North Korea Map

Description:

North Korea (officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea) occupies the northern portion of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. The country covers an area of 46,540 square miles (120,538 square kilometers) and maintains a population of approximately 26.3 million people as of 2024.

The nation shares borders with China along the Amnok River to the north, Russia along the Tumen River to the northeast, and South Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to the south. The capital and largest city, Pyongyang, houses about 3 million residents and serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural center. Other major cities include Hamhung, Chongjin, and Nampo.

The economy operates under a centrally planned system with state ownership of most industries. North Korea possesses significant mineral resources, including coal, iron ore, limestone, and magnesite. Agriculture employs approximately 37% of the workforce, though the country faces persistent food security challenges due to limited arable land and frequent natural disasters. The industrial sector focuses on military production, mining, metallurgy, and textile manufacturing.

North Korea maintains one of the world's largest standing armies, with an estimated 1.3 million active personnel. The country follows the Juche ideology, developed by its first leader Kim Il-sung, which emphasizes political, economic, and military self-reliance. The current leader, Kim Jong-un, represents the third generation of the Kim dynasty that has ruled since the country's establishment in 1948.

Tourism remains highly restricted and controlled by the government. Visitors must join guided tours and cannot travel independently. Major tourist attractions include the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, which houses the preserved bodies of former leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il; the 105-story Ryugyong Hotel; and the Juche Tower, standing at 560 feet (170 meters). Mount Paektu, an active volcano on the Chinese border, holds significant historical importance and attracts domestic tourists.

The capital city features grand boulevards, monumental architecture, and numerous museums dedicated to the country's leaders and revolutionary history. The Mansu Hill Grand Monument, featuring large bronze statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, represents one of the most visited sites in Pyongyang. The Metro system, one of the deepest in the world, showcases ornate stations decorated with chandeliers and revolutionary artwork.

International sanctions, imposed in response to the country's nuclear weapons program, significantly impact North Korea's economic development and international trade relationships. Despite these challenges, the nation continues to prioritize its military capabilities and nuclear program while maintaining strict control over information flow and citizen movement.

Flag:
Capital:	Pyongyang
Area:	46,540 sq mi (120,538 sq km)
Population:	~ 26,298,666 (2024 estimate)
Official language:	Korean (Munhwaŏ)
Religion:	73% no religion 13% Chondoism 12% Shamanism 1.5% Buddhism 0.5% other
Currency:	Korean People's won (₩) (KPW)
Driving side:	Right
Calling code:	+850
Internet TLD:	.kp
Time zone:	+850
Gross domestic product (PPP) (2024 estimate):	$40 billion (Total) $1,800 (Per capita)
Gross domestic product (nominal) (2024 estimate):	$16 billion (Total) $640 (Per capita)
Official website of the DPR of Korea:	korea-dpr.com
Official North Korean governmental portal Naenara:	naenara.com.kp

List of Largest Cities in North Korea

Special cities of North Korea

Provinces of North Korea