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

North Korean leader Kim observes weapons tests from new naval destroyer - The Hindu North Korean leader Kim observes weapons tests from new naval destroyer  The Hindu North Korea: Kim Jong Un observes test of 5,000-ton warship Kang Kon  News On AIR Kim Jong Un oversees nuclear-capable missile tests from newly repaired warship  The Times of India North Korea’s Kim observed naval destroyer cruise missile launch, weapons tests, state media says  ThePrint North Korea’s Kim Jong Un observes nuclear weapons tests aboard new naval destroyer  The Indian Express North Korea's Kim Oversees Latest Naval Weapons Tests  Deccan Chronicle ‘Let me join’: North Korea flexes naval muscle ahead of China-Russia drills  South China Morning Post Footage Shows North Korean Destroyer Setting Global Record Firing 12 Cruise Missile Salvo During Exercise  Military Watch Magazine North Korea’s Frigate Bristles With A Comical Number Of Machine Guns  TWZ North Korea state media says Japan overseas aggression is reality, not hypothetical - ReutersNorth Korea state media says Japan overseas aggression is reality, not hypothetical  Reuters From Burden to Asset: China's Recalibration of North Korea - orfonline.orgFrom Burden to Asset: China's Recalibration of North Korea  orfonline.org Russia–North Korea Military Cooperation in Response to China’s Tactical Ambiguity - Asia SocietyRussia–North Korea Military Cooperation in Response to China’s Tactical Ambiguity  Asia Society N. Korea calls for vigilance as heavy rain approaches - The Korea TimesN. Korea calls for vigilance as heavy rain approaches  The Korea Times North Korea Denounces Japan's Military Advancements - DevdiscourseNorth Korea Denounces Japan's Military Advancements  Devdiscourse North Korea - Economy, Resources, Trade - Encyclopedia BritannicaNorth Korea - Economy, Resources, Trade  Encyclopedia Britannica North Korea state media says Japan overseas aggression is reality, not hypothetical - InternazionaleNorth Korea state media says Japan overseas aggression is reality, not hypothetical  Internazionale China's Xi vows to steer ties with North Korea toward 'long-term' development - Anadolu AjansiChina's Xi vows to steer ties with North Korea toward 'long-term' development  Anadolu Ajansi Xi Jinping says ready to work with Kim Jong Un for 'long-term, sound and stable' China-North Korea ties - The Times of IndiaXi Jinping says ready to work with Kim Jong Un for 'long-term, sound and stable' China-North Korea ties  The Times of India Video | North Korea Arms Up, South Korea Builds Drone Army - NDTVVideo | North Korea Arms Up, South Korea Builds Drone Army  NDTV North Korean nuclear status hardens amid China, Russia shift - upi.comNorth Korean nuclear status hardens amid China, Russia shift  upi.com Ping-pong diplomacy: When North Korea tried to woo the US with table tennis - NK NewsPing-pong diplomacy: When North Korea tried to woo the US with table tennis  NK News North Korea - Nuclear, Juche, Reunification - Encyclopedia BritannicaNorth Korea - Nuclear, Juche, Reunification  Encyclopedia Britannica North Korea test-fires strategic cruise missile, other weapons from new 5,000-ton naval destroyer - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea test-fires strategic cruise missile, other weapons from new 5,000-ton naval destroyer  Anadolu Ajansi JCS warns against washed away North Korean mines in border areas - The Korea HeraldJCS warns against washed away North Korean mines in border areas  The Korea Herald Vehicle spotted on New Yalu River Bridge | North Korea News - DailyNKVehicle spotted on New Yalu River Bridge | North Korea News  DailyNK 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 npm Supply Chain Attack: North Korea Hits Mastra AI [2026] - tech-insider.orgnpm Supply Chain Attack: North Korea Hits Mastra AI [2026]  tech-insider.org Kim Jong Un oversees Kang Kon weapons tests after failed launch repair - India TodayKim Jong Un oversees Kang Kon weapons tests after failed launch repair  India Today North Korea conducts major weapons tests; South training ‘drone warriors’ - Al JazeeraNorth Korea conducts major weapons tests; South training ‘drone warriors’  Al Jazeera North Korea state media says Japan overseas aggression is reality, not hypothetical - The Straits TimesNorth Korea state media says Japan overseas aggression is reality, not hypothetical  The Straits Times North Korea is equipping its navy with nuclear weapons, Kim Jong Un says - Le Monde.frNorth Korea is equipping its navy with nuclear weapons, Kim Jong Un says  Le Monde.fr A year after a disastrous maiden launch, North Korea's new destroyer is up and firing its guns - Business InsiderA year after a disastrous maiden launch, North Korea's new destroyer is up and firing its guns  Business Insider China's Xi vows 'long-term, stable' development of ties with N. Korea - The Korea TimesChina's Xi vows 'long-term, stable' development of ties with N. Korea  The Korea Times North Korea’s ‘exponential’ nuclear program: why Kim Jong-un is racing to expand his arsenal - The GuardianNorth Korea’s ‘exponential’ nuclear program: why Kim Jong-un is racing to expand his arsenal  The Guardian North Korea-linked hackers stole $643 million, accounting for two-thirds of global crypto thefts - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea-linked hackers stole $643 million, accounting for two-thirds of global crypto thefts  Korea JoongAng Daily Kim Jong-un may have turned around the North Korean economy. But do the numbers mask deeper troubles? - Korea JoongAng DailyKim Jong-un may have turned around the North Korean economy. But do the numbers mask deeper troubles?  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korea braces for heavy rains as delayed monsoon nears - The Korea HeraldNorth Korea braces for heavy rains as delayed monsoon nears  The Korea Herald Why North Korea Got the Bomb (And Iran Did Not, for Now) - 38 NorthWhy North Korea Got the Bomb (And Iran Did Not, for Now)  38 North Sanjeev Jain to be India's new Ambassador to North Korea | To know more about Jain | Inshorts - InshortsSanjeev Jain to be India's new Ambassador to North Korea | To know more about Jain | Inshorts  Inshorts Dalian eyes trade with North Korea despite sanctions - DailyNKDalian eyes trade with North Korea despite sanctions  DailyNK India names Sanjeev Jain as next envoy to North Korea - The TribuneIndia names Sanjeev Jain as next envoy to North Korea  The Tribune North Korea commissions warship as Kim eyes nuclear navy - Al JazeeraNorth Korea commissions warship as Kim eyes nuclear navy  Al Jazeera KMA warns of thunderstorms and heavy rain across central Korea on July 8 night - ??????KMA warns of thunderstorms and heavy rain across central Korea on July 8 night  ?????? Kim Jong-Un - Encyclopedia BritannicaKim Jong-Un  Encyclopedia Britannica North Korea's Kim says country will exercise its position as nuclear state, KCNA reports?? - ReutersNorth Korea's Kim says country will exercise its position as nuclear state, KCNA reports??  Reuters North Korean PolinRider supply chain attack targets 108 unique repos - SC MediaNorth Korean PolinRider supply chain attack targets 108 unique repos  SC Media Five Things to Know, July 6, 2026 - The American LegionFive Things to Know, July 6, 2026  The American Legion Kim Jong-un Unleashes Nuclear-Capable Kang Kon Destroyer as North Korea Expands Maritime Strike Power Against US Allies - Defence Security AsiaKim Jong-un Unleashes Nuclear-Capable Kang Kon Destroyer as North Korea Expands Maritime Strike Power Against US Allies  Defence Security Asia Is this teenage girl North Korea’s next dictator? - Financial TimesIs this teenage girl North Korea’s next dictator?  Financial Times North Korean ambassador takes up post in Austria as Pyongyang expands diplomacy - NK NewsNorth Korean ambassador takes up post in Austria as Pyongyang expands diplomacy  NK News Sinéad O'Sullivan: All aboard the golf train to Adare, Ireland’s answer to North Korea - The Irish TimesSinéad O'Sullivan: All aboard the golf train to Adare, Ireland’s answer to North Korea  The Irish Times North Korea test-fires strategic cruise missile, other weapons from new destroyer - Yeni Safak EnglishNorth Korea test-fires strategic cruise missile, other weapons from new destroyer  Yeni Safak English North's Kim observes weapons tests from naval destroyer Kang Kon - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth's Kim observes weapons tests from naval destroyer Kang Kon  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korea's Kim oversees latest naval weapons tests Images broadcast by North Korean state media show one of the country’s two new destroyers, the Kang Kon, carrying out gun-firing exercises and launching cruise missiles as leader Kim Jong Un watche - LinkedInNorth Korea's Kim oversees latest naval weapons tests Images broadcast by North Korean state media show one of the country’s two new destroyers, the Kang Kon, carrying out gun-firing exercises and launching cruise missiles as leader Kim Jong Un watche  LinkedIn North Korea Tests New Strategic Missile and Electronic Warfare Systems - jordannews.joNorth Korea Tests New Strategic Missile and Electronic Warfare Systems  jordannews.jo How Rogue Nations Are Using Cryptocurrencies to Evade Sanctions - WSJHow Rogue Nations Are Using Cryptocurrencies to Evade Sanctions  WSJ North Korean leader presides over weapons test aboard restored destroyer - stripes.comNorth Korean leader presides over weapons test aboard restored destroyer  stripes.com Pachinko's Kim Min-ha Portrays North Korean Defector in 'One Korea' - ????Pachinko's Kim Min-ha Portrays North Korean Defector in 'One Korea'  ???? Korea's LG Innotek to begin building $1B semiconductor substrate plant in Vietnam's Hai Phong in Q3/2026 - TNGlobalKorea's LG Innotek to begin building $1B semiconductor substrate plant in Vietnam's Hai Phong in Q3/2026  TNGlobal Don't be fooled by the new China-North Korea love fest - Responsible StatecraftDon't be fooled by the new China-North Korea love fest  Responsible Statecraft North Korea’s Kim oversees latest naval weapons tests - Inquirer.netNorth Korea’s Kim oversees latest naval weapons tests  Inquirer.net Iran’s Bargaining Card That North Korea Never Had - Korea Economic Institute of America -Iran’s Bargaining Card That North Korea Never Had  Korea Economic Institute of America - "We cannot be naive": NATO Secretary General calls China, North Korea, and Iran military allies of Russia - news.liga.net"We cannot be naive": NATO Secretary General calls China, North Korea, and Iran military allies of Russia  news.liga.net North Korea-China smuggling scheme appears to restart after monthslong lull - NK NewsNorth Korea-China smuggling scheme appears to restart after monthslong lull  NK News How China keeps North Korea's economy alive - DW.comHow China keeps North Korea's economy alive  DW.com North Korea’s Kim oversees cruise missile launch from new naval destroyer - Investing.comNorth Korea’s Kim oversees cruise missile launch from new naval destroyer  Investing.com State AG Nick Brown visits Bellingham, compares Trump administration to North Korea - Salish CurrentState AG Nick Brown visits Bellingham, compares Trump administration to North Korea  Salish Current North Korea says 'denuclearisation' is a matter terminated irreversibly - ReutersNorth Korea says 'denuclearisation' is a matter terminated irreversibly  Reuters North Korean soldier crosses border to South - DW.comNorth Korean soldier crosses border to South  DW.com North Korea condemns US missile sale approval to South Korea, KCNA says - ReutersNorth Korea condemns US missile sale approval to South Korea, KCNA says  Reuters ‘As close as lips and teeth’: The highs and lows of China-North Korea ties - Al Jazeera‘As close as lips and teeth’: The highs and lows of China-North Korea ties  Al Jazeera Kim Jong Un oversees cruise missile launch from North Korea’s new destroyer - The IndependentKim Jong Un oversees cruise missile launch from North Korea’s new destroyer  The Independent Friendship or leverage: Why is Xi Jinping in North Korea? - BBCFriendship or leverage: Why is Xi Jinping in North Korea?  BBC Jailed South Korea ex-president gets 30 more years for sending drones into North - BBCJailed South Korea ex-president gets 30 more years for sending drones into North  BBC North Korea says it will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul - NPRNorth Korea says it will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul  NPR North Korea’s Kim orders navy to build 10,000-tonne destroyer: State media - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim orders navy to build 10,000-tonne destroyer: State media  Al Jazeera Xi draws a line on North Korea’s alliance demands - Lowy InstituteXi draws a line on North Korea’s alliance demands  Lowy Institute Amid Rumors of a Visit by China’s Leader, North Korea Fires Close-Range Ballistic Missiles - The Diplomat – Asia-PacificAmid Rumors of a Visit by China’s Leader, North Korea Fires Close-Range Ballistic Missiles  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific North Korea Demands Nuclear-Armed State Recognition, Denuclearization Illusion - ????North Korea Demands Nuclear-Armed State Recognition, Denuclearization Illusion  ???? North Korea jump-starts naval buildup by commissioning its largest-ever warship - CNNNorth Korea jump-starts naval buildup by commissioning its largest-ever warship  CNN Papal North Korea visit hinges on Pyongyang, cardinal says - upi.comPapal North Korea visit hinges on Pyongyang, cardinal says  upi.com North Korea behind two-thirds of crypto theft in H1 2026, report says - upi.comNorth Korea behind two-thirds of crypto theft in H1 2026, report says  upi.com North Korea Crisis | Global Conflict Tracker - Council on Foreign RelationsNorth Korea Crisis | Global Conflict Tracker  Council on Foreign Relations Xi says ready to deepen long-term ties with North Korea - Saudi GazetteXi says ready to deepen long-term ties with North Korea  Saudi Gazette Pyongyang’s northern turn is reshaping the Korean Peninsula - BrookingsPyongyang’s northern turn is reshaping the Korean Peninsula  Brookings North Korea not ready for a female successor - East Asia ForumNorth Korea not ready for a female successor  East Asia Forum Pyongyang wary of overseas labor dispatch | North Korea News - DailyNKPyongyang wary of overseas labor dispatch | North Korea News  DailyNK South Korea’s Nuclear Submarines: Deterrence and Risk in Northeast Asia - orfonline.orgSouth Korea’s Nuclear Submarines: Deterrence and Risk in Northeast Asia  orfonline.org Xi says ready to work with Kim for 'stable' China-North Korea ties - CNAXi says ready to work with Kim for 'stable' China-North Korea ties  CNA China, North Korea, and the Xi-Kim summit - BrookingsChina, North Korea, and the Xi-Kim summit  Brookings Indo-Pacific Tensions Rise as China, Russia, and North Korea Expand Military Coordination - Odessa JournalIndo-Pacific Tensions Rise as China, Russia, and North Korea Expand Military Coordination  Odessa Journal Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un vow stronger ties as North Korea visit wraps up - BBCXi Jinping and Kim Jong Un vow stronger ties as North Korea visit wraps up  BBC North Korean Soldier Makes Rare Escape Across DMZ - WSJNorth Korean Soldier Makes Rare Escape Across DMZ  WSJ North Korea Rebuilds Anti-American Rhetoric and Education - 38 NorthNorth Korea Rebuilds Anti-American Rhetoric and Education  38 North North Korea needs China for survival: Why does Beijing need Pyongyang? - Al JazeeraNorth Korea needs China for survival: Why does Beijing need Pyongyang?  Al Jazeera What Kim Jong Un Really Fears: Outside Information - The Diplomat – Asia-PacificWhat Kim Jong Un Really Fears: Outside Information  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific North Korea’s Kim Jong Un warns South Korea, says US should end hostility - Al JazeeraNorth Korea’s Kim Jong Un warns South Korea, says US should end hostility  Al Jazeera Exclusive | North Korea’s Uranium Enrichment Capacity Could Soon Expand by 75%, Analysis Says - WSJExclusive | North Korea’s Uranium Enrichment Capacity Could Soon Expand by 75%, Analysis Says  WSJ (2nd LD) N. Korea's Kim observes weapons tests carried out by naval destroyer Kang Kon - Yonhap News Agency(2nd LD) N. Korea's Kim observes weapons tests carried out by naval destroyer Kang Kon  Yonhap News Agency Tourists flock to Starbucks overlooking North Korea - CNATourists flock to Starbucks overlooking North Korea  CNA