Country Profile: Korea, North

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), occupies the northern half of the Korean Peninsula in Eastern Asia. The country has a population of approximately 26.4 million, predominantly ethnically Korean, with Pyongyang as its capital. Governed by a single-party communist system under the Korean Workers' Party, North Korea maintains an autocratic regime led by Kim Jong Un, who emphasizes military strength and self-reliance. The economy is largely state-controlled, suffering from chronic challenges such as international sanctions, food shortages, and limited access to global markets, exacerbated by isolationist policies and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Geography

North Korea is located in Eastern Asia, bordering the Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, and shares borders with China, South Korea, and Russia. The country covers an area of 120,538 square kilometers, characterized by a terrain of mostly hills and mountains, with significant agricultural land concentrated in the plains. Its strategic geography has historically made it a focal point for regional tensions.

Area: 120,538 sq km
Land boundaries: 1,607 km (China: 1,352 km, South Korea: 237 km, Russia: 18 km)
Coastline: 2,495 km
Highest point: Paektu-san at 2,744 m
Climate: Temperate with concentrated rainfall in summer and long, bitter winters.

People and Society

North Korea has an estimated population of 26.4 million in 2025, with a slightly higher number of females than males. The society is racially homogeneous, primarily consisting of ethnic Koreans, and shows a low rate of urbanization at 63.2%. Traditional beliefs include Buddhism and Confucianism, although religious freedoms are severely restricted under the government.

Median age: 36.2 years (2025)
Birth rate: 12.99 births per 1,000 people (2025)
Death rate: 9.01 deaths per 1,000 people (2025)
Life expectancy: 73.5 years (2024)
Urban population: 63.2% (2023)

Economy

North Korea's economy is one of the last centrally planned systems in the world, heavily impacted by international sanctions, agricultural challenges, and isolation from global trade networks. It relies significantly on China for economic stability, while the country has seen declining growth and increasing poverty levels due to mismanagement.

Real GDP (PPP): $15.416 billion (2023)
GDP per capita: $600 (2023)
Unemployment rate: 2.9% (2024)
Labor force: 17.637 million (2024)
Export partners: China (74% of exports)

Government

North Korea is a dictatorship with a single-party system led by the Korean Workers' Party. The country operates under a civil law system and is characterized by a lack of political freedoms and civil rights. Kim Jong Un holds significant centralized power as both head of state and head of the party.

Capital: Pyongyang
Government type: Dictatorship, single-party communist state
Administrative divisions: 9 provinces and 4 special administration cities
Suffrage: Mandatory for citizens aged 17 and older
Next election expected: March 2024

Military and Security

North Korea maintains one of the largest military forces in the world, with an estimated 1.3 million active personnel. The military plays a central role in national policy, as the regime prioritizes defense spending to maintain its power and counter perceived threats from South Korea and the United States.

Military expenditure: 16% of state expenditures (2024)
Compulsory service: Men aged 17-30, women aged 17-23
Military branches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, Strategic Forces, Special Forces
Military deployments: Estimated 10,000-12,000 personnel in Russia (2025)
Defense spending: Estimated $7 to $11 billion annually (2010-2020)

Energy

North Korea partially relies on hydroelectric sources for its energy, with a significant portion of its power generation stemming from fossil fuels. The country's electricity access remains low, impacting overall productivity and economic performance.

Electricity consumption: 22.448 billion kWh (2023)
Installed generating capacity: 8.357 million kW (2023)
Electricity access: 54.7% of the total population (2022)
Coal consumption: 22.105 million metric tons (2023)
Petroleum consumption: 18,000 barrels/day (2023)

Environment

The environmental landscape of North Korea faces significant challenges, including deforestation, water pollution, and inadequate access to potable water. The nation is a participant in various international environmental agreements, though implementation remains a concern.

Total water withdrawal: 902.8 million cubic meters (municipal, 2022)
Urban population access to improved drinking water: 96.9% (2022)
Environmental issues: Water pollution, soil erosion, deforestation.
Carbon dioxide emissions: 55.744 million metric tons (2023)
Particulate matter emissions: 41.8 micrograms/m³ (2019)

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure in North Korea includes a limited number of airports, railways, and a merchant marine fleet. The country's transportation system is mainly focused on serving military and state needs rather than civilian mobility.

Railways: 7,435 km (2014)
Airports: 81 (2025)
Merchant marine: 264 vessels (2023)
Ports: 10 total, with most being small (2024)
Heliports: 8 (2025)

Communications

Communication in North Korea is strictly regulated, with the government controlling all media and information flow. Access to telecommunications is limited, and most media are government-owned, inhibiting independent expression.

Fixed-line subscriptions: 1.18 million (2021)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 6.35 million (2022)
Internet country code: .kp
Broadcast media: No independent media, all tuned to government stations.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	26,402,841	2025 estimate
Area	120,538 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$15.416 billion	2023 estimate
Energy consumption	22.448 billion kWh	2023
Birth rate	12.99 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Unemployment rate	2.9%	2024 estimate
Life expectancy	73.5 years	2024 estimate
Urban population	63.2%	2023 estimate
Military personnel	1.3 million	2025 estimate
Electricity access	54.7%	2022 estimate