Everything you need to know about North Korea: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

North Korea: East Asian Communist State with Nuclear Ambitions

The Korean Empire governed North Korea until it was occupied by Japan after the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Later on it was divided into Russian and U.S. occupied zones in 1945. In 1948 North Korea refused to participate in a United Nations-supervised election that resulted in the creation of separate Korean governments in the two occupied zones of Korea. After that Kim Il-sung introduced the personal philosophy of Juche or self-reliance that became a guiding light for North Korea's development. This totalitarian governance resulted in rigid control over the government functions and activities. Reports of torture, public executions, slave labour, and forced abortions and infanticides in prison camps have emerged. Recently, the nuclear ambitions of North Korea have caused considerable concern and strains in the world community and led to souring of relations with South Korea.

North Korea Profile: Overview of Facts and Figures

· National Name: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea
· Capital: Pyongyang
· Total area: 122,762 sq km (47,399 sq miles)
· Population: 23.9 million (UN, 2008)
· Currency: Won
· Languages: Korean
· Ethnicity/ Races: racially homogeneous; there is a small Chinese community and a few ethnic Japanese
· Religion: traditionally Buddhist and Confucianist, some Christian and syncretic Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way)
· GDP (Per Capita): $1,700 (2007 est.)
· Life Expectancy: Male: 69.45 years, Female: 75.08 years (2008 est.)
· Literacy Rate: Male: 99%, Female: 99%

Geographical Information on North Korea:
North Korea shares its borders in the north with China, in the east with the Sea of Japan, in the west with the Yellow Sea, and in the south with the demilitarised zone separating it from the Republic of Korea. Most of the land consists of hills and low mountains and only a small area is cultivable.
North Korea's climate is relatively temperate, with precipitation heavier in summer during a short rainy season and winters that can be bitterly cold.

Culture, Cuisine and Tradition Of North Korea:
North Korea combined with South Korea has a unified history of 5,000 years and both have been considerably influenced by Confucianism and Buddhism. This culture is magnificently manifested in the architecture of buildings, monuments, costumes and religious beliefs. Japanese influence is found in almost every aspect of North Korean lifestyle. During the Japanese rule Koreans were forced to learn and speak Japanese, adopt the Japanese family name system and Shinto religion, and forbidden to write or speak the Korean language in schools, businesses, or public places. Buddhism continues to be a part of cultural recognition in North Korea. North Korea food comprises of the traditional foods and ancient preparation techniques of Korea. North Korean dishes are based largely on rice, noodles, vegetables, meats and tofu. Traditional Korean meals include the delicious dishes like banchan that is made up of fermented, spicy vegetable banchan, cabbage, radish or cucumber. Kimchi, a staple of Korean cuisine is a health diet rich in nutritional values.

Tourist Attraction of North Korea:
The tourism in North Korea is strictly controlled by the government and it insists that all tourists must have government approved tour guides with them at all times. Photography is severely restricted and interaction with local people is curtailed.

Pyongyang: Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea and it is located on Taedong River. The interesting landmarks in the city are Juche Tower, Children’s Palace, USS Pueblo, the Arch of Triumph and the Korean War Museum.

Wonsan: Wonsan is a port city located in the southeast part of the country. Its crystal clear waters and beautiful pine plantations make it a very popular tourist destination

· North Hwanghae
· Kaesong
· Mt. Paektu