North Korea
East Asia
North Korea is a country in East Asia, home to 26.5 million people, with an area of 120,540 km². Its capital is Pyongyang.
- Capital
- Pyongyang
- Population
- 26.5 million
- Area
- 120,540 km²
- Region
- East Asia
- Density
- 220 / km²
- Status
- Sovereign state
Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.
What North Korea is known for
North Korea is best known for Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Mount Paektu and Juche Tower.
North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country located in East Asia. It occupies the northern portion of the Korean Peninsula, with South Korea to the south, China to the northwest, and Russia to the northeast. The country has a total area of approximately 120,538 square kilometers and a population of around 25 million people.
North Korea at a glance
- Language
- Korean is the official language
- Currency
- North Korean won (KPW)
- Religion
- The government is officially atheist, but traditional beliefs such as Shamanism, Buddhism, and Confucianism are practiced
- National dish
- Kimchi (a fermented vegetable dish)
- Climate
- North Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and dry, while summers are hot and humid
- Main industries
- Military industries, mining (coal, iron ore, magnesite, graphite), machinery, and textiles
- GDP
- $18.5 billion (nominal, 2020 estimate)
- Development
- North Korea is considered one of the least developed countries in the world, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 186 out of 189 countries (2020)
Things to do in North Korea
Some of the main tourist attractions in North Korea include:
- Kumsusan Palace of the Sun a mausoleum where the embalmed bodies of former leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il are kept.
- Mount Paektu a volcanic mountain and the highest point in North Korea. It is considered a sacred site and is associated with the country's founding mythology.
- Juche Tower a 170-meter tall monument in Pyongyang that symbolizes North Korea's ideology of Juche (self-reliance).
- Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) a buffer zone between North and South Korea, where visitors can witness the tense divide between the two countries.
- Mangyongdae a village near Pyongyang, where the birthplace of Kim Il-sung, the country's founder, is located.
- Ryugyong Hotel a 105-story hotel in Pyongyang that is often referred to as the "Hotel of Doom" due to its long construction period and lack of occupancy.
Please note that tourism in North Korea is heavily regulated and must be conducted through authorized tour companies.
North Korea in pictures
North Korea on video
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North Korea compared with its neighbours
How it sits against the other countries of East Asia.
| Country | Population | Area | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
 Japan | 123.7 million | 377,975 km² | Tokyo |
 South Korea | 51.7 million | 100,210 km² | Seoul |
| North Korea | 26.5 million | 120,540 km² | Pyongyang |
 Mongolia | 3.5 million | 1,564,110 km² | Ulaanbaatar |
Ranked 56th of 195 countries by population and 97th by area.
Questions about North Korea
What is the capital of North Korea?
The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang.
How many people live in North Korea?
About 26.5 million people. Ranked 56th of 195 countries by population and 97th by area.
How big is North Korea?
North Korea covers 120,540 km², in East Asia.
What is North Korea known for?
North Korea is best known for Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Mount Paektu and Juche Tower.
What language is spoken in North Korea?
Korean is the official language.
What currency is used in North Korea?
North Korean won (KPW).
Is North Korea a country?
Yes. North Korea is a sovereign state and is counted among the 195 countries this generator draws from.