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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See what it’s like to use a North Korean smartphone under Kim Jong Un - The Washington PostSee what it’s like to use a North Korean smartphone under Kim Jong Un  The Washington Post Ukraine's Zelenskiy: Russia wants to bring in 30,000 North Korean troops to conflict - ReutersUkraine's Zelenskiy: Russia wants to bring in 30,000 North Korean troops to conflict  Reuters Zelenskyy says Russia seeks 30,000 extra North Korean troops for Ukraine war - The HinduZelenskyy says Russia seeks 30,000 extra North Korean troops for Ukraine war  The Hindu North Korea Escalates Ballistic Missile Deliveries to Russia as Productive Capacity Expands Rapidly - Military Watch MagazineNorth Korea Escalates Ballistic Missile Deliveries to Russia as Productive Capacity Expands Rapidly  Military Watch Magazine 'It felt like North Korea': Sonam Wangchuk breaks silence on ending 26-day fast, denies 'deal' with Centre - Deccan Herald'It felt like North Korea': Sonam Wangchuk breaks silence on ending 26-day fast, denies 'deal' with Centre  Deccan Herald North Korea arrests hackers accused of laundering stolen funds from country's bank via crypto - CoinDeskNorth Korea arrests hackers accused of laundering stolen funds from country's bank via crypto  CoinDesk The Rise of North Korea’s Nuclear-Armed Navy - The Diplomat – Asia-PacificThe Rise of North Korea’s Nuclear-Armed Navy  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific North Korea's Firm Nuclear Stance Challenges Global Diplomacy - DevdiscourseNorth Korea's Firm Nuclear Stance Challenges Global Diplomacy  Devdiscourse 'Felt Like North Korea': Sonam Wangchuk Says He Was Treated Like 'Prisoner' In Safdarjung Hospital - News18'Felt Like North Korea': Sonam Wangchuk Says He Was Treated Like 'Prisoner' In Safdarjung Hospital  News18 The real question isn't why North Koreans don't resist - upi.comThe real question isn't why North Koreans don't resist  upi.com North Korea’s Nuclear Doctrine: Implications and Strategic Countermeasures for the US-ROK Alliance - 38 NorthNorth Korea’s Nuclear Doctrine: Implications and Strategic Countermeasures for the US-ROK Alliance  38 North Sonam Wangchuk opens up on 'prisoner-like' treatment at Delhi hospital: 'Like being in North Korea' - Moneycontrol.comSonam Wangchuk opens up on 'prisoner-like' treatment at Delhi hospital: 'Like being in North Korea'  Moneycontrol.com The Waters Shift: North Korea's Naval Awakening and a New Calculus of Deterrence - IndraStra GlobalThe Waters Shift: North Korea's Naval Awakening and a New Calculus of Deterrence  IndraStra Global Russia wants 30,000 more troops from North Korea, Zelenskyy says - politico.euRussia wants 30,000 more troops from North Korea, Zelenskyy says  politico.eu Korean Armistice endures as collective defense achievement, regional security foundation - Indo-Pacific Defense FORUMKorean Armistice endures as collective defense achievement, regional security foundation  Indo-Pacific Defense FORUM Opinion | America’s North Korea strategy needs a dose of reality - South China Morning PostOpinion | America’s North Korea strategy needs a dose of reality  South China Morning Post 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 Russia wants 30,000 more North Korean troops for Ukraine war: Zelenskyy - The Japan TimesRussia wants 30,000 more North Korean troops for Ukraine war: Zelenskyy  The Japan Times Kim orders major expansion of North Korea intelligence network - upi.comKim orders major expansion of North Korea intelligence network  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 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 ARF statement calls for 'complete denuclearization' of Korean Peninsula for 2nd straight year - The Korea HeraldARF statement calls for 'complete denuclearization' of Korean Peninsula for 2nd straight year  The Korea Herald 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 Putin may seek 30,000 more North Korean troops — but at what price? - Korea JoongAng DailyPutin may seek 30,000 more North Korean troops — but at what price?  Korea JoongAng Daily Russia to get 30,000 more N. Korean troops - TVP WorldRussia to get 30,000 more N. Korean troops  TVP World Russia requests 30,000 more North Korean soldiers for Ukraine war - The Jerusalem PostRussia requests 30,000 more North Korean soldiers for Ukraine war  The Jerusalem Post Senior Chinese delegation visits North Korea for talks - Al JazeeraSenior Chinese delegation visits North Korea for talks  Al Jazeera Russia seeks 30k more North Korean troops in Ukraine war, Zelensky warns - NK NewsRussia seeks 30k more North Korean troops in Ukraine war, Zelensky warns  NK News Russia asks North Korea to send 30,000 extra troops for Ukraine war: Zelensky - South China Morning PostRussia asks North Korea to send 30,000 extra troops for Ukraine war: Zelensky  South China Morning Post 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 Zelenskyy claims Russia seeks to bring 30,000 North Korean troops for war - Anadolu AjansiZelenskyy claims Russia seeks to bring 30,000 North Korean troops for war  Anadolu Ajansi Russia seeks 30,000 extra North Korea troops: Zelensky - The Daily StarRussia seeks 30,000 extra North Korea troops: Zelensky  The Daily Star 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 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 airs concerns over North Korean border activity - DW.comSouth Korea airs concerns over North Korean border activity  DW.com Russia preparing to receive additional North Korean troops, Zelensky says - The Kyiv IndependentRussia preparing to receive additional North Korean troops, Zelensky says  The Kyiv Independent Life in North Korea -- the loyalty I mistook for foolishness - upi.comLife in North Korea -- the loyalty I mistook for foolishness  upi.com N. Korea border guard duty loses its appeal as bribes dry up - DailyNKN. Korea border guard duty loses its appeal as bribes dry up  DailyNK South Korean prosecutors clear former President Moon - upi.comSouth Korean prosecutors clear former President Moon  upi.com 'It was like being in North Korea': Wangchuk alleges harassment at Safdarjung before shift to Medanta - The New Indian Express'It was like being in North Korea': Wangchuk alleges harassment at Safdarjung before shift to Medanta  The New Indian Express North Korea’s nuclear strategy is raising fresh alarm - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea’s nuclear strategy is raising fresh alarm  Korea JoongAng Daily Inside North Korean summer camp welcoming Russia and China - CNNInside North Korean summer camp welcoming Russia and China  CNN North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Is Upgrading His Spy Network - WSJNorth Korea’s Kim Jong Un Is Upgrading His Spy Network  WSJ Zelensky: Russia Seeks to Deploy Another 30,000 North Korean Troops and Additional Ballistic Missiles - ??????????Zelensky: Russia Seeks to Deploy Another 30,000 North Korean Troops and Additional Ballistic Missiles  ?????????? Russia can't fill its own ranks—so it asks North Korea for 30,000 more soldiers and new missile launchers, Ukraine says - Euromaidan PressRussia can't fill its own ranks—so it asks North Korea for 30,000 more soldiers and new missile launchers, Ukraine says  Euromaidan Press Russia preparing to receive another 30,000 N. Korean troops for Ukraine war: Zelenskyy - The Korea TimesRussia preparing to receive another 30,000 N. Korean troops for Ukraine war: Zelenskyy  The Korea Times 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 Russia vows support for North Korea’s nuclear, military buildup - NK NewsRussia vows support for North Korea’s nuclear, military buildup  NK News Coffee-less coffee and chocolates without cocoa - survival and politics of North Korea subsitute economy - The Korea HeraldCoffee-less coffee and chocolates without cocoa - survival and politics of North Korea subsitute economy  The Korea Herald It felt like North Korea: Sonam Wangchuk denies deal with Centre over ending 26-day fast - Mangalore TodayIt felt like North Korea: Sonam Wangchuk denies deal with Centre over ending 26-day fast  Mangalore Today 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 Zelensky says Russia seeks 30,000 extra North Korean troops for Ukraine war - CNAZelensky says Russia seeks 30,000 extra North Korean troops for Ukraine war  CNA From Burden to Asset: China's Recalibration of North Korea - orfonline.orgFrom Burden to Asset: China's Recalibration of North Korea  orfonline.org ‘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 N. Korea raps U.S., Japan, S. Korea for seeking its denuclearization - Japan TodayN. Korea raps U.S., Japan, S. Korea for seeking its denuclearization  Japan Today N. Korea quietly buries deadly gas station explosion - DailyNKN. Korea quietly buries deadly gas station explosion  DailyNK 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 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 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 Zelensky: Russia seeking 30,000 extra N. Korea troops for Ukraine war - Inquirer.netZelensky: Russia seeking 30,000 extra N. Korea troops for Ukraine war  Inquirer.net Facing The North Korea-Russia Alliance: EU-ROK Strategies For Deterrence And Cooperation - Analysis - Eurasia ReviewFacing The North Korea-Russia Alliance: EU-ROK Strategies For Deterrence And Cooperation - Analysis  Eurasia Review 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 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 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 Despite agreements, Pyongyang still distrusts Beijing - AsiaNewsDespite agreements, Pyongyang still distrusts Beijing  AsiaNews Sonam Wangchuk slams critics, explains ending hunger strike despite no Pradhan resignation; recounts ‘North Korea-like’ hospital ordeal - The StatesmanSonam Wangchuk slams critics, explains ending hunger strike despite no Pradhan resignation; recounts ‘North Korea-like’ hospital ordeal  The Statesman The Russia-North Korea Axis is Here to Stay - orfonline.orgThe Russia-North Korea Axis is Here to Stay  orfonline.org Zelenskyy Says Russia Wants To Bring More North Korean Troops Into Ukraine War - Radio Free Europe/Radio LibertyZelenskyy Says Russia Wants To Bring More North Korean Troops Into Ukraine War  Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty North Korea Studies China’s Urban Rail Operating Model - Railway SupplyNorth Korea Studies China’s Urban Rail Operating Model  Railway Supply 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 North Korean nuclear weapons program | History, Nuclear Tests, & Ballistic Missiles - Encyclopedia BritannicaNorth Korean nuclear weapons program | History, Nuclear Tests, & Ballistic Missiles  Encyclopedia Britannica North Korea arrests bank hacking ring tied to crypto laundering: Report - TradingViewNorth Korea arrests bank hacking ring tied to crypto laundering: Report  TradingView 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 North Korea hackers scan crypto wallets through fake Zoom calls - Crypto NewsNorth Korea hackers scan crypto wallets through fake Zoom calls  Crypto 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 N. Korea says will bolster nuclear force, expand S. Korea spy activities in ‘radical way’ - France 24N. Korea says will bolster nuclear force, expand S. Korea spy activities in ‘radical way’  France 24 The Ukrainian president warns of unprecedented military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang - ??? ????????The Ukrainian president warns of unprecedented military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang  ??? ???????? 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 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 Zelenskyy: Russia to bring in 30,000 more North Korean troops - nhk.or.jpZelenskyy: Russia to bring in 30,000 more North Korean troops  nhk.or.jp How China keeps North Korea's economy alive - DW.comHow China keeps North Korea's economy alive  DW.com Malaysian national killed in street fight among foreigners in North Chungcheong - Korea JoongAng DailyMalaysian national killed in street fight among foreigners in North Chungcheong  Korea JoongAng Daily 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 Russia eyes North Korean reinforcements, missile launchers — Zelensky warns Asia in danger - Malay MailRussia eyes North Korean reinforcements, missile launchers — Zelensky warns Asia in danger  Malay Mail Seoul shifts from denuclearization-first to peace-first on NK, minister says - The Korea TimesSeoul shifts from denuclearization-first to peace-first on NK, minister says  The Korea Times 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 The Rise of North Korea’s Nuclear-Armed Navy - Foundation for Defense of DemocraciesThe Rise of North Korea’s Nuclear-Armed Navy  Foundation for Defense of Democracies Saving Socialism: What North Korea Learned from the Collapse of the Soviet Union - Texas National Security ReviewSaving Socialism: What North Korea Learned from the Collapse of the Soviet Union  Texas National Security Review Coffee-less coffee, chocolates without cocoa: A look into North Korea’s substitute economy - The Straits TimesCoffee-less coffee, chocolates without cocoa: A look into North Korea’s substitute economy  The Straits Times WSJ: Kim Jong Un ordered a "radical" strengthening of North Korea's military intelligence - LIGA.netWSJ: Kim Jong Un ordered a "radical" strengthening of North Korea's military intelligence  LIGA.net 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 Is North Korean isolation over? - upi.comIs North Korean isolation over?  upi.com 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 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 S Korea calls North’s return to dialogue - newstodaynet.comS Korea calls North’s return to dialogue  newstodaynet.com 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 South Korea slams North Korea's 'intensified' border fencing - Anadolu AjansiSouth Korea slams North Korea's 'intensified' border fencing  Anadolu Ajansi 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 North Korea busts elite hacking ring inside its own banks - DailyNKNorth Korea busts elite hacking ring inside its own banks  DailyNK We call upon North Korea to return to compliance with its international obligations - France ONUWe call upon North Korea to return to compliance with its international obligations  France ONU A purge among North Korean generals – and why Kim wants everyone to see - South China Morning PostA purge among North Korean generals – and why Kim wants everyone to see  South China Morning Post North Korea says it will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul - NPRNorth Korea says it will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul  NPR