Overview
North Korea is a country situated in East Asia with a population of over 25 million, officially referred to as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. It has several international borders, which makes it an important country that geopolitically affects the whole region. To locate the country, Longitude and Latitude are the most accurate navigational coordinates. This article aims to explain what Longitude and Latitude are and what are the Longitude and Latitude coordinates of North Korea.
What is Longitude and Latitude?
Longitude and Latitude are a system of geographic coordinates used to pinpoint and map places on the surface of the Earth. This was a relatively recent invention established in 1785 by an English surveyor, Edmund Halley. These geographic coordinates are derived from the degrees and minutes of the arc of a great circle formed by any two points on the earth’s surface and measured along its surface. Longitude is measured either east or west and given in degrees. Latitude is measured either north or south and again given in degrees. Different degrees of longitude and latitude can pinpoint an exact location.
Longitude and Latitude of North Korea
North Korea is located at the geographical coordinates of 40°00’N, 127°00’E, with their capital city located at 39°02’N 126°36’E. To locate North Korea, the corner of the map where 40°00’N and 127°00’E intersects reveals the precise point at which the country is located. The capital city of Pyongyang is located slightly below the Longitude and Latitude coordinates of the country. The coordinates of 39°02’N, 126°36’E determines the exact location of Pyongyang.
Historical Significance
People have been using Longitude and Latitude coordinates to pinpoint and map places on the surface of the Earth for centuries. Ancient traders, Chinese sailors and writers have mentioned North Korea as an important geographical point along the Silk Road for a long time. These coordinates have been essential for orienteering, navigation, exploration and other military applications. From the 1700s onwards, these geographical coordinates have revolutionized the way countries are mapped.
Geopolitical Influence
North Korea is a country situated between China, South Korea and Russia. This makes it geopolitically important, as the actions taken by the government of North Korea can have a significant influence in the region in the long term. This can be evidenced by the inter-Korean conflict, the arms race, the nuclear weapons proliferation and other international relations that the country has held with other countries in its vicinity.
Geographic Climate
North Korea has a temperate climate, which is influenced by the seasonal monsoons. Its summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Its winters are much colder, with temperatures ranging from -10 to -20 degrees Celsius. The country is also prone to floods and droughts which sometimes cause natural disasters and can have a serious impact on the country’s economy.
Support from China
North Korea relies heavily on China for economic and diplomatic support. China has provided the country with investment and loans, as well as political protection against its international rivals, such as the United States. China also provides North Korea with food and energy supplies, which help the country stay afloat despite hard times.
Tourism in North Korea
Due to its geopolitical significance and reputation, North Korea is not considered a conventional tourist destination. The country is under constant surveillance by many international organizations and its government is known for its strict laws and regulations. Despite this, there are some places of interest, such as the Juche Tower, the PyongHyang Museum and the Taedong River.
Relations with South Korea
North Korea has had a long and troubled relationship with South Korea in the past few decades. The two countries are technically still at war due to the division of the country in 1945. Despite this, the two countries have established several agreements to try to build bridges and improve their relations. The most notable of these is the 2018 Panmunjom Declaration, which aimed to improve cross-border relations and seek reconciliation between the two states.
Future Prospects
North Korea’s current leader Kim Jong Un is trying to make the country more open to the rest of the world. Many countries are wary of North Korea and its nuclear ambitions, but the country has potential to become an economical and geopolitical power given the right investments and international support. Its geographical coordinates remain of utmost importance for international relations and their power should not be forgotten.
