North Korea is a relatively small and isolated nation, located in the heart of East Asia. It is situated on the Korean Peninsula between the countries of China and South Korea, and is bordered by the Yellow Sea, East Sea, and Sea of Japan. With an estimated population of 25 million, the country is slightly larger than Delaware, and about the same size as Pennsylvania. In terms of landmass, North Korea covers an area of 46,519sq mi, and has an impressive coastline of 2,495 mi. North Korea has three different types of ecosystems−mountainous, lowland and coastal regions−reflecting the country’s varied topography.
The terrain of North Korea consists mainly of mountains and hills, with the highest peak being Mount Paektu at 9,002 ft. Most of the rugged mountainous terrain is located in the north and east of the country, giving way to rolling hills and valleys in the central and western regions. The land is fertile and mainly used for agriculture, with over one-third of the total land area given to agricultural use. The climate in North Korea is continental, with hot summers and cold winters.
Comparing North Korea to the United States, there is an interesting matter to be discussed in terms of the land area. North Korea covers a whopping 46,519sq mi in total, whereas the state of Pennsylvania covers a surface area of 44,817sq mi. Although the difference does not seem noteworthy, it is important to understand that North Korea is significantly smaller than Pennsylvania – by approximately 1,702sq mi (roughly 3.8%). Despite the substantial size of Pennsylvania, North Korea wins hands-down in terms of coastline length, with an impressive 2,495 mi.
As far as population density is concerned, North Korea has a much higher population per square mile than Pennsylvania. According to figures released by the World Factbook, the population density in North Korea stands at 546 individuals per square mile, compared to the rather moderate 283 individuals per square mile in the state of Pennsylvania. This means that North Korea is nearly double the size in terms of population density than the state of Pennsylvania.
Aside from the land area and population density, there are other fundamental differences between North Korea and Pennsylvania. In terms of climate, North Korea has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters; while Pennsylvania enjoys a more temperate climate with mild winters. North Korea also has a largely agricultural economy, whereas Pennsylvania boasts a diverse economy with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing and service industries.
Although North Korea and Pennsylvania share some similarities in terms of land area and population density, there are also notable differences between the two. North Korea is smaller than Pennsylvania by approximately 1,702sq mi, but has an impressive coastline length of 2,495 mi. In terms of population, North Korea has a much higher population per square mile than Pennsylvania, with an estimated 546 individuals per square mile. Additionally, North Korea has a continental climate whereas Pennsylvania enjoys a more temperate climate, and their economies also differ greatly.
More on the Economy of Pennsylvania
Often referred to as the ‘Cradle of the Nation’, Pennsylvania enjoys a diversified economy comprising of agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and finance. Agriculture is one of the cornerstones of Pennsylvania’s economy, with the bulk of agricultural products grown consisting of dairy, corn, hay and soybeans. Additionally, the state is home to a wide range of large-scale companies, including Hershey Foods, Camp Hill and Penn pharmaceuticals, U.S. Steel, GlaxoSmithKline, Cigna and Merck.
Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector is equally as impressive, boasting aerospace and defense, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, industrial machinery, printing and publishing, food processing, automotive and electronic equipment. The state has over 16,000 exporting firms, is home to a number of major research institutes and is a major hub for green manufacturing. The finance and insurance sector also plays a major role in the state’s economy, with a number of large financial institutions located in the state.
Pennsylvania possesses an educated and skilled labor force, which is essential for sustained economic growth. The state has a number of prestigious institutions of higher education, such as the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University and Lehigh University. Additionally, the state promotes entrepreneurship and encourages innovation among small businesses.
Despite the current economic climate, Pennsylvania remains a vibrant hub for industries of all sizes. The state’s diversified economy extends across various industry sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and finance. Moreover, the state has an outstanding educational system, encouraging economic prosperity and an educated labor force.
More on the Economy of North Korea
North Korea’s economy is based heavily on agriculture and industry, with the majority of agricultural products varying from grains and legumes to vegetables, fruits and mushrooms. North Korea is also known for its production of coal and minerals, such as iron ore, zinc, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum and magnesite. The country also has a large industrial sector, comprising of heavy industry, light industry and traditional handicrafts. Furthermore, the country is increasingly investing in its science and technology industries.
North Korea also relies heavily on imports from other countries, such as China and Russia, to supplement its own resources. In terms of exports, North Korea largely exports minerals, military arms, textiles, machinery and fish products. Since the borders of the country are closed to a degree, the nation has developed a unique market economy and so-called ‘unofficial economy’, which includes black market dealing and bartering.
Despite its current economic woes, North Korea is slowly transitioning from a largely centrally planned economy towards a more liberalized market economy. The country has undertaken numerous infrastructure reforms in the last few years, including the introduction of a new currency, easing of foreign exchange restrictions and liberalization of trade regulations. Additionally, the government has placed a great deal of emphasis on the development of special economic zones, in an attempt to drive more foreign investment and increase economic activity.
North Korea has a largely agricultural and industrial based economy, relying heavily on imports to supplement its resources. In recent years, the country has undergone infrastructure reforms and taken measures to transition to a more liberalized market economy. Moreover, the country has placed a great deal of emphasis on the development of special economic zones, in an effort to draw more foreign investment and boost economic activity.
More on Environmental Factors in North Korea
As North Korea is a relatively small and isolated nation, it suffers from a number of environmental challenges. The country has long been plagued by air and water pollution from industrial emissions, poor agricultural practices and outdated technology. Additionally, North Korea has an arid climate and is subject to frequent droughts and extreme weather events, such as floods, landslides and typhoons.
Due to its lack of resources, North Korea is home to a number of impoverished communities and is less environmentally conscious than other countries. Efforts to mitigate environmental challenges are often hindered by a lack of technology, tight governmental control and a lack of public awareness. Nevertheless, the government has made some progress in terms of environmental protection, introducing several laws and regulations to protect the environment.
In recent years, the country has undertaken various initiatives related to water conservation and protection, water reuse, river protection and coastal protection. Furthermore, the government has also implemented a number of energy efficiency projects, such as energy conservation modalities and adjustment of the energy management system.
Despite its environmental challenges, North Korea has made progress in terms of environmental protection. The government has implemented a number of laws and regulations to protect the environment, as well as undertaking various initiatives related to water conservation and protection and energy efficiency. Nevertheless, the country still suffers from air and water pollution, due to industrial emissions, poor agricultural practices and outdated technology.
More on Natural Resources in North Korea
With a relatively small landmass, North Korea is a relatively resource-poor nation. Nevertheless, the country does possess a number of natural resources, such as gold, silver, zinc, magnesite, tungsten, iron ore and limestone. Additionally, the country is also home to vast reserves of coal, which is the country’s largest source of energy.
North Korea also has a number of fertile rivers and valleys, which offer the potential for agricultural development. The country is home to a number of international rivers and lakes, such as the Taedong, Huichon and Tongjin. As well as providing water for agricultural use, the rivers and lakes are also home to numerous species of freshwater fish and other aquatic life.
Additionally, the country has substantial maritime resources, with potential for offshore oil and gas exploration. Currently, the country is home to two large seaports, as well as numerous other smaller ports. The ports are used for the export and import of goods, as well as international trade and tourism activities.
Overall, North Korea has a number of natural resources, including gold, silver, zinc, magnesite, tungsten, iron ore, limestone and coal. Additionally, the country is home to a number of international rivers and lakes, as well as two large seaports for international trade and tourism. However, despite having access to these resources, the resource-poor nation still faces challenges in utilizing them due to a lack of technology and financial resources.
