North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is a country located in East Asia with a population of 25 million people. As the world’s most heavily militarized nation, North Korea’s borders have remained largely off-limits since its inception as a Stalinist country in 1948. But just how big is the DPRK compared to Oregon, the 33rd most populous US state in the country’s northwest corner?
Oregon covers an area of 98,381 square miles and is home to a population of over 4 million people spread across 36 counties. By contrast, the DPRK’s land area is 46,540 square miles with a population of 25 million people spread across nine North Korean provinces. Taking these figures into consideration, North Korea is just a fraction of Oregon’s size, although its population is five times greater.
According to political analyst Richard Beal, North Korea is much smaller than Oregon in terms of both its landmass and population. He says, “North Korea’s population is around 25 million which is approximately five times as large as Oregon’s. At the same time, it is almost half the size of the US state because when it comes to land area, North Korea is a mere 46,540 square miles while Oregon covers a whopping 98,381 square miles.”
In order to understand North Korea’s size better, it is also important to look at its neighboring countries. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) borders China on the northwest and southwest and Russia along the eastern coast. Meanwhile, its southern border is made up of the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan. Although North Korea is separated from every other nation by water, its power is a cause of great concern to nearby countries.
After comparing the DPRK’s total population and landmass to Oregon’s, it is clear that North Korea is much smaller than the US state. However, the country’s military strength, nuclear ambitions and diplomatic relations should not be underestimated. As an isolated country within its region, North Korea has been constantly scrutinized by international leaders, diplomats and the media.
In addition to its military strength, various international sanctions have been imposed on North Korea for its development of nuclear weapons and for its human rights violations. These sanctions have had a major economic impact on the country, making it difficult for its citizens to travel and purchase international goods. Despite the international pressure North Korea has faced over the years, the country has been able to maintain its own nuclear arsenal, making it a potential threat to the world.
North Korea’s Economy
The North Korean economy is one of the world’s most isolated and least understood economies. It is estimated that a large portion of the nation is underdeveloped and has limited access to an educated labor workforce. North Korea’s main sources of income are worker remittance transfers, informal market activities, other exports, and foreign aid. As a result of its economic isolation, the nation produces limited amounts of food, construction, and energy.
Due to international economic sanctions, North Korea continues to struggle with a shortage of basic necessities and resources. In addition, tourism in the country is virtually non-existent and electricity is often unreliable. As a result, North Korea’s GDP has continued to shrink over the years, with its GDP per capita ranking 214th in the world.
In spite of its economic woes, North Korea continues to maintain a powerful military. The country has an estimated 1.2 million active soldiers, and it’s believed that North Korean forces possess a number of long-range missiles. In addition, the country is believed to have a stockpile of nuclear weapons, making it a formidable force in the region.
North Korea And Oregon – A Comparison
Although it is clear that North Korea is very small compared to the US state of Oregon, it is interesting to explore other similarities between the two. For instance, both countries have seemingly egalitarian governments that place the power in the hands of the people. In Oregon, this power is delegated to the governor, state legislature and the state court system, while in North Korea, Kim Jong-un is the leader of a single-party state that holds all the power.
The two countries also share stark differences when it comes to their respective foreign policies. Oregon is a member of the United Nations and a close ally of the United States, while North Korea remains largely isolated from the global community. In addition, North Korea’s human rights record is widely condemned, while Oregon is known for respecting the rights of its citizens.
North Korea’s Impact On The World
Although North Korea is significantly smaller than Oregon in terms of both geography and population, its ambitions to become a nuclear state has earned it attention from all corners of the globe. Its disarmament negotiations with the United States, South Korea, and other regional powers have been closely monitored by the media. The country is also heavily sanctioned by the United Nations for its destabilizing activities.
North Korea’s nuclear arsenal is believed to pose a threat to the entire world, and the country’s oppressive regime has been the source of much human rights abuse. In fact, its citizens have been denied fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech and access to the internet, which many countries worldwide take for granted.
In light of these realities, it is important to remember that while Oregon is both large in area and population, North Korea wields immense power and influence. With North Korea’s refusal to denuclearize, the world must remain alert and take steps to ensure its citizens are able to live in safety and freedom.
Pros and Cons Of North Korea’s Isolation
In relation to Oregon and the rest of the world, North Korea’s decision to remain closed off and isolated has had both positive and negative implications. On the one hand, its isolationist approach has allowed it to maintain control of its economy and political system with minimal foreign interference. This allows the government to regulate its citizens in a way that is not possible for most other countries.
On the other hand, North Korea’s isolation has left its citizens with minimal access to resources and technology. This has had a detrimental effect on its citizens and undermines their opportunities for personal and professional development. In addition, its refusal to participate in diplomatic relations with its neighbours and the rest of the world leaves it exposed to international pressures and sanctions.
North Korea’s Role In The Global Community
In spite of North Korea’s small size compared to Oregon and its decisions to remain isolated, it still plays an important role in the global community. As an influential player in the region, North Korea can act as a facilitator of peace and stability among its neighbours. Although the country’s human rights record is woefully inadequate, it can be a key contributor to the development of democracy and human rights in the region.
Moreover, North Korea is a signatory to some of the most important international agreements, such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and it is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. As such, it can be argued that North Korea has an important responsibility to uphold international norms and foster peace and understanding within the global community.
Conclusion of North Korea’s Impact
When comparing the size and population of North Korea to Oregon, it is difficult to ignore the extreme difference in the clout and power held by the two countries. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is much smaller than Oregon, but its economic and military might, along with its nuclear capabilities, should not be underestimated. Despite its attempts to remain isolated, North Korea still plays a vital role in regional peace and stability and should be treated with respect and understanding by the international community.
