1. History
North Korea is a unique country, vastly different to its neighbors, with a history that goes back more than two millennia and an ancient culture that has been preserved since its formation in 1948. However, since its foundation, it has been subject to a number of features of modern authoritarianism, including a complex personality cult and total control over the media. Further, its economy is one of the most closed in the world and its military and nuclear ambitions have earned it the distrust of the international community.
North Korea is a Stalinist state, an ideology that has become increasingly anachronistic as the world has embraced democratic values and the open market. Its individual citizens have, in return, endured a great many restrictions on their civil liberties, from censorship of media to limitations on travel and commerce. What’s more, its government has an aggressive attitude towards its own people, punishing dissent and eliminating the freedom to seek a better life.
2. Geography
North Korea is an isolated nation, surrounded by other countries that have significantly more freedom, economic stability, and technological advancement. In addition, it has a unique geographical location, located within Asia, but shielding itself from the region by means of a formidable land border extending 2000km. At the same time, its northern boundary with Russia is a short, demilitarised zone, and the South Korean peninsula lies between it and its only ally, China. In essence, North Korea’s geographical isolation combined with its political one, gives it something of an island status amidst a sea of more affluent and liberal nations.
3. Economy
The economy of North Korea is heavily controlled and regulated by the government, with a focus on developing heavy industry and key military-related industries. For instance, foreign trade levels for 2016 amounted to just 6.14 billion USD, less than 10 percent of South Korea’s, and the economy is heavily reliant on a system of strong government subsidies and welfare contributions. This, along with the dissolution of the Soviet Union and their subsequent refugee crisis, have placed a major strain on North Korea’s economic resources, leading to food shortages, decreased educational opportunities, and a presence of endemic poverty.
4. International Relations
North Korea’s foreign relations have consistently been fraught with tension, leading to various disputes with its close neighbours, most notably with South Korea, as well as a number of other countries in the region. The country has relentlessly pursued a policy of nuclear and missile development, doing so in direct opposition with the United Nations and other international organisations. This has only increased global concerns, with various countries like the United States threatening increased sanctions on the Kim Jong-un regime in return.
5. Ideology
The government of North Korea espouses a set of orthodox social and economic standards, often referred to as juche, or self-reliance. This ideology places a great emphasis on national identity, and promotes a strong sense of North Korean exceptionalism, often criticising foreign nations for their influence and interference in North Korean affairs. This has colours its international relations with other countries, often resulting in highly charged confrontations between North Korea and the Western world in particular.
6. Censorship
North Korea has a long history of censorship and control over its media, limiting information both inside the country and from outside influences. It has been estimated that North Korea has one of the highest internet censorship ratings in the world, with almost all content being blocked in some way or another. Any media deemed ‘subversive’ is heavily regulated, and all news outlets are state-run, enabling the government to control the flow of information effectively.
7. Culture
North Korea’s distinct culture developed as an outgrowth of its isolation, creating a society based strongly on Confucian hierarchy, traditional family structures and loyalty to the state as its central values. This has resulted in a country that is culturally distinct from its neighbours, and from the Western world, with many different customs and practices, from food and dress to leisure and education. Its language is also distinct, with a unique dialect preserved since the formation of the nation in 1948.
8. New Technology
North Korea has been making strides in the field of new technology and innovation, with the government investing heavily in this sector. For instance, the country has attempted to use new technology such as GPS, drones, and nuclear-powered submarines as a means of defense and to increase its ability to project power in the region. It has also attempted to develop its own domestic technologies, including the development of a new smartphone and a testing of a new form of wireless network that is difficult for outsiders to intercept.
9. Social Structure
North Korea has a rigid social structure, based heavily on ideology and loyalty to the state. This structure places the elite at the top, followed by the military, public service and the working class. Each of these categories is divided into further layers of social ranking, depending on level of education, occupation, family history and other factors. As such, this structure has rendered the nation relatively homogeneous, as well as strongly committed to the Kim Jong-un regime.
10. Education
The education system in North Korea is component of its social structure, with all citizens taught and tested in the same topics, such as the works and teachings of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. The curriculum is adhered to by all institutions, and rewards are given to cadres considered to be particularly knowledgeable or devoted to the cause. Further, the socialisation of students into a single ideology is enforced by schools and universities, ensuring that the values of the nation remain consistent in the next generation as well.
11. Religion
Religion and belief have traditionally been discouraged in North Korea, with a system that strongly promotes a secular socialist ideology. This has resulted in most North Koreans being non-religious, despite some traditional Buddhist beliefs that remain in some sections of the country. Traditional religious ceremonies are outlawed and there are bans on missionary activity.
12. Propaganda
The North Korean government has used propaganda extensively as a means of enforcing its ideology and control over the population. This has ranged from a strong personality cult towards the Kim family, to placards and posters listing the achievements of the regime, to a widespread system of censored media sources. Further, propaganda is used to foster a sense of national pride, emphasising the strength and power of the nation to present it as an ideal society.
13. Human Rights
North Korea is one of the worst purveyors of human rights abuses in the world, especially in its use of political prisons and persecution of perceived dissidents. The United Nations has issued damning reports concerning the treatment of prisoners and other citizens within the nation, with reports of torture, arbitrary arrest and execution-types punishments common among the population. Further, medical facilities are horrendous and malnutrition has become a major issue, leading to a lower life expectancy and a higher rate of infant mortality.
14. Nuclear Ambition
North Korea has sought to develop its nuclear capabilities for some time now, with a long-term aim of creating a nuclear ICBM capable of striking any country in the world. They have made considerable progress in this, conducting a number of missile tests and enriching radioactive material in spite of several condemnations from the United Nations. This has been met with severe international opposition, with further embargoes and sanctions placed on the Kim Jong-un regime in return.
