North Korea

North Korea, formally referred to as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a nation located in East Asia, including the northern portion of the Korean Peninsula. Comprising around 25 million inhabitants, it is bordered to the north by China and Russia and to the south by South Korea. The country’s capital and largest city is Pyongyang, which serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the nation.

Rich in history going back to the Lower Paleolithic era is the Korean Peninsula. Early 7th century BCE Chinese sources initially noted a kingdom in the area. The peninsula saw the rise and fall of several dynasties over the ages, including the Three Kingdoms period, the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, Established in 1897, the Korean Empire was fleeting since it was taken over by the Empire of Japan in 1910.

Following World War II, Korea was split up into two different nations. Divided along the 38th parallel, the Korean Peninsula was occupied by the Soviet Union north and the United States south after Japan’s capitulation in 1945. Two separate governments—the socialist Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in the north and the capitalist Republic of Korea in the south—were born out of this split in 1948.

Beginning in 1950 when North Korean forces invaded South Korea, the Korean War deepened the gulf between the two countries. Though an armistice agreement was signed in 1953 creating a demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two nations, no official peace treaty has yet been signed. This state of tension continues to define the relationship between North and South Korea to this day.

Initially, North Korea gained from economic aid and knowledge shared by other Eastern Bloc nations in the years following the Korean War. But under the direction of Kim Il Sung, the first president of North Korea, the nation started to advocate a distinct philosophy called Juche, which stresses independence and self-reliance. Together with the nation’s growing isolation internationally, this philosophy has had a major influence on North Korea’s growth and interaction with the world.

For North Korea, the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 represented a turning point that resulted in a dramatic downturn of its economy. From 1994 to 1998, the nation went through a terrible famine that left many dead and severely malnourished. These difficulties have long-lasting consequences for the inhabitants of the nation and still shape both internal and foreign policies.

North Korea’s governmental system is classified as a totalitarian dictatorship, with a strong cult of personality surrounding the Kim family. With periodical elections, the government of the nation is ostensibly grounded on democratic ideas. Outside viewers, however, have regularly characterized these elections as unfair and uncompetitive, with predefined results evocative of past Soviet Union elections.

Functioning as the official party, the Workers’ Party of Korea dominates the political scene of Korea. The official state ideology, as specified in Article 3 of the North Korean constitution, is Kimilsungism–Kimjongilism, a political philosophy that blends parts of Marxism-Leninism with the personal beliefs of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

State ownership of the means of production defines North Korea’s economic structure; the government oversees state-run businesses and collective farms. Many basic services—including housing, food production, education, healthcare, and transportation—are either totally state-funded or greatly subsidized. Particularly in view of international sanctions and the nation’s isolation from world markets, this controlled economic model has experienced great difficulties.

North Korea’s Songun policy—which gives the Korean People’s Army first priority in state affairs and resource allocation—defines much about its government. With an active-duty force of 1.28 million troops, North Korea’s “military-first” strategy has produced one of the biggest standing militaries in the world. The military capacity of the nation, notably its development of nuclear weapons, has caused international worry and helped to explain its convoluted relations with other countries.

North Korea, with its isolationist inclinations, is a member of various international organizations including the United Nations, which it joined in 1991. Though modest, the nation also participates in the ASEAN Regional Forum, G77, and the Non-Aligned Movement, so suggesting some degree of interaction with the world community.

North Korea’s infrastructure, especially its transportation system, captures both its economic difficulties and priorities. With around 5,200 kilometers of track carrying most of passenger and goods traffic, North Korea’s railway system is the backbone of its transportation system. Still, persistent power shortages have reduced the network’s efficiency. Although the present situation of this project is unknown, there have been ideas in recent years to build a high-speed train linking big cities.

Just a small fraction of North Korea’s road network is paved and maintained, hence the country’s vehicle transportation is restricted. This restriction in road infrastructure has helped to explain the relative lack of private vehicles; bicycles are a more often used personal form of mobility. With Pyongyang International Airport acting as the main gateway for international air travel, air and water transportation have little influence in the whole transportation system of the nation.

Though historically shaped by China, North Korean society has evolved its own unique character. During the time of Japanese control from 1910 to 1945, when methods of cultural assimilation were implemented, this cultural legacy confronted great difficulties. With little outside influence, North Korean culture has developed apart from South Korea in the years after the peninsula was divided.

The North Korean government lays great importance on safeguarding and advancing what it defines as true Korean culture. With more than 190 places and objects labeled as National Treasures of North Korea, this involves safeguarding of historical sites and artifacts. The nation also boasts rich cultural legacy with UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Complex of Koguryo Tombs and the Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong.