34 Facts About North Korea

Geography and Environment

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country shrouded in mystery. Its unique geography and environment play a significant role in its identity.

1. North Korea shares borders with China, Russia, and South Korea.
2. The country is predominantly mountainous, with about 80% of its terrain covered by mountains and uplands.
3. Mount Paektu, an active volcano, is the highest peak in North Korea, standing at 2,744 meters.
4. The longest river in North Korea is the Amnok River, also known as the Yalu River, which forms part of the border with China.
5. North Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, including cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers.

History and Politics

North Korea's history and political landscape are complex and often controversial. Here are some key facts that shed light on this enigmatic nation.

6. North Korea was established in 1948, following the end of Japanese occupation after World War II.
7. Kim Il-sung, the country's founding leader, ruled from 1948 until his death in 1994.
8. The Korean War (1950-1953) ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, meaning North and South Korea are technically still at war.
9. The country operates under a single-party system led by the Workers' Party of Korea.
10. Kim Jong-un, the current leader, took power in 2011 after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il.

Society and Culture

North Korean society and culture are heavily influenced by the state's ideology and policies. Despite the restrictions, there are fascinating aspects to explore.

11. Juche, a self-reliance ideology, is the official state philosophy.
12. The Arirang Mass Games, a massive gymnastics and artistic festival, is one of the world's largest choreographed events.
13. North Korea has its own calendar system, known as the Juche calendar, which starts from 1912, the birth year of Kim Il-sung.
14. The country has a state-controlled media, with no independent press or freedom of speech.
15. Education is free and compulsory for 11 years, from kindergarten to high school.

Economy and Industry

North Korea's economy is centrally planned and state-controlled, with limited interaction with the global market. Here are some insights into its economic structure.

16. The country relies heavily on China for trade, with over 90% of its trade conducted with its neighbor.
17. Coal and textiles are among North Korea's primary exports.
18. The country has a significant military-industrial complex, with a large portion of its GDP dedicated to defense.
19. North Korea has a dual currency system, using both the North Korean won and foreign currencies like the Chinese yuan and U.S. dollar.
20. Despite sanctions, North Korea has developed a burgeoning black market economy known as the jangmadang.

Military and Defense

North Korea's military capabilities and defense strategies are a major focus of international attention. Here are some key facts about its military.

21. The Korean People's Army (KPA) is one of the largest standing armies in the world, with over 1.2 million active personnel.
22. North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests since 2006, drawing widespread condemnation and sanctions.
23. The country has an extensive network of underground facilities, including tunnels and bunkers.
24. North Korea maintains a large arsenal of ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the United States.
25. Military parades in Pyongyang are grand events showcasing the country's military hardware and personnel.

Daily Life and Restrictions

Life in North Korea is marked by strict government control and limited freedoms. Here are some aspects of daily life in the country.

26. Citizens are required to display portraits of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il in their homes.
27. Travel within the country is restricted, and citizens need permission to move from one place to another.
28. Internet access is extremely limited, with only a select few having access to the global internet.
29. Foreign media, including movies and music, is banned, with severe penalties for those caught consuming it.
30. The government assigns jobs to citizens based on the state's needs, with little personal choice involved.

Unique and Unusual Facts

North Korea is full of unique and unusual facts that often surprise outsiders. Here are some intriguing tidbits about this secretive nation.

31. The country has its own operating system called Red Star OS, based on Linux.
32. North Korea has a space program and launched its first satellite, Kwangmyongsong-3, in 2012.
33. Pyongyang, the capital city, is known for its wide, empty streets and grandiose architecture.
34. The Ryugyong Hotel, a 105-story pyramid-shaped skyscraper in Pyongyang, has been under construction since 1987 and remains unfinished.

Final Thoughts on North Korea

North Korea remains one of the most secretive and intriguing countries in the world. From its strict government control to its unique culture, there's a lot to learn about this isolated nation. Understanding these facts helps us see beyond the headlines and appreciate the complexities of North Korean life. Whether it's the mandatory military service, the state-controlled media, or the unique calendar system, each fact offers a glimpse into a world vastly different from our own. While many aspects of North Korea are shrouded in mystery, these insights provide a foundation for further exploration and understanding. Keep these facts in mind next time you hear about North Korea in the news. They might just give you a new perspective on this enigmatic country.