What State Is The Size of North Korea
North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia covering an area of 120,538 square kilometers. Despite its large size, North Korea is one of the smallest countries in terms of population size, ranking only 163 out of the 225 countries and territories included in the United Nations 2019 Population Prospects. It has a population of 25,532,469 people. So what state in the United States is the size of North Korea?
Well, the answer is Tennessee. The state of Tennessee covers an area of 109,150 square kilometers, which is very similar to North Korea’s size of120,538 square kilometers. Tennessee is located in the southeastern United States and has a population of 6.8 million, far more than North Korea.
However, even though Tennessee and North Korea have similar land area, their climates and topographies are vastly different. North Korea has a temperate climate which is relatively cold in the winters, ranging from -10 to -2 degrees Celsius (14 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit), and much warmer in the summer months, with an average temperature of 20 to 24 degrees Celsius (68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit). The terrain is made up of mostly mountains, with vast plains found in the western and northwestern regions.
In contrast, Tennessee’s climate is mild, with hot summers and cool winters, ranging from -5 to 10 degrees Celsius (23 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit). Its terrain consists mostly of mountains, with rolling hills in the eastern and central regions. The state is also very densely forested, with an estimated 27 million acres of land covered with trees.
Economic Differences Between the State of Tennessee and North Korea
Tennessee is the 16th most populous and the 17th most densely populated of the 50 US states. Its economy is supported by a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. Agriculture is the largest sector, with Tennessee being one of the top ten agricultural states, particularly when it comes to soybeans, dairy, and cotton production. The manufacturing sector is also strong, accounting for one in five of the total jobs in the state. The state’s major exports are automobiles, meat, and chemicals.
In comparison, North Korea’s economy is heavily reliant on agricultural production, accounting for approximately 38% of the total GDP. It is also heavily reliant on its energy resources, with coal and hydroelectricity being the primary sources. The manufacturing sector accounts for a relatively small proportion of the GDP, due to the country’s lack of investment and modern infrastructure. The main exports are minerals and metals, as well as products related to the military.
Political System Differences
Tennessee is a republic, with a constitution that states the citizens of the state have the right to self-government. The people of Tennessee are governed by a state legislature, which is elected every four years. The legislature is unicameral, meaning it consists of only one house with members elected from the different county districts.
In contrast, North Korea is a totalitarian state under the rule of a single party, The Workers’ Party of Korea. The party controls all aspects of the government and the economy, including the military. Its government is known for its extreme level of isolationism, with the nation rarely having any diplomatic relationships with other countries. All citizens are required to attend the compulsory indoctrination school which teaches the “Juche” ideology of self-reliance.
Cultural Differences
Tennessee is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a large number of museums and art galleries, many of which focus on the state’s unique history. Every summer the state plays host to major music festivals, with country, blues, and rock and roll being the most popular genres. The state is also renowned for its cuisine, particularly its smoked meats and spiced dishes, as well as its whiskey and bourbon.
North Korea, on the other hand, is mostly known for its military strength and for its prison camps and other human rights abuses. In spite of this, the country does have a distinct culture of its own. The country has its own homegrown music, dance, and art. Its food is distinctive, with white rice, kimchi, and noodles being the staples.
Natural Resources
Tennessee’s natural resources include timber, coal, oil, natural gas, and minerals such as limestone and talc. These resources are the backbone of the state’s economy. The timber industry is the largest sector, employing thousands of people and producing high-quality lumber for furniture and other products. The state also has a rich history in coal mining, which is still practiced today on a smaller scale.
By comparison, North Korea’s natural resources are more limited, with the most important being coal, iron ore, and magnesite. The country also has significant deposits of copper and zinc, but these are largely unexploited due to lack of investment. The fisheries industry is also important, with the country fishing in both the East and West Seas and also in Japan’s Sea of Japan. The country also has a large forestry sector which produces high quality timber for export.
Conclusion
Tennessee and North Korea may be approximately the same size, but they are vastly different in terms of population size, economic and political system, culture, and natural resources. Tennessee is a democracy and part of the most powerful nation on Earth, while North Korea is a totalitarian state with an extreme level of isolationism. Tennessee has a vibrant cultural heritage, with a large number of music and art festivals, as well as unique cultural food. North Korea, on the other hand, is known for its repressive government and lack of human rights. Tennessee has abundant natural resources, while North Korea’s are limited, making it heavily reliant on imported resources. These differences make it clear that while they may both fit on a map, the two countries are worlds apart.
