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

Sex, death and betrayal: This North Korean movie shows things audiences have never seen before - CNNSex, death and betrayal: This North Korean movie shows things audiences have never seen before  CNN Australia's NATO envoy is returning home with a warning about North Korea - Australian Broadcasting CorporationAustralia's NATO envoy is returning home with a warning about North Korea  Australian Broadcasting Corporation North Korean PurpleBravo Campaign Targeted 3,136 IP Addresses via Fake Job Interviews - The Hacker NewsNorth Korean PurpleBravo Campaign Targeted 3,136 IP Addresses via Fake Job Interviews  The Hacker News North Korea produces enough nuclear material a year for 10-20 weapons: South Korea president - The Economic TimesNorth Korea produces enough nuclear material a year for 10-20 weapons: South Korea president  The Economic Times North Producing Material For Up To 20 Nuclear Weapons A Year: S. Korea | Spotlight - FirstpostNorth Producing Material For Up To 20 Nuclear Weapons A Year: S. Korea | Spotlight  Firstpost North Korea producing nuclear material for up to 20 weapons a year: Seoul - TRT WorldNorth Korea producing nuclear material for up to 20 weapons a year: Seoul  TRT World Anthropic CEO Says AI Chip Sales to China Like Selling Nukes to North Korea - BloombergAnthropic CEO Says AI Chip Sales to China Like Selling Nukes to North Korea  Bloomberg North Korea’s Kim fires vice premier, calls him ‘a goat yoked to pull an ox cart’ - CNN North 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 Jazeera North Korea’s Kim removes vice premier after factory project setbacks  The Economic Times The Domestic Impediment to Lee Jae-myung’s North Korea Policy - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineThe Domestic Impediment to Lee Jae-myung’s North Korea Policy  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine 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 North Korean Hackers Target macOS Developers via Malicious VS Code Projects - SecurityWeekNorth Korean Hackers Target macOS Developers via Malicious VS Code Projects  SecurityWeek South Korea Seeks Renewed Dialogue with North Korea - DevdiscourseSouth Korea Seeks Renewed Dialogue with North Korea  Devdiscourse North Korea demands detailed 'explanation' from Seoul over drone incursion - The HinduNorth Korea demands detailed 'explanation' from Seoul over drone incursion  The Hindu 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 Ria Roy: The importance of subtle language differences between North and South - NK NewsRia Roy: The importance of subtle language differences between North and South  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 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 sends tough message to US after Venezuela attack, fires multiple ballistic missiles - WIONNorth Korea sends tough message to US after Venezuela attack, fires multiple ballistic missiles  WION North Korea’s Kim dismisses vice premier over factory project in rare public rebuke - NBC NewsNorth Korea’s Kim dismisses vice premier over factory project in rare public rebuke  NBC News President Lee First Mentions Arms Control Talks - ????President Lee First Mentions Arms Control Talks  ???? 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 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 Why stopping drones from entering North Korea will be easier said than done - NK NewsWhy stopping drones from entering North Korea will be easier said than done  NK News Ask a North Korean: What are school vacations like in the DPRK? - NK NewsAsk a North Korean: What are school vacations like in the DPRK?  NK News Textiles and wigs reign supreme in North Korea-China trade in 2025 - NK NewsTextiles and wigs reign supreme in North Korea-China trade in 2025  NK News N Korea’s Kim oversees hypersonic missile tests, cites geopolitical crisis - Al JazeeraN Korea’s Kim oversees hypersonic missile tests, cites geopolitical crisis  Al Jazeera South Korea says to seek consultation with UNC over push to reopen border trails inside DMZ - thehawk.inSouth Korea says to seek consultation with UNC over push to reopen border trails inside DMZ  thehawk.in People Power Party Rep. Yu Urges Presidential Envoy to Ukraine for North Korean Soldier Repatriation - ????People Power Party Rep. Yu Urges Presidential Envoy to Ukraine for North Korean Soldier Repatriation  ???? South Korea says North Korea has launched ballistic missile into sea - The HinduSouth Korea says North Korea has launched ballistic missile into sea  The Hindu 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 denuclearization ideal but unrealistic, South’s president says - NK NewsNorth Korea denuclearization ideal but unrealistic, South’s president says  NK News 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 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 People Power Party Rep. Yu Urges Envoy for North Korean Prisoners - ????People Power Party Rep. Yu Urges Envoy for North Korean Prisoners  ???? 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 “I think it's a bit like selling nuclear weapons to North Korea and bragging” — Anthropic's CEO warns Davos about letting Nvidia sell AI chips to China - TechRadar“I think it's a bit like selling nuclear weapons to North Korea and bragging” — Anthropic's CEO warns Davos about letting Nvidia sell AI chips to China  TechRadar North Korea Churns Out Enough Nuclear Material for 20 Bombs a Year - UNITED24 MediaNorth Korea Churns Out Enough Nuclear Material for 20 Bombs a Year  UNITED24 Media 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 Can Build 20 Nukes a Year, South Korea’s Lee Says - BloombergNorth Korea Can Build 20 Nukes a Year, South Korea’s Lee Says  Bloomberg North Korea searches for a path out of international isolation - eastasiaforum.orgNorth Korea searches for a path out of international isolation  eastasiaforum.org How North Korea Uses an 80-Year-Old Youth Group to Control Society - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineHow North Korea Uses an 80-Year-Old Youth Group to Control Society  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine 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 North Korea's denuclearization 'ideal' but unrealistic for now, Lee says in presser - koreajoongangdaily.joins.comNorth Korea's denuclearization 'ideal' but unrealistic for now, Lee says in presser  koreajoongangdaily.joins.com 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 A surprising look at North Korea’s movie industry - CNNA surprising look at North Korea’s movie industry  CNN 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 Lee urges probe into North Korea drone incident - ????Lee urges probe into North Korea drone incident  ???? 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 South Korea's Lee says North produces material for 10-20 nuclear weapons annually - upi.comSouth Korea's Lee says North produces material for 10-20 nuclear weapons annually  upi.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 Quick Take: North Korea Silent on Venezuela After Initial Reaction, Turns to Greenland and Iran - 38 NorthQuick Take: North Korea Silent on Venezuela After Initial Reaction, Turns to Greenland and Iran  38 North South Korea's new president changes tactics on North Korea - DW.comSouth Korea's new president changes tactics on North Korea  DW.com North Korea says it tested long-range cruise missiles - NBC NewsNorth Korea says it tested long-range cruise missiles  NBC News President prioritizes 'peaceful coexistence' over unification with North Korea - koreatimes.co.krPresident prioritizes 'peaceful coexistence' over unification with North Korea  koreatimes.co.kr 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 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 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 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 South Korea Deploys ‘Monster’ Missile Amid North Korea Nuclear Threat - NewsweekSouth Korea Deploys ‘Monster’ Missile Amid North Korea Nuclear Threat  Newsweek 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 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 N. Korea replaces chemical industry minister ahead of party congress - koreatimes.co.krN. Korea replaces chemical industry minister ahead of party congress  koreatimes.co.kr 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 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 North Korea's Kim Yo Jong urges South Korea to investigate drone incidents - The Japan TimesNorth Korea's Kim Yo Jong urges South Korea to investigate drone incidents  The Japan Times North Korea’s Kim oversees test launch of long-range cruise missiles - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim oversees test launch of long-range cruise missiles  Al Jazeera Lee vows diplomatic efforts for resumption of N. Korea-US talks, creating conditions for inter-Korean dialogue - koreatimes.co.krLee vows diplomatic efforts for resumption of N. Korea-US talks, creating conditions for inter-Korean dialogue  koreatimes.co.kr 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 Kim Jong Un urges youth to abandon ‘dreams’ to go to war, hard labor sites - NK NewsKim Jong Un urges youth to abandon ‘dreams’ to go to war, hard labor sites  NK News Previewing North Korea’s Grand Strategy for 2026 - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazinePreviewing North Korea’s Grand Strategy for 2026  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine North Korea’s Kim Jong Un pushes more missile production as ‘war deterrent’ - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim Jong Un pushes more missile production as ‘war deterrent’  Al Jazeera China-North Korea trade jumps 26% as relations thaw - Nikkei AsiaChina-North Korea trade jumps 26% as relations thaw  Nikkei Asia 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 dismisses vice premier, comparing him to 'a goat yoked to pull an ox cart' - Sky NewsNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un dismisses vice premier, comparing him to 'a goat yoked to pull an ox cart'  Sky News 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 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 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 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 Lee calls freeze on North Korea’s nuclear program ‘pragmatic’ approach - Hankyoreh : English EditionLee calls freeze on North Korea’s nuclear program ‘pragmatic’ approach  Hankyoreh : English Edition 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 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 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 Anthropic's CEO says NVIDIA is essentially selling nukes to North Korea and bragging about it - TweakTownAnthropic's CEO says NVIDIA is essentially selling nukes to North Korea and bragging about it  TweakTown 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 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 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 Peace through pragmatism, not illusion - koreatimes.co.krPeace through pragmatism, not illusion  koreatimes.co.kr North Korea’s Kim Jong-un fires vice premier, publicly rebukes officials - qatar-tribune.comNorth Korea’s Kim Jong-un fires vice premier, publicly rebukes officials  qatar-tribune.com North Korea’s First Nuclear Powered Missile Submarine is Revealed - navalnews.comNorth Korea’s First Nuclear Powered Missile Submarine is Revealed  navalnews.com North Korea displays apparent progress in construction of nuclear-powered submarine - NBC NewsNorth Korea displays apparent progress in construction of nuclear-powered submarine  NBC News North Korea's Kim Jong-un praises rebuilt Onpho hot spring resort - koreajoongangdaily.joins.comNorth Korea's Kim Jong-un praises rebuilt Onpho hot spring resort  koreajoongangdaily.joins.com Crossing a line: did military spies help a student fly drones into North Korea? - South China Morning PostCrossing a line: did military spies help a student fly drones into North Korea?  South China Morning Post North Korea's Kim sacks vice premier, rails against 'incompetence' - CNANorth Korea's Kim sacks vice premier, rails against 'incompetence'  CNA Lee vows efforts to restart US–North Korea talks 'as early as possible' at New Year's press conference - koreaherald.comLee vows efforts to restart US–North Korea talks 'as early as possible' at New Year's press conference  koreaherald.com North Korean defections to South Korea remain low years after COVID-19 pandemic - Stars and StripesNorth Korean defections to South Korea remain low years after COVID-19 pandemic  Stars and Stripes