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

Some 2,300 North Korean soldiers died in Russia-Ukraine war, new images show - BBCSome 2,300 North Korean soldiers died in Russia-Ukraine war, new images show  BBC New bridge linking allies North Korea and Russia nearly complete - BBCNew bridge linking allies North Korea and Russia nearly complete  BBC North Korea to deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul - The HinduNorth Korea to deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul  The Hindu North Korea to deploy advanced long-range howitzers near Seoul border: KCNA - National HeraldNorth Korea to deploy advanced long-range howitzers near Seoul border: KCNA  National Herald North Korean Leader Inspects Artillery Capable of Striking Seoul - ????? ??? ????North Korean Leader Inspects Artillery Capable of Striking Seoul  ????? ??? ???? South Korean spies to boost intel sharing over drone threats - The Times of IndiaSouth Korean spies to boost intel sharing over drone threats  The Times of India North Korea says it is not bound by any treaty on nuclear non-proliferation - Al JazeeraNorth Korea says it is not bound by any treaty on nuclear non-proliferation  Al Jazeera North Korea not bound by nuclear non-proliferation treaty, UN envoy says - Euronews.comNorth Korea not bound by nuclear non-proliferation treaty, UN envoy says  Euronews.com North Korea not bound to any treaty on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons: Report - Al Arabiya EnglishNorth Korea not bound to any treaty on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons: Report  Al Arabiya English North Korea formally drops goal of reuniting with South - Financial TimesNorth Korea formally drops goal of reuniting with South  Financial Times North Korea’s Constitutional Amendments Signal a Policy of Assurance Toward South Korea - The Diplomat – Asia-PacificNorth Korea’s Constitutional Amendments Signal a Policy of Assurance Toward South Korea  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific North Korea revises constitution, drops references to reunification with South Korea - The Times of IndiaNorth Korea revises constitution, drops references to reunification with South Korea  The Times of India North Korea terror victims escalate fight to seize $71 million from Aave hack - CoinDeskNorth Korea terror victims escalate fight to seize $71 million from Aave hack  CoinDesk North Korea's pet industry is booming - MSNNorth Korea's pet industry is booming  MSN North Korea reaffirms strong Russia ties in message to Putin on Victory Day - Moneycontrol.comNorth Korea reaffirms strong Russia ties in message to Putin on Victory Day  Moneycontrol.com Dressed for succession: What Kim Ju Ae's outfits tell us about North Korea - BBCDressed for succession: What Kim Ju Ae's outfits tell us about North Korea  BBC North Korea says it will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul - NPRNorth Korea says it will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul  NPR New Artillery Capable Of Striking South Korean Capital Seoul - WIONNew Artillery Capable Of Striking South Korean Capital Seoul  WION South Korea’s soft power influence on North Korea | Note de la FRS | Foundation for Strategic Research - Fondation pour la Recherche StratégiqueSouth Korea’s soft power influence on North Korea | Note de la FRS | Foundation for Strategic Research  Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique North Korea to deploy new long-range artillery along border with Seoul this year: KCNA - thehawk.inNorth Korea to deploy new long-range artillery along border with Seoul this year: KCNA  thehawk.in North Korea’s New Nuclear-Capable Warship Poses Fresh Threat to South Korea, U.S. - WSJNorth Korea’s New Nuclear-Capable Warship Poses Fresh Threat to South Korea, U.S.  WSJ North's Kim reaffirms commitment to deepening ties with Russia in Victory Day message - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth's Kim reaffirms commitment to deepening ties with Russia in Victory Day message  Korea JoongAng Daily North Korean leader Kim calls ties with Russia top priority in Victory Day message to Putin - ReutersNorth Korean leader Kim calls ties with Russia top priority in Victory Day message to Putin  Reuters What do a teenager's clothes tell us about North Korea's future? - BBCWhat do a teenager's clothes tell us about North Korea's future?  BBC The new geopolitics of Asia and the prospects of North Korea diplomacy - BrookingsThe new geopolitics of Asia and the prospects of North Korea diplomacy  Brookings North Korea revises constitution to drop references to unification of Korean Peninsula - NBC NewsNorth Korea revises constitution to drop references to unification of Korean Peninsula  NBC News North Korea formally drops goal of reuniting with South - Financial TimesNorth Korea formally drops goal of reuniting with South  Financial Times New bridge linking allies North Korea and Russia nearly complete - BBCNew bridge linking allies North Korea and Russia nearly complete  BBC Kim Jong Un's police reform pledge: change or control? - DailyNKKim Jong Un's police reform pledge: change or control?  DailyNK North Korea to deploy new long-range artillery near border - upi.comNorth Korea to deploy new long-range artillery near border  upi.com North Korea drops mention to unification with South from constitution - Euronews.comNorth Korea drops mention to unification with South from constitution  Euronews.com 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 to deploy new artillery along border with South - The News PakistanNorth Korea to deploy new artillery along border with South  The News Pakistan North Korea Reportedly Plans New 155mm Howitzers Capable of Reaching Seoul - UNITED24 MediaNorth Korea Reportedly Plans New 155mm Howitzers Capable of Reaching Seoul  UNITED24 Media North Korea promotes loyalty to Kim above workers’ rights on May Day holiday - NK NewsNorth Korea promotes loyalty to Kim above workers’ rights on May Day holiday  NK News North Korea to deploy new type of artillery along border with the South - Taipei TimesNorth Korea to deploy new type of artillery along border with the South  Taipei Times North Korea acknowledges ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine for first time - NK NewsNorth Korea acknowledges ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine for first time  NK News Digging Up North Korea’s Christian Roots – Book Review - Eurasia ReviewDigging Up North Korea’s Christian Roots – Book Review  Eurasia Review North Korea Boosts Border Firepower, Advances Missile-Capable Destroyer Programme - The Morning VoiceNorth Korea Boosts Border Firepower, Advances Missile-Capable Destroyer Programme  The Morning Voice South Korean researchers develop AI medical tool for North Korean defectors - NK NewsSouth Korean researchers develop AI medical tool for North Korean defectors  NK News North Korea says it will deploy new nuclear-armed warship in ‘mid-June’ - NK NewsNorth Korea says it will deploy new nuclear-armed warship in ‘mid-June’  NK News Seoul says North Korea constitution revision won’t change peace policy - NK NewsSeoul says North Korea constitution revision won’t change peace policy  NK News North Korean ‘K9-type' howitzer poses new military threat to South - The Korea TimesNorth Korean ‘K9-type' howitzer poses new military threat to South  The Korea Times North Korea unveils new long-range artillery system capable of striking Seoul - The Korea HeraldNorth Korea unveils new long-range artillery system capable of striking Seoul  The Korea Herald North Korea leader Kim inspects artillery that can hit South Korean capital - ReutersNorth Korea leader Kim inspects artillery that can hit South Korean capital  Reuters North Korea says it’s not bound to any treaty on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons - Anadolu AjansiNorth Korea says it’s not bound to any treaty on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons  Anadolu Ajansi Statement by 25 organisations and 3 individuals on South Korea’s Co-Sponsorship of the Resolution on Human Rights in North Korea at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council | GRC - Global Rights ComplianceStatement by 25 organisations and 3 individuals on South Korea’s Co-Sponsorship of the Resolution on Human Rights in North Korea at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council | GRC  Global Rights Compliance North Korea drops unification goal and defines borders in new constitution - Kursiv MediaNorth Korea drops unification goal and defines borders in new constitution  Kursiv Media North Korea steps up waterborne disease warnings in 2026 - DailyNKNorth Korea steps up waterborne disease warnings in 2026  DailyNK North Korea as peacemaker? - The Christian Science MonitorNorth Korea as peacemaker?  The Christian Science Monitor 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 Putin secretly awarded North Korean generals in charge of Kursk fighting - NK NewsPutin secretly awarded North Korean generals in charge of Kursk fighting  NK News Global powers should not turn a blind eye to North Korea - The Berkeley High JacketGlobal powers should not turn a blind eye to North Korea  The Berkeley High Jacket North Korea leader Kim inspects artillery that can hit South Korean capital - InternazionaleNorth Korea leader Kim inspects artillery that can hit South Korean capital  Internazionale Ukraine war: North Korea's Kim Jong Un reaffirms support for Russia - BBCUkraine war: North Korea's Kim Jong Un reaffirms support for Russia  BBC North Korea appears to have transformed the social contract with its people - NK NewsNorth Korea appears to have transformed the social contract with its people  NK News North Korea Unveils New Howitzer Claimed to Reach All of Seoul - ????North Korea Unveils New Howitzer Claimed to Reach All of Seoul  ???? North Korea's Kim Jong Un and daughter eat with crew on new warship Choe Hyon - Sky NewsNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un and daughter eat with crew on new warship Choe Hyon  Sky News North Korea will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul and commission its 1st destroyer - Action News JaxNorth Korea will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul and commission its 1st destroyer  Action News Jax Why China now embraces a nuclear North Korea - Lowy InstituteWhy China now embraces a nuclear North Korea  Lowy Institute How South Korea Might Fight a North Korean Invasion in a Dual-Contingency Scenario - 38 NorthHow South Korea Might Fight a North Korean Invasion in a Dual-Contingency Scenario  38 North North Korea says not bound by nuclear non-proliferation treaty - Times of SurinameNorth Korea says not bound by nuclear non-proliferation treaty  Times of Suriname 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 South Korea Co-sponsors UN Rights Resolution on North Korea - Human Rights WatchSouth Korea Co-sponsors UN Rights Resolution on North Korea  Human Rights Watch North Korea unveils new artillery, warship as Kim Jong Un deepens break with Seoul - connectedtoindia.comNorth Korea unveils new artillery, warship as Kim Jong Un deepens break with Seoul  connectedtoindia.com North Korea drops reunification from constitution to formalise ‘two-state’ ties - South China Morning PostNorth Korea drops reunification from constitution to formalise ‘two-state’ ties  South China Morning Post North Korea as It Is - Foreign AffairsNorth Korea as It Is  Foreign Affairs North Korea to deploy new gun-howitzer system within firing range of Seoul - Korea JoongAng DailyNorth Korea to deploy new gun-howitzer system within firing range of Seoul  Korea JoongAng Daily Russia, North Korea agree 'long-term' military cooperation - DW.comRussia, North Korea agree 'long-term' military cooperation  DW.com North Korea will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul and commission its 1st destroyer - The IndependentNorth Korea will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul and commission its 1st destroyer  The Independent North Korea launches ballistic missiles towards sea off its east coast - Al JazeeraNorth Korea launches ballistic missiles towards sea off its east coast  Al Jazeera North Korea to Deploy New Artillery Along Border with South - CambodianessNorth Korea to Deploy New Artillery Along Border with South  Cambodianess North Korea ‘will fire nuclear weapon’ if Kim is killed - The TelegraphNorth Korea ‘will fire nuclear weapon’ if Kim is killed  The Telegraph How North Korea uses Christianity to protect Kim dynasty - DW.comHow North Korea uses Christianity to protect Kim dynasty  DW.com North Korea's revised Constitution removes reunification, mentions N-weapons - nhk.or.jpNorth Korea's revised Constitution removes reunification, mentions N-weapons  nhk.or.jp North Korea to deploy new self-propelled howitzers near South Korean border - Caliber.AzNorth Korea to deploy new self-propelled howitzers near South Korean border  Caliber.Az North Korea dispatches central party inspectors to Rason customs facility - DailyNKNorth Korea dispatches central party inspectors to Rason customs facility  DailyNK North Korea unveils K9-inspired howitzer system - ????North Korea unveils K9-inspired howitzer system  ???? North Korea launches ballistic missiles toward sea - NPRNorth Korea launches ballistic missiles toward sea  NPR North Korea fires ballistic missiles again, flexing muscle amid Iran war - CNBCNorth Korea fires ballistic missiles again, flexing muscle amid Iran war  CNBC 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 will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul and commission its 1st destroyer - Toronto StarNorth Korea will deploy new artillery guns targeting Seoul and commission its 1st destroyer  Toronto Star North Korea and crypto hacks: accusations denied while data point to billions stolen - The CryptonomistNorth Korea and crypto hacks: accusations denied while data point to billions stolen  The Cryptonomist Kim Ju-ae signals succession with elite fashion in North Korea - CHOSUNBIZ - ChosunbizKim Ju-ae signals succession with elite fashion in North Korea - CHOSUNBIZ  Chosunbiz How North Korea Won - Foreign AffairsHow North Korea Won  Foreign Affairs Watchdog warns of rapid North Korea nuclear expansion - CNNWatchdog warns of rapid North Korea nuclear expansion  CNN North Korea’s quiet constitutional changes signal reunification with South no longer a priority - Washington TimesNorth Korea’s quiet constitutional changes signal reunification with South no longer a priority  Washington Times North Korean leader Kim orders handover of new destroyer to navy in mid-June - nhk.or.jpNorth Korean leader Kim orders handover of new destroyer to navy in mid-June  nhk.or.jp North Korea again tests cluster munitions in a launch observed by Kim and his daughter - NBC NewsNorth Korea again tests cluster munitions in a launch observed by Kim and his daughter  NBC News North Korea’s next ruler is just 12 years old - is the world ready? - MSNNorth Korea’s next ruler is just 12 years old - is the world ready?  MSN North Korea Cements Full-Fledged Nuclear Status With Russian Backing, Crumbling Global Norms & Iran War - EurAsian TimesNorth Korea Cements Full-Fledged Nuclear Status With Russian Backing, Crumbling Global Norms & Iran War  EurAsian Times Inside one of the most daring escapes from North Korea - CNNInside one of the most daring escapes from North Korea  CNN North Korea launches multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward sea - AP NewsNorth Korea launches multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward sea  AP News Americans sentenced for running 'laptop farms' for North Korea - BleepingComputerAmericans sentenced for running 'laptop farms' for North Korea  BleepingComputer North Korea, Russia aim to open new road bridge soon, KCNA says - ReutersNorth Korea, Russia aim to open new road bridge soon, KCNA says  Reuters North Korea will auto launch a nuclear attack if Kim Jong-un is assassinated - The SunNorth Korea will auto launch a nuclear attack if Kim Jong-un is assassinated  The Sun North Korea keeping Iran at arm’s length, reports Seoul - Al JazeeraNorth Korea keeping Iran at arm’s length, reports Seoul  Al Jazeera AFC urges separation from political situation in visit of North Korean football team, prioritizes football - ????AFC urges separation from political situation in visit of North Korean football team, prioritizes football  ???? 'Weapon will be used immediately...’: North Korea sends BIG message to US amid West Asia war, conducts drills with 600mm rocket launchers - WION'Weapon will be used immediately...’: North Korea sends BIG message to US amid West Asia war, conducts drills with 600mm rocket launchers  WION North Korea will deploy new artillery targeting South - The Canberra TimesNorth Korea will deploy new artillery targeting South  The Canberra Times 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 Jong Un supervises missile tests from his naval destroyer - NBC NewsNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un supervises missile tests from his naval destroyer  NBC News North Korea leader Kim inspects artillery that can hit South Korean capital - The Straits TimesNorth Korea leader Kim inspects artillery that can hit South Korean capital  The Straits Times "If You Don't Buy Now, Prices Will Rise Even More": North Korean Gasoline Prices Surpass South Korea as Panic Buying Spreads Amid War Ripple Effects - ?????"If You Don't Buy Now, Prices Will Rise Even More": North Korean Gasoline Prices Surpass South Korea as Panic Buying Spreads Amid War Ripple Effects  ????? "Buy Now or Pay More Later" Fear Grips North Korea as Fuel Prices Surpass South Korea, Panic Buying Spreads - ?????"Buy Now or Pay More Later" Fear Grips North Korea as Fuel Prices Surpass South Korea, Panic Buying Spreads  ????? North Korea To Deploy New Artillery Along Border With South - Barron'sNorth Korea To Deploy New Artillery Along Border With South  Barron's