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

Executions in North Korea ramped up significantly during pandemic - report - BBCExecutions in North Korea ramped up significantly during pandemic - report  BBC 'Self-Blast' To Avoid Capture By Ukraine: N Korea Confirms Rule For Soldiers - NDTV 'Self-Blast' To Avoid Capture By Ukraine: N Korea Confirms Rule For Soldiers  NDTV Ukraine war: North Korea's Kim Jong Un reaffirms support for Russia  BBC Kim Jong Un Confirms Soldier ‘Self-Blasting’ Policy in Ukraine  Bloomberg.com New Zealand spy plane reports possible North Korea sanctions breach at sea - Al JazeeraNew Zealand spy plane reports possible North Korea sanctions breach at sea  Al Jazeera North Korea Strengthens Nuclear Push As US Flails In Middle East - NDTVNorth Korea Strengthens Nuclear Push As US Flails In Middle East  NDTV How can India qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup after North Korea withdrew from Asian Cup? - SportstarHow can India qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup after North Korea withdrew from Asian Cup?  Sportstar Whether Kusong or Yongbyon, North Korea Will Never Give Up Its Nuclear Weapons Program - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineWhether Kusong or Yongbyon, North Korea Will Never Give Up Its Nuclear Weapons Program  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine Number of executions in North Korea rose dramatically during Covid – report - The GuardianNumber of executions in North Korea rose dramatically during Covid – report  The Guardian CIA Ran MK-ULTRA Experiments on Prisoners of War in U.S. Custody, Declassified Docs Confirm - The InterceptCIA Ran MK-ULTRA Experiments on Prisoners of War in U.S. Custody, Declassified Docs Confirm  The Intercept North Korea Sharply Increased Executions During Pandemic Lockdown - Deccan ChronicleNorth Korea Sharply Increased Executions During Pandemic Lockdown  Deccan Chronicle New Zealand surveillance plane spots suspected North Korea sanctions breach at sea - FirstpostNew Zealand surveillance plane spots suspected North Korea sanctions breach at sea  Firstpost North Korea - Economy, Resources, Trade - BritannicaNorth Korea - Economy, Resources, Trade  Britannica North Korea Opens Memorial for Soldiers Killed Fighting for Russia - Daily PioneerNorth Korea Opens Memorial for Soldiers Killed Fighting for Russia  Daily Pioneer North Korea’s ‘self blasting’ battlefield tactic explained in Russia Ukraine war - The Impressive TimesNorth Korea’s ‘self blasting’ battlefield tactic explained in Russia Ukraine war  The Impressive Times What is North Korea's 'self-blasting' policy in Russia's war against Ukraine? | Explained | World News - Hindustan TimesWhat is North Korea's 'self-blasting' policy in Russia's war against Ukraine? | Explained | World News  Hindustan Times South Korea urges world action on North Korean nuclear threat - Yeni Safak EnglishSouth Korea urges world action on North Korean nuclear threat  Yeni Safak English North Korea's Kim praises soldiers who committed suicide to evade capture in Ukraine - ReutersNorth Korea's Kim praises soldiers who committed suicide to evade capture in Ukraine  Reuters North Korea is the ‘most pressing challenge’ for non-proliferation regime: Seoul - NK NewsNorth Korea is the ‘most pressing challenge’ for non-proliferation regime: Seoul  NK News North Korean hackers operate self-propagating supply chain hack - SC MediaNorth Korean hackers operate self-propagating supply chain hack  SC Media Expert: After Iran, North Korea's Nuclear Conviction Hardens - JAPAN ForwardExpert: After Iran, North Korea's Nuclear Conviction Hardens  JAPAN Forward North Korea - Relations, South, Tensions - BritannicaNorth Korea - Relations, South, Tensions  Britannica North Korea opens museum commemorating troops killed fighting for Russia - Al JazeeraNorth Korea opens museum commemorating troops killed fighting for Russia  Al Jazeera North Korea - Nuclear, Juche, Reunification - BritannicaNorth Korea - Nuclear, Juche, Reunification  Britannica Russia, North Korea agree 'long-term' military cooperation - dw.comRussia, North Korea agree 'long-term' military cooperation  dw.com The stitched bag that exposed North Korea's human rights - DailyNKThe stitched bag that exposed North Korea's human rights  DailyNK North Korea leader’s sister says Seoul’s regret sending drones ‘wise behaviour’ - The HinduNorth Korea leader’s sister says Seoul’s regret sending drones ‘wise behaviour’  The Hindu North Korean executions rose dramatically during COVID-19, report shows - The Japan TimesNorth Korean executions rose dramatically during COVID-19, report shows  The Japan Times Gains and losses: North Korea shows 2.3k war dead, NATO tanks, vehicles - NK NewsGains and losses: North Korea shows 2.3k war dead, NATO tanks, vehicles  NK News Calling N. Korea by its official name subject of public debate: ministry - The Korea TimesCalling N. Korea by its official name subject of public debate: ministry  The Korea Times South Korea’s Lee warns North Korea of ‘uncertainties’ caused by Mideast war - Anadolu AjansiSouth Korea’s Lee warns North Korea of ‘uncertainties’ caused by Mideast war  Anadolu Ajansi South Korean envoy calls North Korea’s nukes ‘most urgent’ challenge to nonproliferation regime - Social News XYZSouth Korean envoy calls North Korea’s nukes ‘most urgent’ challenge to nonproliferation regime  Social News XYZ North Korea sees sharp rise in death sentences in recent years: NGO - NK NewsNorth Korea sees sharp rise in death sentences in recent years: NGO  NK News North Korea Is Honoring Some Of Its Soldiers Killed In The Ukraine War. But What About The Rest? - Radio Free Europe/Radio LibertyNorth Korea Is Honoring Some Of Its Soldiers Killed In The Ukraine War. But What About The Rest?  Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Washington's North Korea reckoning - The Korea TimesWashington's North Korea reckoning  The Korea Times 6 Countries That Start With the Letter D, Including North Korea (Yes, That's Right) - HowStuffWorks6 Countries That Start With the Letter D, Including North Korea (Yes, That's Right)  HowStuffWorks North Korea sharply increased executions during pandemic lockdown, rights group says - ReutersNorth Korea sharply increased executions during pandemic lockdown, rights group says  Reuters N Korea executions rose dramatically in pandemic: report - Taipei TimesN Korea executions rose dramatically in pandemic: report  Taipei Times How watching K-dramas spelled death for North Koreans during Covid-19 - South China Morning PostHow watching K-dramas spelled death for North Koreans during Covid-19  South China Morning Post What’s behind North Korea’s ‘diplomatic sprint’ toward Trump - The HillWhat’s behind North Korea’s ‘diplomatic sprint’ toward Trump  The Hill State Duma Speaker Thanks North Korea’s Kim for ‘Liberation of Kursk’ - The Moscow TimesState Duma Speaker Thanks North Korea’s Kim for ‘Liberation of Kursk’  The Moscow Times North Korea executions surged during pandemic crackdown, report says - upi.comNorth Korea executions surged during pandemic crackdown, report says  upi.com North Korea has ramped up public executions to instill fear, maximize control: NGO report - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea has ramped up public executions to instill fear, maximize control: NGO report  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korea Opens Museum Showcasing Captured Weapons of Ukrainian Defense Forces - ??????????North Korea Opens Museum Showcasing Captured Weapons of Ukrainian Defense Forces  ?????????? North Korea's Kim to continue support for Russia, state media says - ReutersNorth Korea's Kim to continue support for Russia, state media says  Reuters North Korea's executions surged during COVID-19: Report - NewsBytesNorth Korea's executions surged during COVID-19: Report  NewsBytes North Korean executions rose dramatically during Covid: report - France 24North Korean executions rose dramatically during Covid: report  France 24 North Korea executions surged during COVID-19 crackdown: Report - Türkiye TodayNorth Korea executions surged during COVID-19 crackdown: Report  Türkiye Today North Korea opens memorial to honor its soldiers killed in Russia-Ukraine war - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea opens memorial to honor its soldiers killed in Russia-Ukraine war  Anadolu Ajansi North Korea opens museum to honour soldiers killed fighting for Russia - Financial TimesNorth Korea opens museum to honour soldiers killed fighting for Russia  Financial Times Seoul's surveillance of North Korea unaffected by US intelligence sharing restrictions: Report - thehawk.inSeoul's surveillance of North Korea unaffected by US intelligence sharing restrictions: Report  thehawk.in North Korea-linked actor targets Web3 execs in social-engineering campaign - Cybersecurity DiveNorth Korea-linked actor targets Web3 execs in social-engineering campaign  Cybersecurity Dive Kim Jong Un confirms self-destruct policy for North Korean fighters in Ukraine war - The IndependentKim Jong Un confirms self-destruct policy for North Korean fighters in Ukraine war  The Independent North Korea in the Geopolitics of the Asia-Pacific Region After Wang Yi’s Visit to Pyongyang - SpecialEurasiaNorth Korea in the Geopolitics of the Asia-Pacific Region After Wang Yi’s Visit to Pyongyang  SpecialEurasia Fighting ‘Sacred’ War in Ukraine, North Korea and Russia Pledge to Deepen Ties - The New York TimesFighting ‘Sacred’ War in Ukraine, North Korea and Russia Pledge to Deepen Ties  The New York Times North Korea boosting ability to manufacture nuclear arms, IAEA chief warns - Al JazeeraNorth Korea boosting ability to manufacture nuclear arms, IAEA chief warns  Al Jazeera Kim Il Sung-Kim Jong Il Fund member humbles NK inspector - DailyNKKim Il Sung-Kim Jong Il Fund member humbles NK inspector  DailyNK North Korea sharply increased executions during Covid-19 lockdown, rights group says - The IndependentNorth Korea sharply increased executions during Covid-19 lockdown, rights group says  The Independent Kim reaffirms North Korean support for Russia's 'sacred' Ukraine war - France 24Kim reaffirms North Korean support for Russia's 'sacred' Ukraine war  France 24 How North Korea’s new tree-planting campaign could put its forests at risk - NK NewsHow North Korea’s new tree-planting campaign could put its forests at risk  NK News N. Korea's executions for watching S. Korean cultural content surged during COVID-19 pandemic: report - The Korea TimesN. Korea's executions for watching S. Korean cultural content surged during COVID-19 pandemic: report  The Korea Times North Korea as It Is - Foreign AffairsNorth Korea as It Is  Foreign Affairs North Korea unveils memorial for troops killed in Ukraine war - ReutersNorth Korea unveils memorial for troops killed in Ukraine war  Reuters S. Korea nears completion of five-satellite network to monitor North Korea - The Korea HeraldS. Korea nears completion of five-satellite network to monitor North Korea  The Korea Herald North Korea Executes for South Korean Content Post-COVID - ????North Korea Executes for South Korean Content Post-COVID  ???? Korean War - BritannicaKorean War  Britannica Video: North Korea's Kim vows to keep backing Russia, state media says - The Globe and MailVideo: North Korea's Kim vows to keep backing Russia, state media says  The Globe and Mail What is Kim Jong Un’s ‘self-destruct’ policy for North Korean soldiers in Ukraine? - The IndependentWhat is Kim Jong Un’s ‘self-destruct’ policy for North Korean soldiers in Ukraine?  The Independent North Korea's Kim says he will continue to support Russia's policies: KCNA - Nikkei AsiaNorth Korea's Kim says he will continue to support Russia's policies: KCNA  Nikkei Asia Polish tank in Pyongyang - TVP WorldPolish tank in Pyongyang  TVP World North Korea keeping Iran at arm’s length, reports Seoul - Al JazeeraNorth Korea keeping Iran at arm’s length, reports Seoul  Al Jazeera North Korea honours soldiers killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine with new museum - The IndependentNorth Korea honours soldiers killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine with new museum  The Independent North Korea's largest growing facility struggles with lack of energy - HortidailyNorth Korea's largest growing facility struggles with lack of energy  Hortidaily Russian defence minister visits North Korea - ReutersRussian defence minister visits North Korea  Reuters How Can This North Korea Remittance Evidence Be Fabricated? - ????How Can This North Korea Remittance Evidence Be Fabricated?  ???? ROK carries out ‘decisive’ phase of landing drills designed to deter North Korea - NK NewsROK carries out ‘decisive’ phase of landing drills designed to deter North Korea  NK News New Zealand Suspects Illicit Oil Transfers to North Korea at Sea - energynews.proNew Zealand Suspects Illicit Oil Transfers to North Korea at Sea  energynews.pro COVID era saw executions jump in North Korea - Latest news from AzerbaijanCOVID era saw executions jump in North Korea  Latest news from Azerbaijan North Korea opens memorial museum for troops killed in Russia-Ukraine war - AP NewsNorth Korea opens memorial museum for troops killed in Russia-Ukraine war  AP News North Korea Nuclear Issue 'Most Urgent' Non-Proliferation Challenge, South Korea Says - ????North Korea Nuclear Issue 'Most Urgent' Non-Proliferation Challenge, South Korea Says  ???? North Korea’s Surprise Offering to the South: Presidential Flattery - WSJNorth Korea’s Surprise Offering to the South: Presidential Flattery  WSJ North Korea ramped up executions during COVID crackdown, report finds - AnewZNorth Korea ramped up executions during COVID crackdown, report finds  AnewZ South Korea Demands Global Response to North Korea's Nuclear Issue - Tempo.co EnglishSouth Korea Demands Global Response to North Korea's Nuclear Issue  Tempo.co English North Korea, Russia boost anti-West ‘powerful bulwark’ as Ukraine war drags on - South China Morning PostNorth Korea, Russia boost anti-West ‘powerful bulwark’ as Ukraine war drags on  South China Morning Post North Korea not ready for a female successor - East Asia ForumNorth Korea not ready for a female successor  East Asia Forum North Korea Showcases Captured Western Weapons From Ukraine in New War Museum - UNITED24 MediaNorth Korea Showcases Captured Western Weapons From Ukraine in New War Museum  UNITED24 Media North Korea inaugurates memorial for troops killed in Ukraine - upi.comNorth Korea inaugurates memorial for troops killed in Ukraine  upi.com North Korea rapidly expanding nuclear weapons capability, UN watchdog warns - The GuardianNorth Korea rapidly expanding nuclear weapons capability, UN watchdog warns  The Guardian North Korea sharply increased executions during pandemic lockdown, rights group says - InternazionaleNorth Korea sharply increased executions during pandemic lockdown, rights group says  Internazionale UN watchdog says North Korea is boosting nuclear weapons capacity - ReutersUN watchdog says North Korea is boosting nuclear weapons capacity  Reuters North Korea’s Kim Reaffirms Support for Russia’s ‘Sacred’ Ukraine War - Kyiv PostNorth Korea’s Kim Reaffirms Support for Russia’s ‘Sacred’ Ukraine War  Kyiv Post North Korea’s cluster munitions threat and policy choices - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea’s cluster munitions threat and policy choices  Korea JoongAng Daily N Korea affirms Russia support - Taipei TimesN Korea affirms Russia support  Taipei Times Russian Duma Praises North Korea for Backing Troops in Kursk - Kyiv PostRussian Duma Praises North Korea for Backing Troops in Kursk  Kyiv Post Former President Moon urges North Korea's leader to resume inter-Korean talks - Korea JoongAng DailyFormer President Moon urges North Korea's leader to resume inter-Korean talks  Korea JoongAng Daily Offences that earned the death penalty in North Korea included criticising leader Kim Jong Un, according to a report by an advocacy NGO - IslanderNews.comOffences that earned the death penalty in North Korea included criticising leader Kim Jong Un, according to a report by an advocacy NGO  IslanderNews.com North Korea sends envoys to key posts in bid to act like ‘normal state' - The Korea TimesNorth Korea sends envoys to key posts in bid to act like ‘normal state'  The Korea Times North Korea Displays Captured U.S. Abrams at Russian Memorial - ????North Korea Displays Captured U.S. Abrams at Russian Memorial  ???? Russia, North Korea Agree ‘Long-Term’ Military Cooperation - The Defense PostRussia, North Korea Agree ‘Long-Term’ Military Cooperation  The Defense Post Russia and North Korea Agree on New Defense Cooperation Plan Through 2031 - UNITED24 MediaRussia and North Korea Agree on New Defense Cooperation Plan Through 2031  UNITED24 Media The Guardian view on North Korea and the Kims: whoever’s at the helm, the regime serves only itself | Editorial - The GuardianThe Guardian view on North Korea and the Kims: whoever’s at the helm, the regime serves only itself | Editorial  The Guardian Kim inaugurates memorial for North Korean soldiers who fought in Ukraine war - NK NewsKim inaugurates memorial for North Korean soldiers who fought in Ukraine war  NK News