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 | Spotlight - FirstpostNorth Producing Material For Up To 20 Nuclear Weapons A Year: S. Korea | Spotlight  Firstpost North Korea’s Kim fires vice premier, calls him ‘a goat yoked to pull an ox cart’ - CNNNorth Korea’s Kim fires vice premier, calls him ‘a goat yoked to pull an ox cart’  CNN North Korea’s Kim Jong Un fires vice premier, publicly rebukes officials - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim Jong Un fires vice premier, publicly rebukes officials  Al Jazeera North Korea’s Kim removes vice premier after factory project setbacks - The Economic TimesNorth Korea’s Kim removes vice premier after factory project setbacks  The Economic Times South Korea: Homes, offices of three civilian suspects raided over alleged drone flights to North Korea - thehansindia.comSouth Korea: Homes, offices of three civilian suspects raided over alleged drone flights to North Korea  thehansindia.com South Korea Seeks Renewed Dialogue with North Korea - DevdiscourseSouth Korea Seeks Renewed Dialogue with North Korea  Devdiscourse China’s 2025 trade with North Korea rebounds to pre-COVID levels By Reuters - Investing.comChina’s 2025 trade with North Korea rebounds to pre-COVID levels By Reuters  Investing.com North Korea demands detailed 'explanation' from Seoul over drone incursion - The HinduNorth Korea demands detailed 'explanation' from Seoul over drone incursion  The Hindu South Korea: Lee vows diplomatic efforts for resumption of North Korea-US talks, creating conditions for inter-Korean dialogue - morungexpress.comSouth Korea: Lee vows diplomatic efforts for resumption of North Korea-US talks, creating conditions for inter-Korean dialogue  morungexpress.com The Impact of the US National Security Strategy’s Blind Spot on North Korea - 38 NorthThe Impact of the US National Security Strategy’s Blind Spot on North Korea  38 North In a turbulent world, Kim Jong Un’s regime looks more secure than ever - NK NewsIn a turbulent world, Kim Jong Un’s regime looks more secure than ever  NK News North Korea's Kim fires vice premier, reprimands officials - dw.comNorth Korea's Kim fires vice premier, reprimands officials  dw.com Bookshelf: why the US failed to contain North Korea’s nuclear threat - The Strategist | ASPI's analysis and commentary siteBookshelf: why the US failed to contain North Korea’s nuclear threat  The Strategist | ASPI's analysis and commentary site South Korea warns North can make up to 20 nuclear bombs yearly - Yeni Safak EnglishSouth Korea warns North can make up to 20 nuclear bombs yearly  Yeni Safak English South Korea claims North producing nuclear material capable of making up to 20 nuclear bombs a year - Anadolu AjansiSouth Korea claims North producing nuclear material capable of making up to 20 nuclear bombs a year  Anadolu Ajansi North Korea's Kim purges vice premier, slams ‘incompetent’ officials - France 24North Korea's Kim purges vice premier, slams ‘incompetent’ officials  France 24 Kim Jong-un fires vice-premier and likens him to ‘a goat yoked to an ox cart’ - The GuardianKim Jong-un fires vice-premier and likens him to ‘a goat yoked to an ox cart’  The Guardian North Korea fires missiles towards sea as South Korean leader visits China - Al JazeeraNorth Korea fires missiles towards sea as South Korean leader visits China  Al Jazeera Ask a North Korean: What are school vacations like in the DPRK? 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North produces enough nuclear material a year for 10-20 weapons: S. Korea president - France 24North produces enough nuclear material a year for 10-20 weapons: S. Korea president  France 24 How Takaichi’s military push is reshaping Japan’s posture toward North Korea - NK NewsHow Takaichi’s military push is reshaping Japan’s posture toward North Korea  NK News Lee urges probe into North Korea drone incident - ????Lee urges probe into North Korea drone incident  ???? China's 2025 trade with North Korea rebounds to pre-COVID levels - ReutersChina's 2025 trade with North Korea rebounds to pre-COVID levels  Reuters South Korea's Lee calls for improved drone detection to avoid provoking North Korea - ReutersSouth Korea's Lee calls for improved drone detection to avoid provoking North Korea  Reuters North Korea-China trade surges 25% in 2025 to nearly reach pre-pandemic levels - NK NewsNorth Korea-China trade surges 25% in 2025 to nearly reach pre-pandemic levels  NK News North Korea Can Build 20 Nukes a Year, South Korea’s Lee Says - Bloomberg.comNorth Korea Can Build 20 Nukes a Year, South Korea’s Lee Says  Bloomberg.com North Korea’s Kim sacks senior official, slams ‘incompetence’ - Al Arabiya EnglishNorth Korea’s Kim sacks senior official, slams ‘incompetence’  Al Arabiya English North Korea in 2026: Will the US and South Korean push for talks succeed? - Chatham HouseNorth Korea in 2026: Will the US and South Korean push for talks succeed?  Chatham House North Korea searches for a path out of international isolation - eastasiaforum.orgNorth Korea searches for a path out of international isolation  eastasiaforum.org Anthropic CEO slams US nod for Nvidia AI chip export to China, compares it with ’selling nuclear weapons to North Korea' - MintAnthropic CEO slams US nod for Nvidia AI chip export to China, compares it with ’selling nuclear weapons to North Korea'  Mint N Korea’s Kim sacks his vice premier - taipeitimes.comN Korea’s Kim sacks his vice premier  taipeitimes.com South Korea raids suspects over drone flights into North - The Japan TimesSouth Korea raids suspects over drone flights into North  The Japan Times South Korean man claims he sent drones to North, prompting calls for probe - NK NewsSouth Korean man claims he sent drones to North, prompting calls for probe  NK News North Korea’s Kim slams US-Seoul nuclear submarine deal as ‘offensive act’ - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim slams US-Seoul nuclear submarine deal as ‘offensive act’  Al Jazeera North Korea’s youth outreach, Party Congress signals and prison demolition - NK NewsNorth Korea’s youth outreach, Party Congress signals and prison demolition  NK News Pyongyang fires ballistic missiles as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung makes state visit to China - CNNPyongyang fires ballistic missiles as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung makes state visit to China  CNN S. Korea's Lee Hopes to Boost Economic Cooperation with Japan - nippon.comS. Korea's Lee Hopes to Boost Economic Cooperation with Japan  nippon.com North Korea launches missiles toward sea ahead of South Korean leader's visit to China - NBC NewsNorth Korea launches missiles toward sea ahead of South Korean leader's visit to China  NBC News North, South Korea in 'very dangerous' standoff: Yonhap quotes President Lee saying - The HinduNorth, South Korea in 'very dangerous' standoff: Yonhap quotes President Lee saying  The Hindu Peace through pragmatism, not illusion - koreatimes.co.krPeace through pragmatism, not illusion  koreatimes.co.kr North Korea says it built fewer rural houses in 2025 despite wealth gap problem - NK NewsNorth Korea says it built fewer rural houses in 2025 despite wealth gap problem  NK News North Korea says it tested long-range cruise missiles - NBC NewsNorth Korea says it tested long-range cruise missiles  NBC News South Korea's new president changes tactics on North Korea - dw.comSouth Korea's new president changes tactics on North Korea  dw.com N. Korea's Kim sacks vice premier over irresponsibility ahead of key party congress - koreatimes.co.krN. Korea's Kim sacks vice premier over irresponsibility ahead of key party congress  koreatimes.co.kr Anthropic CEO Sounds Alarm: AI Chips for China Are Like Nukes for North Korea - eWeekAnthropic CEO Sounds Alarm: AI Chips for China Are Like Nukes for North Korea  eWeek South Korea Deploys ‘Monster’ Missile Amid North Korea Nuclear Threat - NewsweekSouth Korea Deploys ‘Monster’ Missile Amid North Korea Nuclear Threat  Newsweek North Korea launches ballistic missiles towards sea before South Korean leader’s visit to China - The GuardianNorth Korea launches ballistic missiles towards sea before South Korean leader’s visit to China  The Guardian N Korea’s Kim hails ‘ever-victorious’ army’s role in war against Ukraine - Al JazeeraN Korea’s Kim hails ‘ever-victorious’ army’s role in war against Ukraine  Al Jazeera North Korea sent its 22-rocket M-1991 to Russia. Ukrainian drones found it, and that wasn't only target that night (VIDEO) - Euromaidan PressNorth Korea sent its 22-rocket M-1991 to Russia. Ukrainian drones found it, and that wasn't only target that night (VIDEO)  Euromaidan Press Lee Jae Myung orders probe into whether civilians sent drones to North Korea - NK NewsLee Jae Myung orders probe into whether civilians sent drones to North Korea  NK News North Korea's Kim sacks vice premier, rails against 'incompetence' - RFINorth Korea's Kim sacks vice premier, rails against 'incompetence'  RFI Kim Jong-un hails North Korea’s ‘invincible alliance’ with Russia in New Year’s message - The GuardianKim Jong-un hails North Korea’s ‘invincible alliance’ with Russia in New Year’s message  The Guardian South Korean president urges China to mediate with North Korea - Anadolu AjansiSouth Korean president urges China to mediate with North Korea  Anadolu Ajansi With a range of 300 km and warheads designed to penetrate buried concrete, South Korea activates a tactical missile to destroy underground bunkers and challenge North Korea's defensive architecture. - CPG Click Petróleo e GásWith a range of 300 km and warheads designed to penetrate buried concrete, South Korea activates a tactical missile to destroy underground bunkers and challenge North Korea's defensive architecture.  CPG Click Petróleo e Gás On cautious footing: Where North Korea-China ties stand after a year of detente - NK NewsOn cautious footing: Where North Korea-China ties stand after a year of detente  NK News Seoul warns North Korea’s nuclear weapons will soon go ‘abroad’ - South China Morning PostSeoul warns North Korea’s nuclear weapons will soon go ‘abroad’  South China Morning Post South Korean leader calls for thorough probe into civilian suspect's alleged drone flight to N. 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Kim Jong Un fires vice premier describing him as 'a goat yoked to pull an ox cart' - Australian Broadcasting CorporationKim Jong Un fires vice premier describing him as 'a goat yoked to pull an ox cart'  Australian Broadcasting Corporation N Korea, Russia bound in ‘blood’ of war, Kim tells Putin in New Year note - Al JazeeraN Korea, Russia bound in ‘blood’ of war, Kim tells Putin in New Year note  Al Jazeera North Korea's Kim Jong Un views submarine construction, oversees missile launch, KCNA says - CNBCNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un views submarine construction, oversees missile launch, KCNA says  CNBC North Korea tests hypersonic missiles, says nuclear forces ready for war - Le Monde.frNorth Korea tests hypersonic missiles, says nuclear forces ready for war  Le Monde.fr North Korea’s Kim fires vice premier over factory failures ahead of major party congress - AP NewsNorth Korea’s Kim fires vice premier over factory failures ahead of major party congress  AP News Kim Jong Un’s bizarre tirade against ‘goat’ in his cabinet exposes North Korea’s economic struggles - The IndependentKim Jong Un’s bizarre tirade against ‘goat’ in his cabinet exposes North Korea’s economic struggles  The Independent AI boss says chip sales to China ‘like selling nuclear weapons to North Korea’ - The IndependentAI boss says chip sales to China ‘like selling nuclear weapons to North Korea’  The Independent North Korea pushes to finish greenhouse project before cold sets in - HortidailyNorth Korea pushes to finish greenhouse project before cold sets in  Hortidaily North Korea’s Two Koreas Policy and Prospects of Inter-Korean Relations - eastwestcenter.orgNorth Korea’s Two Koreas Policy and Prospects of Inter-Korean Relations  eastwestcenter.org Homes, offices of 3 civilian suspects raided over alleged drone flights to N. Korea - koreatimes.co.krHomes, offices of 3 civilian suspects raided over alleged drone flights to N. Korea  koreatimes.co.kr From Buldak noodles to photo booths: North Korea copies South Korean trends - koreatimes.co.krFrom Buldak noodles to photo booths: North Korea copies South Korean trends  koreatimes.co.kr CO26009 | Countering North Korea’s Growing Drone Threat - S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)CO26009 | Countering North Korea’s Growing Drone Threat  S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) How North Korea Responded to the US Gambit in Venezuela - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineHow North Korea Responded to the US Gambit in Venezuela  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine North Korea’s Initial Reaction to US Operations in Venezuela - 38 NorthNorth Korea’s Initial Reaction to US Operations in Venezuela  38 North How North Korea’s cutting-edge sanctions evasion became a model for other states - NK NewsHow North Korea’s cutting-edge sanctions evasion became a model for other states  NK News