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

See what it’s like to use a North Korean smartphone under Kim Jong Un - The Washington PostSee what it’s like to use a North Korean smartphone under Kim Jong Un  The Washington Post Ukraine's Zelenskiy: Russia wants to bring in 30,000 North Korean troops to conflict - ReutersUkraine's Zelenskiy: Russia wants to bring in 30,000 North Korean troops to conflict  Reuters Zelenskyy says Russia seeks 30,000 extra North Korean troops for Ukraine war - The HinduZelenskyy says Russia seeks 30,000 extra North Korean troops for Ukraine war  The Hindu North Korea Planning Largest Ever Foreign Deployment with 30,000 Troops Heading to Russia - Reports - Military Watch MagazineNorth Korea Planning Largest Ever Foreign Deployment with 30,000 Troops Heading to Russia - Reports  Military Watch Magazine Top North Korea official blasts ASEAN for urging denuclearization - Arab NewsTop North Korea official blasts ASEAN for urging denuclearization  Arab News North Korea rejects denuclearization as Ukraine warns of troops | World News - Hindustan TimesNorth Korea rejects denuclearization as Ukraine warns of troops | World News  Hindustan Times Concerns increasing over radio for abductees in North Korea - The Japan TimesConcerns increasing over radio for abductees in North Korea  The Japan Times North Korea arrests its own hackers over stealing from state banks - CoinDeskNorth Korea arrests its own hackers over stealing from state banks  CoinDesk Coffee-less coffee and chocolates without cocoa perk up North Korea’s substitute economy - Asia News NetworkCoffee-less coffee and chocolates without cocoa perk up North Korea’s substitute economy  Asia News Network The Rise of North Korea’s Nuclear-Armed Navy - The Diplomat – Asia-PacificThe Rise of North Korea’s Nuclear-Armed Navy  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific 'It felt like North Korea': Sonam Wangchuk breaks silence on ending 26-day fast, denies 'deal' with Centre - Deccan Herald'It felt like North Korea': Sonam Wangchuk breaks silence on ending 26-day fast, denies 'deal' with Centre  Deccan Herald Litmus test for justice - upi.comLitmus test for justice  upi.com North Korea’s ‘Victory Day’ takes place with Kim Jong Un’s power transformed - Chatham HouseNorth Korea’s ‘Victory Day’ takes place with Kim Jong Un’s power transformed  Chatham House North Korea rejects ASEAN Regional Forum's denuclearization call as 'foolish attempt' - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea rejects ASEAN Regional Forum's denuclearization call as 'foolish attempt'  Anadolu Ajansi Photos Show North And South Korea Still Divided 73 Years After Armistice - ETV BharatPhotos Show North And South Korea Still Divided 73 Years After Armistice  ETV Bharat North Korea's Kim Jong Un marks war anniversary with daughter by his side - ReutersNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un marks war anniversary with daughter by his side  Reuters South Korea tracks reports of 30,000 more North Korean troops for Russia - Türkiye TodaySouth Korea tracks reports of 30,000 more North Korean troops for Russia  Türkiye Today Rival Koreas race to build nuclear-powered submarines - Financial TimesRival Koreas race to build nuclear-powered submarines  Financial Times North Korea to face off against South in soccer rematch at Asian Games - NK NewsNorth Korea to face off against South in soccer rematch at Asian Games  NK News North Korea’s Kim Jong Un marks war anniversary with daughter by his side - InternazionaleNorth Korea’s Kim Jong Un marks war anniversary with daughter by his side  Internazionale North Korea rejects ASEAN forum's denuclearisation call as 'foolish attempt' - TRT WorldNorth Korea rejects ASEAN forum's denuclearisation call as 'foolish attempt'  TRT World North Korea Rejects Denuclearization as Ukraine Warns of Troops - Bloomberg.comNorth Korea Rejects Denuclearization as Ukraine Warns of Troops  Bloomberg.com North Korea’s Nuclear Trajectory: Lessons From Previous Nuclear Powers - Madras CourierNorth Korea’s Nuclear Trajectory: Lessons From Previous Nuclear Powers  Madras Courier South Korea monitors North Korea Russia military cooperation after Zelensky allegation - ????. ?????? ???????.South Korea monitors North Korea Russia military cooperation after Zelensky allegation  ????. ?????? ???????. What North Korea’s ‘rare rebuke’ means for its Asean ties - South China Morning PostWhat North Korea’s ‘rare rebuke’ means for its Asean ties  South China Morning Post South Korea monitors reported plans for fresh North Korean troop deployment to Russia - Anadolu AjansiSouth Korea monitors reported plans for fresh North Korean troop deployment to Russia  Anadolu Ajansi How South Korea’s sole armistice delegate became a hero in North Korea - NK NewsHow South Korea’s sole armistice delegate became a hero in North Korea  NK News North Korea rejects ASEAN denuclearization call as ‘foolish attempt’ - Türkiye TodayNorth Korea rejects ASEAN denuclearization call as ‘foolish attempt’  Türkiye Today What 30,000 North Korean troops could mean for Russia’s war against Ukraine - NK NewsWhat 30,000 North Korean troops could mean for Russia’s war against Ukraine  NK News North and South Korea mark 73rd anniversary of Korean War armistice - Türkiye TodayNorth and South Korea mark 73rd anniversary of Korean War armistice  Türkiye Today North installs screens around inter-Korean border building for apparent renovation work - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth installs screens around inter-Korean border building for apparent renovation work  Korea JoongAng Daily Zelenskyy Raises Alarm Over Iran and North Korea’s Role in War - Caspian PostZelenskyy Raises Alarm Over Iran and North Korea’s Role in War  Caspian Post Why a 30,000-troop deployment suits both Russia and North Korea - South China Morning PostWhy a 30,000-troop deployment suits both Russia and North Korea  South China Morning Post Lee vows to create diplomatic conditions to resume inter-Korean, NK-US dialogue - The Korea TimesLee vows to create diplomatic conditions to resume inter-Korean, NK-US dialogue  The Korea Times North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Is Upgrading His Spy Network - WSJNorth Korea’s Kim Jong Un Is Upgrading His Spy Network  WSJ The 5,000 year old ideology behind unification - upi.comThe 5,000 year old ideology behind unification  upi.com Zelenskyy steps up diplomatic offensive against Iran and North Korea - EUaliveZelenskyy steps up diplomatic offensive against Iran and North Korea  EUalive South Korea does not see any new North Korean troops in Russia, but is monitoring the - UA.NEWSSouth Korea does not see any new North Korean troops in Russia, but is monitoring the  UA.NEWS Zelensky Says Iran and North Korea Are Fighting Ukraine - ??????? ????Zelensky Says Iran and North Korea Are Fighting Ukraine  ??????? ???? Senior Chinese delegation visits North Korea for talks - Al JazeeraSenior Chinese delegation visits North Korea for talks  Al Jazeera School for North Korean defectors gets a new lease on life in Seoul - NK NewsSchool for North Korean defectors gets a new lease on life in Seoul  NK News Zelenskyy claims Russia seeks to bring 30,000 North Korean troops for war - Anadolu AjansiZelenskyy claims Russia seeks to bring 30,000 North Korean troops for war  Anadolu Ajansi Opinion | America’s North Korea strategy needs a dose of reality - South China Morning PostOpinion | America’s North Korea strategy needs a dose of reality  South China Morning Post North Korea to deploy 30K troops to Russia, says Ukrainian President Zelenskyy - Washington TimesNorth Korea to deploy 30K troops to Russia, says Ukrainian President Zelenskyy  Washington Times North Korea Rejects ASEAN Call for Denuclearization - The Diplomatic InsightNorth Korea Rejects ASEAN Call for Denuclearization  The Diplomatic Insight Kim Jong-un's sister criticizes ARF's call for North Korea's denuclearization - Korea JoongAng DailyKim Jong-un's sister criticizes ARF's call for North Korea's denuclearization  Korea JoongAng Daily South Korea airs concerns over North Korean border activity - dw.comSouth Korea airs concerns over North Korean border activity  dw.com Top North Korea official blasts ASEAN for urging denuclearisation - The Korea HeraldTop North Korea official blasts ASEAN for urging denuclearisation  The Korea Herald Russia wants 30,000 more North Korean troops for Ukraine war: Zelenskyy - The Japan TimesRussia wants 30,000 more North Korean troops for Ukraine war: Zelenskyy  The Japan Times Kim Jong Un's sister blasts ASEAN for urging North Korea denuclearisation - CNAKim Jong Un's sister blasts ASEAN for urging North Korea denuclearisation  CNA Zelensky: ‘Russia Seeking 30,000 Additional North Korean Troops for Ukraine War’ - The European ConservativeZelensky: ‘Russia Seeking 30,000 Additional North Korean Troops for Ukraine War’  The European Conservative Kim Jong-un Honors Mao Anying, Unveils Russian Memorial - ????Kim Jong-un Honors Mao Anying, Unveils Russian Memorial  ???? S. Korea closely monitoring Russia's reported preparation for more N. Korean troops: foreign ministry - The Korea TimesS. Korea closely monitoring Russia's reported preparation for more N. Korean troops: foreign ministry  The Korea Times 'It was like being in North Korea': Wangchuk alleges harassment at Safdarjung before shift to Medanta - The New Indian Express'It was like being in North Korea': Wangchuk alleges harassment at Safdarjung before shift to Medanta  The New Indian Express Russia preparing to receive additional North Korean troops, Zelensky says - The Kyiv IndependentRussia preparing to receive additional North Korean troops, Zelensky says  The Kyiv Independent N. Korea's Kim visits war cemeteries on Korean War armistice anniversary - The Korea TimesN. Korea's Kim visits war cemeteries on Korean War armistice anniversary  The Korea Times North Korea covers Panmungak building at JSA for apparent repairs - The Korea HeraldNorth Korea covers Panmungak building at JSA for apparent repairs  The Korea Herald North Korea arrests hackers accused of laundering stolen funds from country's bank via crypto - CoinDeskNorth Korea arrests hackers accused of laundering stolen funds from country's bank via crypto  CoinDesk Russia seeks 30k more North Korean troops in Ukraine war, Zelensky warns - NK NewsRussia seeks 30k more North Korean troops in Ukraine war, Zelensky warns  NK News Russia may accept 20,000 more North Korean troops to deploy in Ukraine - nhk.or.jpRussia may accept 20,000 more North Korean troops to deploy in Ukraine  nhk.or.jp Russia wants 30,000 more troops from North Korea, Zelenskyy says - politico.euRussia wants 30,000 more troops from North Korea, Zelenskyy says  politico.eu North Korea says nuclear capability will be updated steadily, KCNA says - TradingViewNorth Korea says nuclear capability will be updated steadily, KCNA says  TradingView Commemorative plaque honoring N. Korean troops fighting Ukraine unveiled in Russia - The Korea TimesCommemorative plaque honoring N. Korean troops fighting Ukraine unveiled in Russia  The Korea Times Korean Armistice endures as collective defense achievement, regional security foundation - Indo-Pacific Defense FORUMKorean Armistice endures as collective defense achievement, regional security foundation  Indo-Pacific Defense FORUM South Korea has assessed whether North Korea will send troops to Putin - UA.NEWSSouth Korea has assessed whether North Korea will send troops to Putin  UA.NEWS North Korea's Firm Nuclear Stance Challenges Global Diplomacy - DevdiscourseNorth Korea's Firm Nuclear Stance Challenges Global Diplomacy  Devdiscourse North Korea says nuclear capability will be updated steadily, KCNA says - Awani InternationalNorth Korea says nuclear capability will be updated steadily, KCNA says  Awani International Concerns Increasing over Radio for Abductees in N. Korea - nippon.comConcerns Increasing over Radio for Abductees in N. Korea  nippon.com ‘Sealed in blood’: Where does the China-North Korea alliance stand today? - Al Jazeera‘Sealed in blood’: Where does the China-North Korea alliance stand today?  Al Jazeera A heavily armed border still divides North and South Korea 70 years after the armistice - iNFOnews.caA heavily armed border still divides North and South Korea 70 years after the armistice  iNFOnews.ca Russia preparing to receive another 30,000 N. Korean troops for Ukraine war: Zelenskyy - The Korea TimesRussia preparing to receive another 30,000 N. Korean troops for Ukraine war: Zelenskyy  The Korea Times Dealing with North Korea cannot wait for a distracted Washington - East Asia ForumDealing with North Korea cannot wait for a distracted Washington  East Asia Forum Zelenskyy: Russia to Mobilize 500,000, North Korea 30,000 Troops - ????Zelenskyy: Russia to Mobilize 500,000, North Korea 30,000 Troops  ???? North Korea says nuclear capability will be updated steadily, KCNA says » Iraqi News Agency - ????? ??????? ???????? (???)North Korea says nuclear capability will be updated steadily, KCNA says » Iraqi News Agency  ????? ??????? ???????? (???) Kim orders major expansion of North Korea intelligence network - upi.comKim orders major expansion of North Korea intelligence network  upi.com North Korea’s Kim hails ‘unshakeable will’ to develop ties with China’s Xi - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim hails ‘unshakeable will’ to develop ties with China’s Xi  Al Jazeera A heavily armed border still divides North and South Korea 70 years after the armistice - ????A heavily armed border still divides North and South Korea 70 years after the armistice  ???? North Korea’s BlueNoroff Hijacks Telegram to Scan Crypto Wallets via Fake Zoom Calls - finance.biggo.comNorth Korea’s BlueNoroff Hijacks Telegram to Scan Crypto Wallets via Fake Zoom Calls  finance.biggo.com N. Korean leader's sister rebuffs ARF denuclearization call, vows to update nuclear arsenal 'steadily' - The Korea TimesN. Korean leader's sister rebuffs ARF denuclearization call, vows to update nuclear arsenal 'steadily'  The Korea Times Russia Ran North Korea’s Ballistic Missile Lab in Ukraine, Is Sending Results Home - Tech TimesRussia Ran North Korea’s Ballistic Missile Lab in Ukraine, Is Sending Results Home  Tech Times Editorial: North Korea's 30,000-Troop Deployment to Russia: Security Disaster Looms - ????Editorial: North Korea's 30,000-Troop Deployment to Russia: Security Disaster Looms  ???? Zelenskyy Says Russia Wants To Bring More North Korean Troops Into Ukraine War - Radio Free Europe/Radio LibertyZelenskyy Says Russia Wants To Bring More North Korean Troops Into Ukraine War  Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty North Korea’s coffee-less coffee and chocolates without cocoa - Inquirer.netNorth Korea’s coffee-less coffee and chocolates without cocoa  Inquirer.net North Korea Escalates Ballistic Missile Deliveries to Russia as Productive Capacity Expands Rapidly - Military Watch MagazineNorth Korea Escalates Ballistic Missile Deliveries to Russia as Productive Capacity Expands Rapidly  Military Watch Magazine Zelenskyy says Russia seeks 30,000 more North Korean troops - The Korea HeraldZelenskyy says Russia seeks 30,000 more North Korean troops  The Korea Herald Satellite images show N. Korea dredging rivers on a massive scale - DailyNKSatellite images show N. Korea dredging rivers on a massive scale  DailyNK South Korea asks the North to help search for missing sailor - The Japan TimesSouth Korea asks the North to help search for missing sailor  The Japan Times North Korean nuclear weapons program | History, Nuclear Tests, & Ballistic Missiles - Encyclopedia BritannicaNorth Korean nuclear weapons program | History, Nuclear Tests, & Ballistic Missiles  Encyclopedia Britannica N. Korea covers inter-Korean border building in screens for renovation - Inquirer.netN. Korea covers inter-Korean border building in screens for renovation  Inquirer.net North Korea Rejects ASEAN Regional Forum's Denuclearization Call as 'Foolish Attempt' - ????? ?????North Korea Rejects ASEAN Regional Forum's Denuclearization Call as 'Foolish Attempt'  ????? ????? From Burden to Asset: China's Recalibration of North Korea - orfonline.orgFrom Burden to Asset: China's Recalibration of North Korea  orfonline.org North Korea and China: What drives their “unbreakable friendship”? - ??????North Korea and China: What drives their “unbreakable friendship”?  ?????? Russia asks North Korea to send 30,000 extra troops for Ukraine war: Zelensky - South China Morning PostRussia asks North Korea to send 30,000 extra troops for Ukraine war: Zelensky  South China Morning Post N. Korea says will bolster nuclear force, expand S. Korea spy activities in ‘radical way’ - France 24N. Korea says will bolster nuclear force, expand S. Korea spy activities in ‘radical way’  France 24 North Korea Rejects ASEAN Forum's Call for Denuclearization - Qatar news agencyNorth Korea Rejects ASEAN Forum's Call for Denuclearization  Qatar news agency Five Things to Know, July 27, 2026 - The American LegionFive Things to Know, July 27, 2026  The American Legion North Korea Korean War Anniversary - Dayton Daily NewsNorth Korea Korean War Anniversary  Dayton Daily News US pushes to end imports of rare-earth magnets from China Russia Iran and North Korea by 2027 - ????. ?????? ???????.US pushes to end imports of rare-earth magnets from China Russia Iran and North Korea by 2027  ????. ?????? ???????. Putin may seek 30,000 more North Korean troops — but at what price? - Korea JoongAng DailyPutin may seek 30,000 more North Korean troops — but at what price?  Korea JoongAng Daily Zelensky: Russia Seeks to Deploy Another 30,000 North Korean Troops and Additional Ballistic Missiles - ??????????Zelensky: Russia Seeks to Deploy Another 30,000 North Korean Troops and Additional Ballistic Missiles  ?????????? Rumors of Chinese investment fuel Hyesan factory’s reputation - DailyNKRumors of Chinese investment fuel Hyesan factory’s reputation  DailyNK International efforts to end North Korea’s nuclear weapons program have failed. Here’s what comes next - The ConversationInternational efforts to end North Korea’s nuclear weapons program have failed. Here’s what comes next  The Conversation