Background Information
North Korea is a country located in East Asia and is officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. It has an area of 46,541 square miles which is approximately the same size as the American state of Mississippi. With a population of 25.8 million, North Korea is one of the most heavily populated countries in the world. It is a single-party state, headed by the Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un and its constitution is based on Communism and Marxism-Leninism. It has been a subject of international condemnation due to its human rights abuses and nuclear weapons program.
Relevant Data
According to a study by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, North Korea has approximately 13,000 active frontline military personnel, with a further 5,88,000 reserves. It also has around 9,000 tanks, 4,200 armoured fighting vehicles, 4,100 artillery pieces, and 800 combat aircraft. Furthermore, the country is estimated to have over 240 long-range, intermediate-range and theatre-range missiles, capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Perspectives From Experts
Experts have highlighted a number of challenges associated with North Korea’s size. For instance, although the country is densely populated and possesses a large number of weapons, it is still relatively small compared to other states. This has led to concerns about the possibility of more aggressive military action from North Korea due to its limited space to manoeuvre. As the country has very few meaningful international trading partners, this could lead to further economic challenges.
At the same time, experts have suggested that the country’s size could actually be a strength for North Korea. Its small size means that it can mobilise its military forces quickly and effectively, as well as construct defence systems in a shorter timeframe than larger countries. Furthermore, the country’s limited economic resources could be a blessing in disguise, as it encourages creative solutions to the issues the country faces.
Insights and Analysis
North Korea’s size presents both a challenge and an opportunity to the country. On one hand, its small size restricts its ability to engage in military operations or meaningful international trade, whilst on the other hand it encourages creativity and quick thinking in the face of international and domestic opposition.
Despite its size, North Korea is one of the most heavily armed countries in the world, with a formidable military capacity which is regularly displayed to the international community. However, it cannot escape the fact that it remains a relatively small country with a limited ability to engage in international affairs.
Political Relations
The international community has historically viewed North Korea with tremendous suspicion due to its nuclear weapons programme, oppressive regime, and human rights abuses. Until recently, the United States did not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, and there have been regular bouts of hostility between the two countries.
However, in 2018 Donald Trump became the first sitting US president to visit the country, although there have been mixed results with regards to the outcome of the meetings between the two sides. Despite this, North Korea has made some concessions on its nuclear weapons programmes, and it appears that relations between the two countries are slowly improving.
Economy
Despite its military might, North Korea remains a poor country. It has a nominally centrally planned economy which is heavily reliant on external aid, particularly from China. According to the World Bank, the country’s GDP per capita stands at just $2,140 in 2018, making it one of the least economically developed countries in the world.
Moreover, the country faces ongoing economic problems due to its limited trade ties and UN-imposed sanctions, which have had a detrimental effect on the country’s economy. The country is currently attempting to build a consumer-based economy, although it has been slow to implement reforms to boost its economy and improve the lives of its citizens.
Culture
North Korea is known for its strong and pervasive cult of personality surrounding the Kim dynasty which has been in power since 1948. The country has consistently cultivated an “us vs them” attitude and strong anti-Western sentiment which is heavily propagated via its media outlets. Moreover, the country’s culture is heavily influenced by Confucianism and traditional Korean folk beliefs, as well as its own set of values and customs.
In recent years, the country has loosened its restrictions on foreign culture, although it still has a heavily censored media environment where access to the internet is severely restricted. Nonetheless, an increasing number of North Korean citizens are engaging with the outside world and embracing aspects of global culture, something which has the potential to bring positive change to the country.
Impact on the Region
North Korea’s size has made it a significant regional power, particularly due to its strong military capabilities. Its proximity to some of the world’s most powerful countries, such as China and Russia, as well as its access to the Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan, has meant that it has been able to significantly influence regional politics and security.
Moreover, North Korea remains a source of political instability in the region, with its nuclear weapons programme and threats of military action provoking an international response. This has impacted the region significantly and has caused increased tensions between North Korea and its neighbours, particularly South Korea and Japan.
Domestic Reaction
North Koreans’ reactions to their country’s size are mixed. On one hand, the country’s small size is a source of pride, as it is perceived as an indication of strength and resilience. On the other hand, many citizens feel that the small size of the country does not give them enough space to achieve their true potential, with some believing that the country should expand in order to achieve greater international respect.
The difficulty of the country’s position is further exacerbated by its economic challenges, with many North Korean citizens living in poverty and facing serious food shortages. This has reduced the living standards for the vast majority of the population and the lack of support from foreign countries has made the situation worse.
Myths and Misconceptions
Due to its isolation and draconian media regulations, a number of myths and misconceptions have arisen regarding North Korea. One of the most prominent is the idea that North Korea is a poor and destitute country, when in reality it is a relatively powerful and sophisticated state with considerable cultural and political importance.
Moreover, a common misconception is that North Koreans are not allowed to travel overseas, when in reality the majority of citizens have access to the outside world via the internet and other means. Furthermore, the idea that North Koreans are prohibited from leaving the country is untrue, with many citizens travelling to neighbouring states for seasonal work or higher education.
