Overview of North Korea

Profile

A socialist state under the one-party rule of the Workers' Party of Korea since its establishment in 1948. Supreme leadership has been passed down through three generations, with Juche ideology and Songun (military-first) policy as guiding principles. Economic scale remains small due to prolonged sanctions and stalled planned economy, though mineral resources are abundant. While facing international tensions over nuclear and missile development, recent years have seen market liberalization and tourism promotion. Known for strict human rights and information controls, with radios and internet tightly managed.

Official name: Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Common name: North Korea
Numeric code: 408
Alpha-3 code: PRK
Alpha-2 code: KP
Population: Approximately 26 million (2020)
Population density: Approximately 210 people/km2
Primary languages: Korean (Cultural Language)
Major religions: Non-religious, Christianity, Buddhism, Cheondoism
National anthem: Patriotic Song
Calling code: +850
Internet TLD: .kp

History

Inheriting history from ancient Goguryeo, the republic was founded in 1948 in the Soviet occupation zone.

After World War II, the Korean Peninsula was divided along the 38th parallel under US and Soviet occupation. In September 1948, the republic was established in Pyongyang with Kim Il Sung as leader. The 1950 Korean War, supported by Chinese People''s Volunteers, established the current armistice line. Juche ideology became the state principle in 1972, and after Kim Il Sung''s death in 1994, Kim Jong Il inherited leadership. The late 1990s ''Arduous March'' brought severe famine, after which China dependency increased. Since 2011, the Kim Jong Un regime has conducted repeated nuclear tests while alternating between tension and dialogue with US and South Korean summits. In 2024, a comprehensive strategic treaty was signed with Russia, with US-ROK relations again stiffening.

Geography & climate

Mountains comprise about 80% of the territory, with alluvial plains to the west and the Paektu Mountain Range and Gaema Plateau in the north.

Temperate summer rain and cold winter continental climate

Area: Asia / 120540 km²
Capital: Pyongyang
Largest city: Pyongyang
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Heaven Lake (Mount Paektu), Supung Lake
Bordering countries: Republic of Korea, People's Republic of China, Russian Federation

Natural resources

Coal, Iron ore, Magnesite, Rare earths, Tungsten, Copper, Gold, Lead, Hydropower, Forest resources, Seafood, Ginseng, Hot springs, Limestone, Zinc, Graphite, Tourism resources (Mount Paektu)

Politics

Government: Socialist people's republic, one-party system

Economy

Currency: North Korean Won (KPW)

GDP (nominal):

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Korean (Cultural Language)

Time zone: Pyongyang Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Korean, Chinese Koreans (minority), Japanese wives and returnees, Russian minority, Manchu minority

Life expectancy

Approximately 69 years

Literacy rate

Over 99%

National sports

Football, Taekwondo, Sirum (Korean wrestling), Mass games, Weightlifting