anadolu Ajansi'Complete denuclearization' of North Korea remains US policy, says envoy  Anadolu Ajansi U.S. envoy's comments suggest discord with South Korea over approach to North - Korea JoongAng DailyU.S. envoy's comments suggest discord with South Korea over approach to North  Korea JoongAng Daily South Korea scrambles jets after Russian, Chinese planes approach - Gulf NewsSouth Korea scrambles jets after Russian, Chinese planes approach  Gulf News 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 North Korea Appears to Reject Trump’s Offer for Talks - Arms Control AssociationNorth Korea Appears to Reject Trump’s Offer for Talks  Arms Control Association Trump’s Security Roadmap Omits North Korea, Raising Hopes for 2026 Talks - Modern DiplomacyTrump’s Security Roadmap Omits North Korea, Raising Hopes for 2026 Talks  Modern Diplomacy Breaking the North Korea-Russia Missile Axis - RealClearDefenseBreaking the North Korea-Russia Missile Axis  RealClearDefense North Korea’s Kim Jong Un sends condolences to Russian embassy for death of its ambassador, KCNA says - ThePrintNorth Korea’s Kim Jong Un sends condolences to Russian embassy for death of its ambassador, KCNA says  ThePrint Traveller who visited every country says North Korea nearly put him in prison after friend scattered ashe - The Times of IndiaTraveller who visited every country says North Korea nearly put him in prison after friend scattered ashe  The Times of India Hundreds of foreign runners to descend upon North Korea for Pyongyang marathon - NK NewsHundreds of foreign runners to descend upon North Korea for Pyongyang marathon  NK News Trump security roadmap omits North Korea reference, raising diplomacy hopes - ReutersTrump security roadmap omits North Korea reference, raising diplomacy hopes  Reuters Expert warns 60% of humanity could die in 72 hours if North Korea, the US, and Russia trigger WWIII - The Times of IndiaExpert warns 60% of humanity could die in 72 hours if North Korea, the US, and Russia trigger WWIII  The Times of India Russia’s Ambassador in North Korea Dies at 70 - The Moscow TimesRussia’s Ambassador in North Korea Dies at 70  The Moscow Times 7 Chinese ships ‘shadowed’ New Zealand vessel tracking North Korean smuggling - NK News7 Chinese ships ‘shadowed’ New Zealand vessel tracking North Korean smuggling  NK News South urged to maintain sanctions as Trump aims for 'overwhelming' leverage in North negotiations - Korea JoongAng DailySouth urged to maintain sanctions as Trump aims for 'overwhelming' leverage in North negotiations  Korea JoongAng Daily US defense funding bill aims to stop unilateral troop reduction in South Korea - NK NewsUS defense funding bill aims to stop unilateral troop reduction in South Korea  NK News Top Russia envoy dies just a week after public outing; cause secret as Kim Jong Un breaks silence | Videos - Hindustan TimesTop Russia envoy dies just a week after public outing; cause secret as Kim Jong Un breaks silence | Videos  Hindustan Times North Korea says US-South Korea deal to set off 'nuclear domino' effect - ReutersNorth Korea says US-South Korea deal to set off 'nuclear domino' effect  Reuters Late Russian ambassador to DPRK remembered as savvy diplomat, harbinger of war - NK NewsLate Russian ambassador to DPRK remembered as savvy diplomat, harbinger of war  NK News North Korea’s denuclearization drops simultaneously from U.S.,Chinese security documents - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea’s denuclearization drops simultaneously from U.S.,Chinese security documents  Korea JoongAng Daily Longtime Russian ambassador to North Korea dies at 70: Foreign ministry - NK NewsLongtime Russian ambassador to North Korea dies at 70: Foreign ministry  NK News US envoy reaffirms 'complete denuclearisation' of North Korea amid its omission in new security strategy - Punjab News ExpressUS envoy reaffirms 'complete denuclearisation' of North Korea amid its omission in new security strategy  Punjab News Express Russian Ambassador Close to Kim Jong-un Dies - ????Russian Ambassador Close to Kim Jong-un Dies  ???? Tickets for North Korea's 2026 marathon already sold out, says tour agency - Korea JoongAng DailyTickets for North Korea's 2026 marathon already sold out, says tour agency  Korea JoongAng Daily 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 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 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 Suspending US-ROK drills not on table to restart North Korea talks: Wi Sung-lac - NK NewsSuspending US-ROK drills not on table to restart North Korea talks: Wi Sung-lac  NK News Why are North and South Korea divided? - BritannicaWhy are North and South Korea divided?  Britannica 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 Death of Russian ambassador to DPRK, forgotten detainees and Halifax Forum - NK NewsDeath of Russian ambassador to DPRK, forgotten detainees and Halifax Forum  NK News North Korea’s Odd Reticence on China-Japan Tensions - 38 NorthNorth Korea’s Odd Reticence on China-Japan Tensions  38 North Putin May Have a New Palace—and It’s In North Korea - UNITED24 MediaPutin May Have a New Palace—and It’s In North Korea  UNITED24 Media North Korea's omission - The Korea TimesNorth Korea's omission  The Korea Times Chinese sellers offloading ‘black cars’ in North Korea to prevent repossession - NK NewsChinese sellers offloading ‘black cars’ in North Korea to prevent repossession  NK News North Korea accuses US, South Korea of choosing to ‘remain hostile' in first reaction to nuclear submarine deal - livemint.comNorth Korea accuses US, South Korea of choosing to ‘remain hostile' in first reaction to nuclear submarine deal  livemint.com North Korea's Kim sends condolences to Putin over death of Russian envoy to Pyongyang - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea's Kim sends condolences to Putin over death of Russian envoy to Pyongyang  Korea JoongAng Daily Is China changing tack and accepting North Korea as a nuclear-armed state? - South China Morning PostIs China changing tack and accepting North Korea as a nuclear-armed state?  South China Morning Post North Korean farming experts seek Russia’s help to expand crop variety - NK NewsNorth Korean farming experts seek Russia’s help to expand crop variety  NK News Europe’s Stalled North Korea Policy - 38 NorthEurope’s Stalled North Korea Policy  38 North US omits North Korea mention in first security strategy of Trump’s second term - NK NewsUS omits North Korea mention in first security strategy of Trump’s second term  NK News Maryland Man Sentenced for Helping North Korea Infiltrate US Tech Firms - DecryptMaryland Man Sentenced for Helping North Korea Infiltrate US Tech Firms  Decrypt 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 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 Russian ambassador to North Korea known for ties to Kim Jong Un dies - nhk.or.jpRussian ambassador to North Korea known for ties to Kim Jong Un dies  nhk.or.jp 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 Maryland man sentenced to 15 months in prison for assisting North Korea in infiltrating U.S. tech companies - BitgetMaryland man sentenced to 15 months in prison for assisting North Korea in infiltrating U.S. tech companies  Bitget South Korea alarmed by omission of NK denuclearization in US, China defense papers - The Korea TimesSouth Korea alarmed by omission of NK denuclearization in US, China defense papers  The Korea Times North Korea/Russia • The troubles of Russian ships trading with Pyongyang - Intelligence OnlineNorth Korea/Russia • The troubles of Russian ships trading with Pyongyang  Intelligence Online 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 denounces nuclear agreement between South and US - DWNorth Korea denounces nuclear agreement between South and US  DW South Korea, U.S. to Regularize North Korea Policy Discussions - ????South Korea, U.S. to Regularize North Korea Policy Discussions  ???? N Korea threatens ‘offensive action’ as US aircraft carrier visits S Korea - Al JazeeraN Korea threatens ‘offensive action’ as US aircraft carrier visits S Korea  Al Jazeera 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 Russia Sent Abducted Ukrainian Children To North Korea - ForbesRussia Sent Abducted Ukrainian Children To North Korea  Forbes How a question about forgotten prisoners in North Korea sparked a firestorm - NK NewsHow a question about forgotten prisoners in North Korea sparked a firestorm  NK News China’s North Korea Gamble: Live With a Nuclear Kim, Risk a Nuclear South Korea - National Security JournalChina’s North Korea Gamble: Live With a Nuclear Kim, Risk a Nuclear South Korea  National Security Journal Donald Trump security plan omits North Korea reference - The Jerusalem PostDonald Trump security plan omits North Korea reference  The Jerusalem Post North Korea's Kim Jong Un sends condolences to Russian embassy for ambassador's death, KCNA says - The Straits TimesNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un sends condolences to Russian embassy for ambassador's death, KCNA says  The Straits Times Families of abductees in North Korea ‘devastated’ by Lee’s ignorance on issue - NK NewsFamilies of abductees in North Korea ‘devastated’ by Lee’s ignorance on issue  NK News U.S. envoy reaffirms 'complete denuclearization' of N. Korea amid its omission in new U.S. security strategy - upi.comU.S. envoy reaffirms 'complete denuclearization' of N. Korea amid its omission in new U.S. security strategy  upi.com North Korea accuses G7 of double standards over denuclearization call - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea accuses G7 of double standards over denuclearization call  Anadolu Ajansi Scaling back U.S.-South Korea joint drills may be discussed, Seoul says - upi.comScaling back U.S.-South Korea joint drills may be discussed, Seoul says  upi.com 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 Seoul rules out cutting military exercises to revive N. Korea talks: Wi - The Korea HeraldSeoul rules out cutting military exercises to revive N. Korea talks: Wi  The Korea Herald Russia deepens reliance on North Korea and China for drone production and war support - Odessa JournalRussia deepens reliance on North Korea and China for drone production and war support  Odessa Journal N. Korea says 50,000-unit housing project in Pyongyang reaches final stage - The Korea TimesN. Korea says 50,000-unit housing project in Pyongyang reaches final stage  The Korea 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 Main - Odessa JournalMain  Odessa Journal North Korea building three lavish mansions at site for visiting foreign leaders - NK NewsNorth Korea building three lavish mansions at site for visiting foreign leaders  NK News Drills debate reopens NK policy rift inside Lee administration - The Korea HeraldDrills debate reopens NK policy rift inside Lee administration  The Korea Herald South Korea begins removing loudspeakers blaring anti-North Korean messages on border - The Indian ExpressSouth Korea begins removing loudspeakers blaring anti-North Korean messages on border  The Indian Express Is China changing tack and accepting North Korea as a nuclear-armed state? - YahooIs China changing tack and accepting North Korea as a nuclear-armed state?  Yahoo South Korea, Japan, U.S. hold aerial drill in demonstration of strength against North Korea - The HinduSouth Korea, Japan, U.S. hold aerial drill in demonstration of strength against North Korea  The Hindu 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 India appoints ambassador to North Korea after four-year envoy absence - NK NewsIndia appoints ambassador to North Korea after four-year envoy absence  NK News Long-serving Russian envoy to North Korea dies - Key Biscayne PortalLong-serving Russian envoy to North Korea dies  Key Biscayne Portal North Korea fired multiple rounds with rocket launches in Yellow Sea after South Korea holds air drills with US, Japan - livemint.comNorth Korea fired multiple rounds with rocket launches in Yellow Sea after South Korea holds air drills with US, Japan  livemint.com North Korean Hackers Target Developers with Nearly 200 Malicious NPM Packages in “Contagious Interview” Hacking Campaign - CPO MagazineNorth Korean Hackers Target Developers with Nearly 200 Malicious NPM Packages in “Contagious Interview” Hacking Campaign  CPO Magazine Will North Korea defend China in a Taiwan war? - Lowy InstituteWill North Korea defend China in a Taiwan war?  Lowy Institute South Korea's Lee praises Trump, hopes US can resume North Korea dialogue - ReutersSouth Korea's Lee praises Trump, hopes US can resume North Korea dialogue  Reuters What I learned about North Korea’s nuclear paranoia in Pyongyang - Lowy InstituteWhat I learned about North Korea’s nuclear paranoia in Pyongyang  Lowy Institute Does North Korea have any rock bands? - dangerousminds.netDoes North Korea have any rock bands?  dangerousminds.net