Overview
North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country located in east Asia. It is bordered by China and Russia to the north, and South Korea to the south. North Korea covers an area of about 46,200 square miles (120,000 km2) and has an estimated population of approximately 25 million people. North Korea is an isolated, highly militarized nation with nuclear ambitions. It is one of the few remaining communist countries in the world and remains one of the most enigmatic and secretive countries on the planet.
Geography
North Korea is located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, bordered by China and Russia to the north, and South Korea to the south. It is located between latitudes 37° and 43°N, and longitudes 124° and 131°E. North Korea is the most mountainous country in Northeast Asia. Mt. Paektu, the highest peak in the Korean Peninsula is located on the border between North Korea and China. Most of the terrain in North Korea consists of rugged hills and narrow valleys. There is limited flat land suitable for agricultural purposes, with much of the land cultivated especially in the southwest and near the rivers.
History
The history of North Korea is one of constant strife and military conflict. North Korea was established in 1948 as a Soviet-style socialist state following the division of Korea after World War II. For most of its existence, North Korea has been ruled by the totalitarian Kim family. Its extreme isolation and infamous human rights abuses have been well-documented. In recent years, North Korea has been a focus of international attention due to its secretive nuclear weapons program, hostile attitude to its neighbors, and repeated provocations against other countries.
Economy
North Korea is one of the poorest countries in the world. In spite of its vast natural resources and mineral deposits, the country’s economy remains largely untapped due to a lack of infrastructure and the government’s economic mismanagement. Most of the population relies heavily on imports, and electricity often has to be supplemented with gas or diesel fuel. There are limited industries in North Korea, mostly in the area of military production. The country’s economy is heavily controlled by the state, and it maintains strict restrictions on trade.
Politics
North Korea is an authoritarian dictatorship led by the Kim family dynasty, ruled by the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un. The government maintains extreme control over its people, the media and the economy. North Korea does not have an open system of government or an independent judiciary and its citizens are not allowed to exercise basic human rights. The country remains one of the most isolated and oppressive governments in the world.
Society
The population of North Korea is estimated at 25 million people. The majority of the population is ethnically Korean, with a small number of Chinese, Japanese and Russian minorities. The majority of the population is rural and relies heavily on subsistence farming for their livelihood. North Korea is one of the most closed societies in the world, with access to the internet and foreign media highly restricted. North Koreans are taught from an early age to respect and venerate the North Korean leadership.
People and Culture
The people of North Korea are generally friendly, but direct contact with foreigners is highly restricted. North Koreans are generally warm and welcoming towards visitors, but the government restricts contact and heavily monitors communication with people from outside the country. North Koreans enjoy a rich cultural life, although it is heavily censored. Music and dance are especially popular, as are sports such as Judo and Taekwondo.
Religion
Religious freedom is not allowed in North Korea, and most citizens are taught to believe in the Juche principle of self-reliance. Christianity is technically allowed, but it is heavily discouraged and in practice it is all but forbidden. Buddhism is more widely practiced, but the government’s stance on it is largely disfavored. North Koreans are instead encouraged to respect the country’s leaders and adhere to a state-sponsored ideology.
International Relations
North Korea has been a source of constant international tension for decades. It has conducted numerous missile tests and nuclear weapons tests, in defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions. North Korea also maintains a hostile attitude towards the US and its allies, in particular South Korea and Japan. North Korea is isolated from much of the international community and maintains close ties with its only ally, China. Relations between the US and North Korea have thawed in recent years, but the situation remains fragile.
Tourism
North Korea remains largely off-limits to tourists. The few visitors who are allowed in are usually required to be accompanied and escorted at all times by government-employed guides. Travel is tightly restricted and some activities such as taking photographs, accessing the internet and speaking to locals are heavily restricted or prohibited. Some foreign tour companies offer carefully orchestrated, heavily regulated group tours to North Korea.
