North Korea is an isolated East Asian state ruled by the Kim dynasty since 1948, with a centrally-planned economy, a vast military and one of the most heavily restricted internet and travel regimes on Earth.
Geography & landscape
North Korea sits in Eastern Asia, in the northern hemisphere of Asia. With an area of approximately 120,538 km², it is a mid-sized country, set in the northern hemisphere and exposed to the temperate climate band typical of its latitude. Its capital, Pyongyang, lies near coordinates 40°, 127°.
The country shares the cultural and geographic context of Asia, with neighbouring states and trade routes shaped by its position in the wider Eastern Asia region. Topography, watersheds and coastline (where present) define the practical realities of agriculture, settlement and transport across North Korea.
People & society
The population of North Korea is around 26M. Communities, dialects and customs vary by region, and the country’s sense of identity is shaped by its history, its borders and the everyday rhythms of its towns and cities.
The official language is Korean, used in government, education and most public life. Regional dialects, minority languages and immigrant communities add further linguistic texture.
Government & politics
North Korea is structured as a one-party socialist republic. Political authority is exercised through institutions based primarily in Pyongyang, with the head of state and head of government performing constitutional roles defined by the country’s legal framework. Domestic policy, foreign relations and the administration of public services all flow from this constitutional core.
Economy & currency
The official currency of North Korea is the North Korean Won (KPW). Monetary policy, banking, taxation and trade are managed nationally, often in coordination with regional and international institutions. Major economic activity tends to cluster around Pyongyang and other principal urban centres, with secondary economies built on the country’s natural resources, manufacturing capacity and service industries.
Culture & everyday life
The cultural footprint of North Korea shows up in cuisine, music, sport, religious life, festivals and design. National holidays mark the country’s historical pivots; family meals, café culture and street life follow patterns rooted in geography and tradition. International audiences usually meet North Korea through its sport, its music, its food, or the global diaspora that carries those things abroad.
Travel essentials
The capital, Pyongyang, is the natural starting point for first-time visitors. International dialling uses the country code +850, and clocks are set to the Pyongyang Time (UTC+9) time zone. ISO standards identify North Korea as KP (alpha-2) and PRK (alpha-3) — useful when booking flights, decoding number plates, or matching customs paperwork. The flag, 🇰🇵, appears at every border post and on every passport.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table below to compare key metrics at a glance.
| Metric | Value | Unit / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Capital city | Pyongyang | — |
| Continent | Asia | — |
| Sub-region | Eastern Asia | — |
| Population | 26M | people |
| Area | 120,538 | km² |
| Currency | North Korean Won (KPW) | — |
| Calling code | +850 | international dialling |
| Time zone | Pyongyang Time (UTC+9) | standard time |
| Government type | One-party socialist republic | — |
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | KP | 2-letter code |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | PRK | 3-letter code |
| Latitude | 40 | degrees |
| Longitude | 127 | degrees |
Did you know?
North Korea uses its own calendar — the Juche calendar — which counts years from the birth of founding leader Kim Il-sung in 1912.
