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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Korean defector recalls childhood memory of public execution - The Korea Times[INTERVIEW] 'I was only 9': N. Korean defector recalls childhood memory of public execution  The Korea Times Is North Korean isolation over? - upi.comIs North Korean isolation over?  upi.com Lee’s North Korea policy ‘reset’ waits on a Pyongyang that sees no need - NK NewsLee’s North Korea policy ‘reset’ waits on a Pyongyang that sees no need  NK News North Korea backs ASEAN role, criticizes US pursuit of own 'security, prosperity' in Southeast Asia - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea backs ASEAN role, criticizes US pursuit of own 'security, prosperity' in Southeast Asia  Anadolu Ajansi Facing the North Korea-Russia alliance: EU-ROK strategies for deterrence and cooperation - Real Instituto ElcanoFacing the North Korea-Russia alliance: EU-ROK strategies for deterrence and cooperation  Real Instituto Elcano South Korea shifting to ‘peace first’ North Korea policy, retains denuclearisation goal - ReutersSouth Korea shifting to ‘peace first’ North Korea policy, retains denuclearisation goal  Reuters South Korea drops denuclearization as condition for talks with the North - NBC NewsSouth Korea drops denuclearization as condition for talks with the North  NBC News Despite agreements, Pyongyang still distrusts Beijing - AsiaNewsDespite agreements, Pyongyang still distrusts Beijing  AsiaNews South Korea Shifts to ‘Peace First’ North Korea Policy - Modern DiplomacySouth Korea Shifts to ‘Peace First’ North Korea Policy  Modern Diplomacy South Korea calls for North Korea's return to dialogue at ARF security forum - MorungExpressSouth Korea calls for North Korea's return to dialogue at ARF security forum  MorungExpress North Korea busts elite hacking ring inside its own banks - DailyNKNorth Korea busts elite hacking ring inside its own banks  DailyNK North Korea is looking to China for solutions to modernise its railways and metro system - Railway PRONorth Korea is looking to China for solutions to modernise its railways and metro system  Railway PRO China’s Neighborhood Push Enters a Riskier Phase - The China-Global South ProjectChina’s Neighborhood Push Enters a Riskier Phase  The China-Global South Project Senior Chinese delegation visits North Korea for talks - Al JazeeraSenior Chinese delegation visits North Korea for talks  Al Jazeera South Korea seizes cargo vessel over suspected violation of North Korea sanctions - Anadolu AjansiSouth Korea seizes cargo vessel over suspected violation of North Korea sanctions  Anadolu Ajansi Heavy rain falls on North Korea as state media remains quiet on potential damage - NK NewsHeavy rain falls on North Korea as state media remains quiet on potential damage  NK News Life in North Korea -- the loyalty I mistook for foolishness - upi.comLife in North Korea -- the loyalty I mistook for foolishness  upi.com Beyond the photo ops: What lies behind North Korea and China’s diplomatic surge - NK NewsBeyond the photo ops: What lies behind North Korea and China’s diplomatic surge  NK News South Korea Drops ‘Denuclearization-First’ Stance on North: Minister - The Defense PostSouth Korea Drops ‘Denuclearization-First’ Stance on North: Minister  The Defense Post South Korea airs concerns over North Korean border activity - DW.comSouth Korea airs concerns over North Korean border activity  DW.com Russia vows support for North Korea’s nuclear, military buildup - NK NewsRussia vows support for North Korea’s nuclear, military buildup  NK News Inside North Korean summer camp welcoming Russia and China - CNNInside North Korean summer camp welcoming Russia and China  CNN Russia, North Korea’s top envoys accuse U.S. of destabilizing Korean Peninsula - NK NewsRussia, North Korea’s top envoys accuse U.S. of destabilizing Korean Peninsula  NK News North Korea border duty loses its appeal | North Korea News - DailyNKNorth Korea border duty loses its appeal | North Korea News  DailyNK 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 North Korean foreign minister returns from trip to Russia: KCNA - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korean foreign minister returns from trip to Russia: KCNA  Korea JoongAng Daily South Korea abandons hardline stance on North’s nuclear weapons programme - The IndependentSouth Korea abandons hardline stance on North’s nuclear weapons programme  The Independent North Korean defectors begin receiving AI phone calls to monitor well-being - NK NewsNorth Korean defectors begin receiving AI phone calls to monitor well-being  NK News South Korea detains cargo ship over suspected North Korean sanctions violations - NK NewsSouth Korea detains cargo ship over suspected North Korean sanctions violations  NK News Russia's 'Axis Of Upheaval' Is Built To Last Beyond Ukraine, Analyst Kendall-Taylor Says - Radio Free Europe/Radio LibertyRussia's 'Axis Of Upheaval' Is Built To Last Beyond Ukraine, Analyst Kendall-Taylor Says  Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 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 China eases customs curbs on North Korea | North Korea News - DailyNKChina eases customs curbs on North Korea | North Korea News  DailyNK North Korea Is Supplying Russia With Upgraded Ballistic Missiles for Strikes on Ukraine - UNITED24 MediaNorth Korea Is Supplying Russia With Upgraded Ballistic Missiles for Strikes on Ukraine  UNITED24 Media North Korea’s Subdued Signaling Toward China During Treaty Anniversary - 38 NorthNorth Korea’s Subdued Signaling Toward China During Treaty Anniversary  38 North Putin meets North Korean foreign minister in diplomatic push - NPRPutin meets North Korean foreign minister in diplomatic push  NPR Rudiger Frank on North Korea’s hidden middle class: North Korea Unpacked - NK NewsRudiger Frank on North Korea’s hidden middle class: North Korea Unpacked  NK News From Burden to Asset: China's Recalibration of North Korea - orfonline.orgFrom Burden to Asset: China's Recalibration of North Korea  orfonline.org Seoul warns North Korean mines ‘highly likely’ drifted south after rainfall - NK NewsSeoul warns North Korean mines ‘highly likely’ drifted south after rainfall  NK News North Korea, Russia foreign ministers hold strategic talks in Moscow, KCNA says - ReutersNorth Korea, Russia foreign ministers hold strategic talks in Moscow, KCNA says  Reuters ‘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 North Korea’s Songdowon camp welcomes hundreds of Russian, Chinese children - NK NewsNorth Korea’s Songdowon camp welcomes hundreds of Russian, Chinese children  NK News Gray Zone Contestation Between North and South Korea in the Yellow Sea - Irregular Warfare InitiativeGray Zone Contestation Between North and South Korea in the Yellow Sea  Irregular Warfare Initiative France, North Korea Paris court upholds forced retirement of Senate official deemed too close to Pyongyang - Intelligence OnlineFrance, North Korea Paris court upholds forced retirement of Senate official deemed too close to Pyongyang  Intelligence Online 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 China ditch Fifa Asean Cup, to face North Korea, Palestine in Asian Cup warm-up - South China Morning PostChina ditch Fifa Asean Cup, to face North Korea, Palestine in Asian Cup warm-up  South China Morning Post South Korea shifts to peace-first North Korea policy, dropping denuclearization as precondition for talks - Korea JoongAng DailySouth Korea shifts to peace-first North Korea policy, dropping denuclearization as precondition for talks  Korea JoongAng Daily Korean Peninsula Update, July 21, 2026 - American Enterprise Institute - AEIKorean Peninsula Update, July 21, 2026  American Enterprise Institute - AEI North Korea Hid New Google Drive Backdoors Inside South Korean Groupware Firms - Tech TimesNorth Korea Hid New Google Drive Backdoors Inside South Korean Groupware Firms  Tech Times A Family’s Daring Escape From North Korea ‘to Live and Stand Tall’ - The New York TimesA Family’s Daring Escape From North Korea ‘to Live and Stand Tall’  The New York Times South Korea Confirms Detaining Vessel Smuggling for North Korea - The Maritime ExecutiveSouth Korea Confirms Detaining Vessel Smuggling for North Korea  The Maritime Executive The Russia-North Korea Axis is Here to Stay - orfonline.orgThe Russia-North Korea Axis is Here to Stay  orfonline.org Trump's renewed outreach to Kim raises prospects of new talks - Nikkei AsiaTrump's renewed outreach to Kim raises prospects of new talks  Nikkei Asia S. Korea, US, Japan FMs reaffirm denuclearization of Korean Peninsula in Philippines - The Korea TimesS. Korea, US, Japan FMs reaffirm denuclearization of Korean Peninsula in Philippines  The Korea Times North Korean nuclear weapons program | History, Nuclear Tests, & Ballistic Missiles - Encyclopedia BritannicaNorth Korean nuclear weapons program | History, Nuclear Tests, & Ballistic Missiles  Encyclopedia Britannica Leading cryptocurrency firm denies reports it hired a North Korean IT worker - NK NewsLeading cryptocurrency firm denies reports it hired a North Korean IT worker  NK News North Korea discharged water from border dam after heavy rain, Seoul says - NK NewsNorth Korea discharged water from border dam after heavy rain, Seoul says  NK News North Korea eyes China’s tech to revamp outdated rail networks: state media - NK NewsNorth Korea eyes China’s tech to revamp outdated rail networks: state media  NK News 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 Korea’s IT worker scheme funds Russia’s war effort - CyberScoopNorth Korea’s IT worker scheme funds Russia’s war effort  CyberScoop N. Korea seen skipping ASEAN security forum for 2nd consecutive year - The Korea TimesN. Korea seen skipping ASEAN security forum for 2nd consecutive year  The Korea Times New Kimsuky campaign compromised South Korean software vendors - The Record from Recorded Future NewsNew Kimsuky campaign compromised South Korean software vendors  The Record from Recorded Future News Gift instrument snubs upset NK students | North Korea News - DailyNKGift instrument snubs upset NK students | North Korea News  DailyNK South Korea Detains Cargo Ship Over Evasion Of U.N Sanctions Against North Korea - Marine InsightSouth Korea Detains Cargo Ship Over Evasion Of U.N Sanctions Against North Korea  Marine Insight North Korea sex work rises amid hardship | North Korea News - DailyNKNorth Korea sex work rises amid hardship | North Korea News  DailyNK China Has Quietly Accepted a Nuclear North Korea - American Enterprise Institute - AEIChina Has Quietly Accepted a Nuclear North Korea  American Enterprise Institute - AEI North Korea's Pixel 8 Pro clone packs one killer upgrade that even Google's Pixel 11 won't get - PhoneArenaNorth Korea's Pixel 8 Pro clone packs one killer upgrade that even Google's Pixel 11 won't get  PhoneArena N. 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Korean FM returns from trip to Russia: state media  The Korea Times Trump hints at new approach to North Korea’s nuclear programme - Al JazeeraTrump hints at new approach to North Korea’s nuclear programme  Al Jazeera How China keeps North Korea's economy alive - DW.comHow China keeps North Korea's economy alive  DW.com Flood warning lifted for Imjin River near inter-Korean border - Korea JoongAng DailyFlood warning lifted for Imjin River near inter-Korean border  Korea JoongAng Daily South Korea detains Tanzania-flagged ship over North sanctions - Korea JoongAng DailySouth Korea detains Tanzania-flagged ship over North sanctions  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korean FM Choe's Moscow Visit: A Deep Dive into Russia-North Korea's Strategic Partnership, Trade, Connectivity and Economic Integration - russia's pivot to asiaNorth Korean FM Choe's Moscow Visit: A Deep Dive into Russia-North Korea's Strategic Partnership, Trade, Connectivity and Economic Integration  russia's pivot to asia North Korean land mines likely flowed south with runoff from monsoon rains - stripes.comNorth Korean land mines likely flowed south with runoff from monsoon rains  stripes.com Peace, not denuclearization, now South Korea’s priority in policy toward North - Hankyoreh : English EditionPeace, not denuclearization, now South Korea’s priority in policy toward North  Hankyoreh : English Edition North Korea’s Trade With China Soars to Highest Level Since 2017 - Bloomberg.comNorth Korea’s Trade With China Soars to Highest Level Since 2017  Bloomberg.com North Korea’s IT worker scheme funds Russia’s war effort, report finds - SC MediaNorth Korea’s IT worker scheme funds Russia’s war effort, report finds  SC Media South Korea shifting to ‘peace first’ North Korea policy, retains denuclearisation goal - CNASouth Korea shifting to ‘peace first’ North Korea policy, retains denuclearisation goal  CNA North Korea rice prices hit record high | North Korea News - DailyNKNorth Korea rice prices hit record high | North Korea News  DailyNK Wits, heroism and sacrifice stopped hijacker from taking airliner to North Korea - Korea JoongAng DailyWits, heroism and sacrifice stopped hijacker from taking airliner to North Korea  Korea JoongAng Daily Kim Jong Un was meant to be their only idol - then North Koreans discovered K-pop - BBCKim Jong Un was meant to be their only idol - then North Koreans discovered K-pop  BBC Seoul drops ‘denuclearisation-first’ stance on Pyongyang - South China Morning PostSeoul drops ‘denuclearisation-first’ stance on Pyongyang  South China Morning Post North Korea condemns NATO summit, says denuclearisation should start with US allies - ReutersNorth Korea condemns NATO summit, says denuclearisation should start with US allies  Reuters Number of incarcerated N. Korean defectors rises to 172 in 2025: report - The Korea TimesNumber of incarcerated N. Korean defectors rises to 172 in 2025: report  The Korea Times Residency ID rumors excite NK defectors | North Korea News - DailyNKResidency ID rumors excite NK defectors | North Korea News  DailyNK DW News. . North Korea is increasingly becoming a direct – yet underappreciated – security concern for Europe. While traditionally viewed as an Indo-Pacific issue, recent developments suggest Pyongyang is now more deeply embedded in Europe’s strategic - facebook.comDW News. . North Korea is increasingly becoming a direct – yet underappreciated – security concern for Europe. While traditionally viewed as an Indo-Pacific issue, recent developments suggest Pyongyang is now more deeply embedded in Europe’s strategic  facebook.com Seoul warns North Korean landmines may have washed across border - upi.comSeoul warns North Korean landmines may have washed across border  upi.com South Korea seeks North Korean role in 2027 papal visit - upi.comSouth Korea seeks North Korean role in 2027 papal visit  upi.com South Korea shifting to ‘peace first’ North Korea policy, retains denuclearisation goal - Awani InternationalSouth Korea shifting to ‘peace first’ North Korea policy, retains denuclearisation goal  Awani International South Korea slams North Korea's 'intensified' border fencing - Anadolu AjansiSouth Korea slams North Korea's 'intensified' border fencing  Anadolu Ajansi