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

Russia used N.Korean missile for deadly strike on Ukrainian village, Zelenskiy says - ReutersRussia used N.Korean missile for deadly strike on Ukrainian village, Zelenskiy says  Reuters North Korea Needs China and Russia – But Doesn’t Want Its People Admiring Them - thediplomat.comNorth Korea Needs China and Russia – But Doesn’t Want Its People Admiring Them  thediplomat.com North Korea’s Economy Expands on Russia Arms Deals, China Trade - bloomberg.comNorth Korea’s Economy Expands on Russia Arms Deals, China Trade  bloomberg.com Russia likely used North Korean missile in deadly Ukraine strike for first time this year - Deccan HeraldRussia likely used North Korean missile in deadly Ukraine strike for first time this year  Deccan Herald Amazon Links Debug and Chalk npm Hijack to North Korea’s Sapphire Sleet - thehackernews.comAmazon Links Debug and Chalk npm Hijack to North Korea’s Sapphire Sleet  thehackernews.com US walks out on France at UN over North Korea, Russia comparison - Al JazeeraUS walks out on France at UN over North Korea, Russia comparison  Al Jazeera North Korean colonel killed by firing squad for stealing grain as 'deeply shaken' officers watched - WIONNorth Korean colonel killed by firing squad for stealing grain as 'deeply shaken' officers watched  WION North Korea calls US Forces Japan a ‘war command’, says Korean Peninsula clash is a matter of timing - Moneycontrol.comNorth Korea calls US Forces Japan a ‘war command’, says Korean Peninsula clash is a matter of timing  Moneycontrol.com Amazon pins multiple open source compromises on North Korea - Computer WeeklyAmazon pins multiple open source compromises on North Korea  Computer Weekly North Korea’s missile pipeline to Russia paying strategic dividends - Asia TimesNorth Korea’s missile pipeline to Russia paying strategic dividends  Asia Times South Korea airs concerns over North Korean border activity - dw.comSouth Korea airs concerns over North Korean border activity  dw.com South Korea reviews near-shootdown of U.S. military drone near North Korean border - The Japan TimesSouth Korea reviews near-shootdown of U.S. military drone near North Korean border  The Japan Times More Than a Destroyer: What Choe Hyon Reveals About North Korea’s Maritime Strategy - 38 NorthMore Than a Destroyer: What Choe Hyon Reveals About North Korea’s Maritime Strategy  38 North North Korea’s Economy Grows 3.5% As Russia, China Ties Boost Trade - StratNews GlobalNorth Korea’s Economy Grows 3.5% As Russia, China Ties Boost Trade  StratNews Global Zelensky Warns of Another North Korean Troop Deployment to Russia - Foundation for Defense of DemocraciesZelensky Warns of Another North Korean Troop Deployment to Russia  Foundation for Defense of Democracies Russia used North Korean missile in Ukraine for first time since 2025: Kyiv - NK NewsRussia used North Korean missile in Ukraine for first time since 2025: Kyiv  NK News Why South Korea must abandon its unification policy - East Asia ForumWhy South Korea must abandon its unification policy  East Asia Forum Zelenskyy claims preliminary data indicates Russia used North Korean ballistic missile to strike Ukraine - Anadolu AjansiZelenskyy claims preliminary data indicates Russia used North Korean ballistic missile to strike Ukraine  Anadolu Ajansi North Korea state media says US Forces’ Japan expansion raises risk of Korean peninsula clash - InternazionaleNorth Korea state media says US Forces’ Japan expansion raises risk of Korean peninsula clash  Internazionale North Korea Economy Growth Eases to 3.5% - TradingViewNorth Korea Economy Growth Eases to 3.5%  TradingView North Korea’s Lazarus Group sharing tools with ransomware hackers, South Korean agencies warn - The Record from Recorded Future NewsNorth Korea’s Lazarus Group sharing tools with ransomware hackers, South Korean agencies warn  The Record from Recorded Future News North Korea state media says US Forces' Japan expansion raises risk of Korean peninsula clash - ReutersNorth Korea state media says US Forces' Japan expansion raises risk of Korean peninsula clash  Reuters Russia and North Korea finalising first road crossing amid concerns it serves as Ukraine war supply route - The GuardianRussia and North Korea finalising first road crossing amid concerns it serves as Ukraine war supply route  The Guardian North Korea slams US Forces Japan expansion as Tokyo tests Tomahawk missile - NK NewsNorth Korea slams US Forces Japan expansion as Tokyo tests Tomahawk missile  NK News North Korea's economy grew 3.5% last year as China, Russia drew closer, Seoul says - ReutersNorth Korea's economy grew 3.5% last year as China, Russia drew closer, Seoul says  Reuters Radio broadcasts to North Korea important for would-be defectors: US official - NK NewsRadio broadcasts to North Korea important for would-be defectors: US official  NK News Early evidence shows North Korea's ballistic missiles are back in the war, Zelenskyy says - Business InsiderEarly evidence shows North Korea's ballistic missiles are back in the war, Zelenskyy says  Business Insider South Korea urges respect for North Korean sovereignty - upi.comSouth Korea urges respect for North Korean sovereignty  upi.com Russia likely fired North Korean missile in Ukraine strike that killed family, sources say - The Japan TimesRussia likely fired North Korean missile in Ukraine strike that killed family, sources say  The Japan Times North Korea's economy grew 3.5% last year on deeper ties with Russia and China, Seoul says - TradingViewNorth Korea's economy grew 3.5% last year on deeper ties with Russia and China, Seoul says  TradingView North Korea's economy grew 3.5% last year as China, Russia drew closer, Seoul says - TradingViewNorth Korea's economy grew 3.5% last year as China, Russia drew closer, Seoul says  TradingView 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 Amazon Links North Korea to Open-Source Software Attacks - MeriTalkAmazon Links North Korea to Open-Source Software Attacks  MeriTalk Pyongyang denounces U.S. plan to raise troop numbers in Japan - koreajoongangdaily.comPyongyang denounces U.S. plan to raise troop numbers in Japan  koreajoongangdaily.com Russia, North Korea near completion of first road bridge linking the two nations - FirstpostRussia, North Korea near completion of first road bridge linking the two nations  Firstpost Amazon identifies North Korean hacker group behind open-source supply chain attacks | Amazon Web Services - aws.amazon.comAmazon identifies North Korean hacker group behind open-source supply chain attacks | Amazon Web Services  aws.amazon.com Fake job offers, news sites used in suspected North Korean malware campaign - koreajoongangdaily.comFake job offers, news sites used in suspected North Korean malware campaign  koreajoongangdaily.com U.S. drone triggers evacuation near South Korean border - upi.comU.S. drone triggers evacuation near South Korean border  upi.com North Korean hackers behind major open-source supply chain attacks, Amazon says - The Record from Recorded Future NewsNorth Korean hackers behind major open-source supply chain attacks, Amazon says  The Record from Recorded Future News Kim honors military veterans as North Korea celebrates ‘victory’ in Korean War - NK NewsKim honors military veterans as North Korea celebrates ‘victory’ in Korean War  NK News North Korean missile likely used in Russian strike that killed 6 family members in Ukraine, Zelensky says - The Kyiv IndependentNorth Korean missile likely used in Russian strike that killed 6 family members in Ukraine, Zelensky says  The Kyiv Independent North Korea Taps India for Smartphones - 38 NorthNorth Korea Taps India for Smartphones  38 North North Korea builds, then buries new facility at main SRBM factory for Russia - NK NewsNorth Korea builds, then buries new facility at main SRBM factory for Russia  NK News Wang Yi Eyes Seoul Visit as North Korea Looms Large - StratNews GlobalWang Yi Eyes Seoul Visit as North Korea Looms Large  StratNews Global North Korea's economy grows over 3% for third year - ????North Korea's economy grows over 3% for third year  ???? South Korea capable of dealing with North’s unexpected water releases: Seoul - NK NewsSouth Korea capable of dealing with North’s unexpected water releases: Seoul  NK News Amazon uncovers broad North Korean hacking campaign against open-source software - Nextgov/FCWAmazon uncovers broad North Korean hacking campaign against open-source software  Nextgov/FCW Russia’s Pacific Rimlands and the Geopolitics of Russia–North Korea Security Ties - The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR)Russia’s Pacific Rimlands and the Geopolitics of Russia–North Korea Security Ties  The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) South Korean army to conduct mass review of weapons at border with North Korea - NK NewsSouth Korean army to conduct mass review of weapons at border with North Korea  NK News China’s Opportunity in North Korea - Geopolitical FuturesChina’s Opportunity in North Korea  Geopolitical Futures North Korea sends 10,000 workers to China in a month - DailyNKNorth Korea sends 10,000 workers to China in a month  DailyNK North Korea’s trade rebounds as reliance on China reaches near-record high - NK NewsNorth Korea’s trade rebounds as reliance on China reaches near-record high  NK News Singapore Man Faces Charges for Registering UN-Designated Vessel Petrel 8 - News and Statistics - IndexBoxSingapore Man Faces Charges for Registering UN-Designated Vessel Petrel 8 - News and Statistics  IndexBox Early evidence shows North Korea's ballistic missiles are back in the war, Zelenskyy says - YahooEarly evidence shows North Korea's ballistic missiles are back in the war, Zelenskyy says  Yahoo Trump warns ideology behind North Korea’s 1950 invasion is heading West - NK NewsTrump warns ideology behind North Korea’s 1950 invasion is heading West  NK News Kim leads ‘V-Day’ events as North Korea highlights Chinese help in Korean War - NK NewsKim leads ‘V-Day’ events as North Korea highlights Chinese help in Korean War  NK News In the Strike on Radushne, for the First Time in a While, the Russians Used a North Korean Missile, According to Preliminary Data – Address by the President — Official website of the President of Ukraine - ???????? ????????-?????????????? ?????????? ???????In the Strike on Radushne, for the First Time in a While, the Russians Used a North Korean Missile, According to Preliminary Data – Address by the President — Official website of the President of Ukraine  ???????? ????????-?????????????? ?????????? ??????? Russia seeks to open new car bridge to North Korea in September: official - NK NewsRussia seeks to open new car bridge to North Korea in September: official  NK News N. Korea, China pledge closer ties at banquet marking Chinese military anniversary - The Korea TimesN. Korea, China pledge closer ties at banquet marking Chinese military anniversary  The Korea Times Senior Chinese delegation visits North Korea for talks - Al JazeeraSenior Chinese delegation visits North Korea for talks  Al Jazeera Amazon Ties North Korea to String of Cyberattacks on Open-Source Software - wsj.comAmazon Ties North Korea to String of Cyberattacks on Open-Source Software  wsj.com US-led drills edge Japan and South Korea closer on defence - scmp.comUS-led drills edge Japan and South Korea closer on defence  scmp.com Study Finds Chromosomal Abnormalities in Defectors From Near North Korea’s Nuclear Test Site - KoreabizwireStudy Finds Chromosomal Abnormalities in Defectors From Near North Korea’s Nuclear Test Site  Koreabizwire North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets with top Chinese official - Al JazeeraNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets with top Chinese official  Al Jazeera North Korea Behind Slew of JavaScript Supply-Chain Hacks - BankInfoSecurityNorth Korea Behind Slew of JavaScript Supply-Chain Hacks  BankInfoSecurity North Korean troops for Russia, a new Seoul strategy and the ‘Hero of Panmunjom’ - NK NewsNorth Korean troops for Russia, a new Seoul strategy and the ‘Hero of Panmunjom’  NK News More Than Smartphones: How Digital Technology Is Changing North Korea - 38 NorthMore Than Smartphones: How Digital Technology Is Changing North Korea  38 North [ED] More North Korean soldiers in Ukraine? - The Korea Times[ED] More North Korean soldiers in Ukraine?  The Korea Times Russia may have replenished its stockpile of ballistic missiles with missiles from North Korea - UA.NEWSRussia may have replenished its stockpile of ballistic missiles with missiles from North Korea  UA.NEWS Russia and North Korea tighten their alliance (further) by road - EL PAÍS EnglishRussia and North Korea tighten their alliance (further) by road  EL PAÍS English Amazon links four poisoned npm packages to one North Korean crew - The RegisterAmazon links four poisoned npm packages to one North Korean crew  The Register Amazon Links Four Major Open-Source Library Hacks to North Korean Cyber Group - KoreabizwireAmazon Links Four Major Open-Source Library Hacks to North Korean Cyber Group  Koreabizwire North Korea's Kim visits Korean, Chinese war cemeteries - upi.comNorth Korea's Kim visits Korean, Chinese war cemeteries  upi.com Ukraine President Zelensky: Putin on verge of getting 30K North Korean Troops - CNNUkraine President Zelensky: Putin on verge of getting 30K North Korean Troops  CNN Japan Fires First Tomahawk From JS Chokai, Unlocking Long-Range Counterstrike Power Against China and North Korea - Defence Security AsiaJapan Fires First Tomahawk From JS Chokai, Unlocking Long-Range Counterstrike Power Against China and North Korea  Defence Security Asia Zelensky: Preliminary data indicate Russia used North Korean ballistic missile in strike on Radushne - UkrinformZelensky: Preliminary data indicate Russia used North Korean ballistic missile in strike on Radushne  Ukrinform North Korea drove over half of global crypto theft in first half of 2026: Report - NK NewsNorth Korea drove over half of global crypto theft in first half of 2026: Report  NK News Russian strike with North Korean missile points to new weapons stockpile that could fuel further attacks – Re - ?????????? ??????Russian strike with North Korean missile points to new weapons stockpile that could fuel further attacks – Re  ?????????? ?????? ‘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 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 Korean Peninsula Update, July 28, 2026 - American Enterprise Institute - AEIKorean Peninsula Update, July 28, 2026  American Enterprise Institute - AEI India replaces North Korea envoy just over a year after filling vacancy - NK NewsIndia replaces North Korea envoy just over a year after filling vacancy  NK News Is North Korea Pursuing a “Juche-Oriented” Nuclear Triad? - 38 NorthIs North Korea Pursuing a “Juche-Oriented” Nuclear Triad?  38 North Behind Kim’s nuclear navy and AI lies Beijing - ThinkChinaBehind Kim’s nuclear navy and AI lies Beijing  ThinkChina North Korea arrests state-trained hackers over bank attacks - CoinGeekNorth Korea arrests state-trained hackers over bank attacks  CoinGeek Why North Korea Is Building Toward 300-500 Nuclear Warheads - RealClearDefenseWhy North Korea Is Building Toward 300-500 Nuclear Warheads  RealClearDefense Company director charged with helping firm provide flag registration services for UN-sanctioned North Korea-linked ship - CNACompany director charged with helping firm provide flag registration services for UN-sanctioned North Korea-linked ship  CNA "Effect of North Korea-Russia Economic Cooperation" North Korean Economy Sees 3% Growth for Third Consecutive Year - ?????"Effect of North Korea-Russia Economic Cooperation" North Korean Economy Sees 3% Growth for Third Consecutive Year  ????? Rogers Highlights Free Information's Power in North Korea - ????Rogers Highlights Free Information's Power in North Korea  ???? North Korea’s Economy, H1 2026: A Sliding Won and a Tungsten Windfall - 38 NorthNorth Korea’s Economy, H1 2026: A Sliding Won and a Tungsten Windfall  38 North New road bridge between Russia and North Korea could make military shipments harder to track, analysts say - theins.pressNew road bridge between Russia and North Korea could make military shipments harder to track, analysts say  theins.press North Korea rejects ASEAN call for denuclearization - upi.comNorth Korea rejects ASEAN call for denuclearization  upi.com The Coming Crisis with North Korea - Global Security ReviewThe Coming Crisis with North Korea  Global Security Review Obstacles to unification can be overcome - upi.comObstacles to unification can be overcome  upi.com A little-known npm package was North Korea’s warm-up act for the axios hack - CyberScoopA little-known npm package was North Korea’s warm-up act for the axios hack  CyberScoop 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 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 Unloaded machine guns at frontline posts? Army faces criticism - The Korea HeraldUnloaded machine guns at frontline posts? Army faces criticism  The Korea Herald North Korea calls Seoul a 'puppet' for its role in US maritime exercise - ReutersNorth Korea calls Seoul a 'puppet' for its role in US maritime exercise  Reuters Russia likely fired North Korean missile in Ukraine strike that killed family, sources say - InternazionaleRussia likely fired North Korean missile in Ukraine strike that killed family, sources say  Internazionale