# North Korea

> sovereign state in East Asia

**Wikidata**: [Q423](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q423)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Korea)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/north-korea

## Summary

North Korea is a country located in Asia[1]. Its official languages are the North Korean standard language and Korean. As of 2023, the population was 26.4 million[2], and the country covers an area of 121,000 square kilometers. North Korea observes multiple time zones: UTC+09:00, UTC+08:30, and UTC+09:00[3][4][5].

## Summary
North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a sovereign state and people's republic located in East Asia on the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Established on September 9, 1948, it is a one-party state governed by the Workers' Party of Korea with Pyongyang as its capital city. The country is characterized by its Juche ideology, a dynastic leadership system under the Kim family, and its status as a nuclear-armed state.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
- **Inception:** September 9, 1948.
- **Capital:** Pyongyang (since 1948).
- **Area:** 120,540 square kilometers.
- **Population:** Approximately 26,418,204 (2023 estimate).
- **Currency:** North Korean won (KPW).
- **Head of State:** Kim Jong-un (Supreme Leader since 2011).
- **Head of Government:** Pak Thae-song (Premier since December 2024).
- **Government Type:** One-party state, family dictatorship, unitary state.
- **Official Language:** Korean (North Korean standard language).
- **Time Zone:** UTC+09:00 (Pyongyang Time).
- **UN Membership:** Joined September 17, 1991.
- **Highest Point:** Baekdu Mountain (2,744 meters).
- **Lowest Point:** Sea of Japan (0 meters).
- **Driving Side:** Right.
- **Calling Code:** +850.
- **Internet TLD:** .kp.

## FAQs
**What is the political system of North Korea?**
North Korea operates as a one-party state and family dictatorship led by the Workers' Party of Korea, with the Kim family holding supreme leadership since the country's founding.

**What is the capital and largest city of North Korea?**
Pyongyang is the capital and largest city, serving as the administrative center and housing key government institutions since 1948.

**What is the official language and currency used?**
The official language is Korean, specifically the North Korean standard language, and the official currency is the North Korean won.

**Is North Korea a member of the United Nations?**
Yes, North Korea joined the United Nations on September 17, 1991, and is also a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, Group of 77, and various UN specialized agencies.

**Which countries border North Korea?**
North Korea shares land borders with South Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone, the People's Republic of China to the northwest, and Russia to the northeast.

## Why It Matters
North Korea holds significant geopolitical importance due to its strategic location in East Asia and its status as a nuclear-armed state, which heavily influences regional security and global non-proliferation efforts. Its unique political system, defined by the Juche ideology of self-reliance and a dynastic succession of leadership, presents a distinct model of governance that challenges conventional political frameworks. The country's isolationist policies and human rights record make it a focal point for international diplomatic and humanitarian discussions, while its military capabilities, particularly its ballistic missile program, remain a critical concern for global stability.

## Notable For
- **Nuclear Weapons Program:** Possesses nuclear weapons and has conducted six confirmed nuclear tests (2006, 2009, 2013, January 2016, September 2016, and 2017).
- **Ballistic Missiles:** Developed a wide array of ballistic missiles, including the Hwasong series (Hwasong-14, Hwasong-15, Hwasong-17, Hwasong-18, Hwasong-19) and the Taepodong series.
- **Dynastic Rule:** The world's only dynastic communist state, ruled successively by Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un.
- **Isolationism:** Often described as a "hermit kingdom" or "pariah state" due to its restrictive foreign policy and limited international engagement.
- **Mass Games:** Hosts the Arirang Festival, a massive gymnastics and artistic performance known for its scale and precision.
- **Monumental Architecture:** Features large-scale structures such as the Ryugyong Hotel, the Juche Tower, and the Arch of Triumph.

## Body

### Geography and Demographics
North Korea occupies the northern portion of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, covering an area of 120,540 square kilometers. It is bordered by South Korea to the south, China to the northwest, and Russia to the northeast. The country's terrain is largely mountainous, with the highest point being Baekdu Mountain, a volcano on the border with China standing at 2,744 meters. The lowest point is the Sea of Japan at 0 meters. Major rivers include the Yalu River, which forms part of the border with China, and the Taedong River, which flows through Pyongyang. The country is divided into nine provinces, including North Hamgyong, South Hamgyong, and Ryanggang, as well as the directly governed cities of Pyongyang, Chongjin, Hamhung, Nampo, Wonsan, Kaesong, Sinuiju, and the special administrative regions of Rason and Kaesong Industrial Region. As of 2023, the population is estimated at approximately 26.4 million, with a life expectancy of around 74 years.

### Government and Politics
The government of North Korea is a one-party state and family dictatorship led by the Workers' Party of Korea. The country's ideology is based on Juche (self-reliance) and Songun (military-first). The head of state is the Supreme Leader, currently Kim Jong-un, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea. The head of government is the Premier, currently Pak Thae-song. The legislative body is the Supreme People's Assembly, which meets infrequently to approve decisions made by the ruling party. The executive branch is the Cabinet of North Korea, responsible for the administration of state affairs. The Kim family has ruled the country since its founding, beginning with Kim Il-sung (1948–1994), followed by Kim Jong-il (1994–2011), and currently Kim Jong-un (2011–present). The country maintains a complex system of honors and awards, such as the Order of Kim Il Sung and the Hero of the Republic title.

### History
North Korea was established on September 9, 1948, succeeding the People's Committee of North Korea. The Korean War (1950–1953) was a significant conflict that solidified the division between the North and South, resulting in the establishment of the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Following the war, the country focused on reconstruction under the leadership of Kim Il-sung. The death of Kim Il-sung in 1994 led to the succession of his son, Kim Jong-il, a period marked by economic hardship and famine in the 1990s. Kim Jong-un assumed power after the death of Kim Jong-il in 2011. Throughout its history, North Korea has pursued a policy of military development, culminating in its status as a nuclear-armed state.

### International Relations
North Korea is a member of the United Nations (joining in 1991), the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Group of 77. It maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Cuba, and various African and Southeast Asian nations. However, relations with South Korea, Japan, and the United States have historically been tense, often centered around the country's nuclear program and human rights record. North Korea is designated as a state possessing nuclear weapons and has been the subject of numerous international sanctions. The country is also a member of specialized UN agencies such as the World Health Organization, UNESCO, and the International Telecommunication Union.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy of North Korea is centrally planned and isolated, with the North Korean won serving as the official currency. The Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea acts as the nation's central bank. Key industries include mining, manufacturing, and military production. The country has a limited transportation network, with the Korean State Railway operating the national rail system. Air Koryo is the state-owned national airline. Infrastructure projects include the Ryugyong Hotel, an unfinished skyscraper in Pyongyang, and the Pyongyang Metro. The country also operates its own intranet, known as Kwangmyong, restricting access to the global internet.

### Military and Nuclear Program
The Korean People's Army is the combined military forces of North Korea, comprising the Ground Force, Air Force, Navy, and Strategic Force. The country has developed a significant nuclear weapons program, conducting its first nuclear test in 2006. Subsequent tests occurred in 2009, 2013, 2016 (twice), and 2017. North Korea has also developed a wide range of ballistic missiles, including short-range (Hwasong-6), medium-range (Hwasong-10, Hwasong-12), and intercontinental ballistic missiles (Hwasong-14, Hwasong-15, Hwasong-17, Hwasong-18, Hwasong-19). The military is a central focus of the state, with the Songun policy prioritizing military resources.

### Culture and Society
The official language is Korean, specifically the North Korean standard language. The national anthem is "Aegukka," and the national symbols include the flag and the emblem featuring Mount Paektu, a hydroelectric dam, and a red star. The state promotes a cult of personality centered around the Kim family, with numerous monuments and statues dedicated to its leaders. Cultural life is heavily state-controlled, with media outlets such as Rodong Sinmun (the official newspaper) and the Korean Central News Agency serving as primary sources of information. Sports are also significant, with North Korea participating in the Olympic Games and international football competitions. Notable athletes include gymnast Hong Un-jong and weightlifter Om Yun-chol. The country also produces its own films and animated series, such as "Squirrel and Hedgehog."

## References

1. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/dem-people-s-rep-korea)
2. [Source](https://books.google.com/books?id=LccRAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA642)
3. BnF authorities
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. CiNii Research
6. [North Korea creates new time zone. 2015](http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33815049)
7. [North Korea creates its own time zone. 2015](https://edition.cnn.com/2015/08/07/asia/north-korea-time-zone/index.html)
8. [N Korea to adjust time zone to match the South. 2018](http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1393852-20180430.htm)
9. [Source](https://data.iana.org/time-zones/tzdb-2021e/asia)
10. [International Hydrographic Organization](https://www.iho.int/srv1/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=452&lang=en)
11. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
12. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
13. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=90)
14. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
15. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/democratic-peoples-republic-of-korea)
16. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
17. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
20. FIPS 10-4
21. MusicBrainz
22. World Bank Open Data
23. [World Bank Open Data](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL)
24. 2008 North Korean census
25. [Source](https://data.who.int/countries/408)
26. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
27. [gov.pl](https://www.gov.pl/web/chiny/krld-idp)
28. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
29. [Lianhe Zaobao](https://www.zaobao.com/news/world/story20221012-1321925)
30. [Source](https://www.mofa.gov.tw/CountryInfo.aspx?CASN=5&n=5&sms=33&s=48)
31. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
32. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
33. [World Plugs](http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm)
34. UMLS 2023
35. [Source](http://otif.org/fileadmin/user_upload/otif_verlinkte_files/06_tech_zulass/05_Reglementation_en_vigueur/Neu_ab_01_01_2015/UTP_MARKING_2015_e_in_force.pdf)
36. [Source](http://uic.org/country-codes)
37. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)
38. [Source](https://www.youthpolicy.org/factsheets/country/north-korea/)
39. [Source](https://www.gs1.org/company-prefix)
40. [Cryptocurrency expert pleads guilty to conspiring to help North Korea dodge sanctions](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/griffith-korea-cryptocurrency-plea/2021/09/27/2da04ad2-1fc6-11ec-b3d6-8cdebe60d3e2_story.html)
41. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
42. [Source](https://apps.who.int/gho/athena/data/xmart.csv?target=GHO/SDGSUICIDE,SDG_SH_STA_SCIDEN&profile=crosstable&filter=COUNTRY:*;REGION:*;AGEGROUP:-&x-sideaxis=COUNTRY;SEX&x-topaxis=GHO;YEAR)
43. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=239)
44. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
45. [Gazetteer](https://github.com/EnvironmentOntology/gaz/blob/master/src/ontology/gaz_countries.csv)
46. iNaturalist
47. FactGrid
48. 2020 Democracy Index
49. 2021 Democracy Index
50. KBpedia