North Korea

Un article de Vev.

Modèle:Pp-semi-vandalism Modèle:For {{Infobox Country www.pcgn.org.uk/North%20Korea-%20Land%20of%20the%20Morning%20Calm-%202003.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=2006-10-10}}</ref>
//www.pcgn.org.uk/North%20Korea-%20Land%20of%20the%20Morning%20Calm-%202003.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=2006-10-10}}</ref>
| conventional_long_name = Democratic People's Republic of Korea | conventional_short_name = DPR Korea | common_name = North Korea | image_flag = Flag of North Korea.svg | image_coat = Coat of Arms of North Korea.png|2.png | image_map = LocationNorthKorea.png | motto = 강성대국
_{(Powerful and prosperous nation)} | national_anthem = Aegukka | official_languages = Korean | demonym = North Korean, Korean |capital = Pyongyang |latd=39 |latm=2 |latNS=N |longd=125 |longm=45 |longEW=E | government_type = Juche Stalinist Dictatorship | leader_title1 = Eternal President of the Republic | leader_title2 = Chairman of the NDC | leader_title3 = President of the SPA | leader_title4 = Premier | leader_name1 = Kim Il-sung (deceased) ^a | leader_name2 = Kim Jong-il^b | leader_name3 = Kim Yong-nam^c | leader_name4 = Kim Yong-il | largest_city = Pyongyang | area_km2 = 120,540 | area_sq_mi = 46,528 | area_rank = 98th | area_magnitude = 1 E11 | percent_water = 4.87 www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kn.html |title=Korea, North |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2007 |work=CIA World Factbook }} North Korea itself does not disclose figures.</ref>//www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kn.html |title=Korea, North |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2007 |work=CIA World Factbook }} North Korea itself does not disclose figures.</ref> | population_estimate_year = 2007 | population_estimate_rank = 48th | population_census = n/a | population_census_year = | population_density_km2 = 190 | population_density_sq_mi = 492 | population_density_rank = 55th www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029394365&a=KCountryProfile&aid=1019041562185 |title=Country Profile: North Korea |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2007-07-20 |work=Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK }}</ref>//www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029394365&a=KCountryProfile&aid=1019041562185 |title=Country Profile: North Korea |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2007-07-20 |work=Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK }}</ref> | GDP_PPP = $22.85 billion | GDP_PPP_rank = 85th | GDP_PPP_per_capita = $1,007 | GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 149th | HDI_year = 2003 | HDI = n/a | HDI_rank = unranked |HDI_category = n/a | FSI = 97.7 Modèle:Increase 0.4 | FSI_year = 2007 | FSI_rank = 13th |FSI_category = Alert | sovereignty_type = Establishment | established_event1 = Independence declared | established_event2 = Liberation | established_event3 = Formal declaration | established_date1 = March 1 1919 | established_date2 = August 15 1945 | established_date3 = September 9 1948 | currency = North Korean won (₩) | currency_code = KPW | time_zone = Korea Standard Time | utc_offset = +9 | time_zone_DST = not observed | utc_offset_DST = +9 | cctld = .kp | calling_code = 850 | footnotes = ^a Died 1994, named "Eternal President" in 1998
^b Kim Jong-il is the nation's most prominent leading figure and government figure head, although he is not the head of state or the head of government; his official title is Chairman of the National Defence Commission of North Korea, a position which he has held since 1994.
^c Kim Yong-nam is the "head of state for foreign affairs".
}} North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (the DPRK<ref>Another acronym occasionally used in the media is DPRNK, as for Democratic People's Republic of North Korea</ref>) , is a state in East Asia in the northern half of the Korean Peninsula, with its capital in the city of Pyongyang.

To the south and separated by the Korean Demilitarized Zone is South Korea, with which it formed one nation until division following World War II. At its northern Yalu River border are China and, separated by the Tumen River in the extreme north-east, Russia.

North Korea is often regarded by First World media as a Stalinist dictatorship.<ref>{{cite web www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/08/28/wnkorea128.xml//www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/08/28/wnkorea128.xml | title = North Korea power struggle looms | accessdate = 2007-10-31 | last = Spencer | first = Richard | authorlink = Richard Spencer | date = 2007-08-28 | work = The Telegraph (on-line version of UK national newspaper) | quote = A power struggle to succeed Kim Jong-il as leader of North Korea's Stalinist dictatorship may be looming after his eldest son was reported to have returned from semi-voluntary exile. }}</ref><ref>{{cite web www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/08/28/wnkorea128.xml//www.nytimes.com/2003/10/02/international/asia/02CND-KORE.html?ex=1380513600&en=a29d7f1e49aabee0&ei=5007&partner=USERLAND | title = North Korea Says It Is Using Plutonium to Make A-Bombs | accessdate = 2007-10-31 | last = Brooke | first = James | authorlink = James Brooke | date = 2003-10-02 | work = The New York Times (on-line version of New York, United States newspaper) | quote = North Korea, run by a Stalinist dictatorship for almost six decades, is largely closed to foreign reporters and it is impossible to independently check today's claims. }}</ref><ref>{{cite web www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article2388356.ece//www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article2388356.ece | title = North Korea's nuclear 'deal' leaves Japan feeling nervous | accessdate = 2007-10-31 | last = Parry | first = Richard Lloyd | authorlink = Richard Lloyd Parry | date = 2007-09-05 | work = The Times (on-line version of UK's national newspaper of record) | quote = The US Government contradicted earlier North Korean claims that it had agreed to remove the Stalinist dictatorship’s designation as a terrorist state and to lift economic sanctions, as part of talks aimed at disarming Pyongyang of its nuclear weapons. }}</ref><ref>{{cite web www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article2388356.ece//socialistworld.net/eng/2003/02/08korea.html | title = The Korean crisis | accessdate = 2007-10-31 | last = Walsh | first = Lynn | authorlink = Lynn Walsh | date = 2003-02-08 | work = CWI online: Socialism Today, February 2003 edition, journal of the Socialist Party, CWI England and Wales | publisher = socialistworld.net, website of the committee for a worker’s international | quote = Kim Jong-il's regime needs economic concessions to avoid collapse, and just as crucially needs an end to the strategic siege imposed by the US since the end of the Korean war (1950-53). Pyongyang's nuclear brinkmanship, though potentially dangerous, is driven by fear rather than by militaristic ambition. The rotten Stalinist dictatorship faces the prospect of an implosion. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, which deprived North Korea of vital economic support, the regime has consistently attempted to secure from the US a non-aggression pact, recognition of its sovereignty, and economic assistance. The US's equally consistent refusal to enter into direct negotiations with North Korea, effectively ruling out a peace treaty to formally close the 1950-53 Korean war, has encouraged the regime to resort to nuclear blackmail. }}</ref><ref>{{cite web www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/08/28/wnkorea128.xml//www.sa.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=333&Itemid=106 | title = US is threat to peace not North Korea | accessdate = 2007-10-31 | last = Oakley | first = Corey | authorlink = Corey Oakley | year = 2006 | month = October | work = Edition 109 - October-November 2006 | publisher = Socialist Alternative website in Australia | quote = In this context, the constant attempts by the Western press to paint Kim Jong Il as simply a raving lunatic look, well, mad. There is no denying that the regime he presides over is a nasty Stalinist dictatorship that brutally oppresses its own population. But in the face of constant threats from the US, Pyongyang's actions have a definite rationality from the regime's point of view. }}</ref> The country's government styles itself as following the Juche ideology of self reliance, developed by Kim Il-sung, the country's first president. The current leader is Kim Jong-il, the late president Kim Il-sung's son. Relations are strong with other officially socialist states, Vietnam, Laos, and especially, China, as well as with Cambodia and Myanmar. Following a major famine in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union (previously a major economic partner), leader Kim Jong-il instigated the "Military-First" policy in 1995, increasing economic concentration and support for the military.

North Korea's culture is officially promoted and heavily controlled by the government and the Mass Games are government-organized events glorifying its two leaders, involving over 100,000 performers.

Sommaire 1 History 1.1 Emergence of North Korea 1.2 Economic evolution 2 Government and politics 2.1 Human rights 3 Foreign relations 4 Military 4.1 Nuclear weapons program 5 Geography 6 Economy 6.1 1990s famine 6.2 Foreign commerce 6.3 Transport 7 Demographics 7.1 Religion 7.2 Language 8 Culture 9 Administrative divisions 10 Provinces 10.1 Major cities 11 See also 12 Notes and references 13 Further reading 14 Pictorials 15 External links 15.1 Government-sponsored sources 15.2 News sources 15.3 Documentaries 15.4 Human rights links 15.5 Weblogs 15.6 Photo logs 15.7 Reunification 15.8 Miscellaneous

History

Main article: History of North Korea

Modèle:Seealso

Emergence of North Korea

www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/history/establishment_of_the_republic_of.htm |title=Establishment of the Republic of Korea |accessdate=2007-03-13 |author=Korean Embassy |date=2000 |work=AsianInfo.org }}</ref> The United States and the Soviet Union then withdrew their forces from Korea. Growing tensions and border skirmishes between north and south led to the civil war called the Korean War.//www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/history/establishment_of_the_republic_of.htm |title=Establishment of the Republic of Korea |accessdate=2007-03-13 |author=Korean Embassy |date=2000 |work=AsianInfo.org }}</ref> The United States and the Soviet Union then withdrew their forces from Korea. Growing tensions and border skirmishes between north and south led to the civil war called the Korean War.

news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/korea/kwarmagr072753.html |title=Text of the Korean War Armistice Agreement |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=1953 |work=Find Law }}</ref> Since that time the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) has separated the North and South.//news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/korea/kwarmagr072753.html |title=Text of the Korean War Armistice Agreement |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=1953 |work=Find Law }}</ref> Since that time the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) has separated the North and South.

Economic evolution

findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3778/is_1992_April/ai_12151027 |title=Prospects for trade with an integrated Korean market |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=United States Department of Agriculture |date=April 1992 |work=Agricultural Outlook }}</ref> and strained relations with China following China's normalization with South Korea in 1992.<ref> Kwan, Chi Hung

     (2003-04-18)
   
.    China in Transition 
. Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> In addition, North Korea experienced record-breaking floods (1995 and 1996) followed by several years of equally severe drought beginning in 1997.<ref> Olson, Al

     (2005-12-28)
   
.    An Antidote to disinformation about North Korea 
. Global Research

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> This, compounded with only 18 percent arable land<ref> Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress

     (2007)
   
.    North Korea Agriculture 
. Country Studies

. Retrieved on 2007-03-11. </ref> and an inability to import the goods necessary to sustain industry,<ref> Federation of American Scientists

     (2000-06-15)
   
.    Other Industry - North Korean Targets 
. Weapons of Mass Destruction

.</ref> led to an immense famine and left North Korea in economic shambles. Large numbers of North Koreans illegally entered the People's Republic of China in search of food. Faced with a country in decay, Kim Jong-il adopted a "Military-First" policy to reinforce the regime.<ref> Hodge, Homer T.

     (2003-02-07)
   
.    North Korea’s Military Strategy 
. US Army War College Quarterly

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref>//findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3778/is_1992_April/ai_12151027 |title=Prospects for trade with an integrated Korean market |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=United States Department of Agriculture |date=April 1992 |work=Agricultural Outlook }}</ref> and strained relations with China following China's normalization with South Korea in 1992.<ref> Kwan, Chi Hung

     (2003-04-18)
   
.    China in Transition 
. Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> In addition, North Korea experienced record-breaking floods (1995 and 1996) followed by several years of equally severe drought beginning in 1997.<ref> Olson, Al

     (2005-12-28)
   
.    An Antidote to disinformation about North Korea 
. Global Research

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> This, compounded with only 18 percent arable land<ref> Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress

     (2007)
   
.    North Korea Agriculture 
. Country Studies

. Retrieved on 2007-03-11. </ref> and an inability to import the goods necessary to sustain industry,<ref> Federation of American Scientists

     (2000-06-15)
   
.    Other Industry - North Korean Targets 
. Weapons of Mass Destruction

.</ref> led to an immense famine and left North Korea in economic shambles. Large numbers of North Koreans illegally entered the People's Republic of China in search of food. Faced with a country in decay, Kim Jong-il adopted a "Military-First" policy to reinforce the regime.<ref> Hodge, Homer T.

     (2003-02-07)
   
.    North Korea’s Military Strategy 
. US Army War College Quarterly

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref>

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of North Korea

North Korea is a self-described Chuch'e (self-reliance) state.<ref>{{cite web www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article2388356.ece//www.korea-dpr.com/faq.htm#18 | title = 18. Is North Korea a 'Stalinist' state? | accessdate = 2007-10-31 | last = | first = | authorlink = | date = 2005-05-05 | work = DPRK FAQ; Document approved by Zo Sun Il | publisher = Official Webpages of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea | quote = The term 'Stalinism' is highly loaded and is most frequently employed not as a descriptive term but as an insult. The DPRK political system is based on the Chuch'e Idea, a theory developed by the late President Kim Il Sung stressing national self-reliance and development according to the unique characteristics of individual nations. 'Stalinism,' on the other hand, was articulated as a universalistic political ideology. The DPRK is indeed a socialist state, meaning that all the means of production are socially owned. However, the central implication of the 'Stalinist' accusation--simply that the DPRK is a dictatorship--is inaccurate. Korea is a socialist democracy guaranteeing its citizens the full range of individual liberties and rights provided by many liberal regimes, and more. www1.korea-np.co.jp/pk/061st_issue/98091708.htm |title=DPRK's Socialist Constitution (Full Text) |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=10th Supreme People's Assembly. |date=1998-09-15 |work=The People's Korea }}</ref>//www1.korea-np.co.jp/pk/061st_issue/98091708.htm |title=DPRK's Socialist Constitution (Full Text) |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=10th Supreme People's Assembly. |date=1998-09-15 |work=The People's Korea }}</ref>

The de facto head of state is Kim Jong-il, who is Chairman of the National Defence Commission of North Korea as well as the former President's son. The legislature of North Korea is the Supreme People's Assembly, currently led by President Kim Yong-nam. The other senior government leader is Premier Kim Yong-il.

North Korea is a single-party state with a Stalinist, authoritarian, and totalitarian regime. The governing party is the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland, a coalition made up of three smaller parties, the Workers' Party of North Korea, the North Korean Social Democratic Party and the Chondoist Chongu Party. These parties nominate all candidates for office and hold all seats in the Supreme People's Assembly.

Human rights

Main article: Human rights in North Korea

www.amnestyusa.org/countries/north_korea/index.do |title=Our Issues, North Korea |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=Amnesty International |date=2007 |work=Human Rights Concerns }}</ref> North Koreans have been referred to as "some of the world's most brutalized people", regarding their severe restrictions on political and economic freedoms.<ref> Seok, Kay

     (2007-05-15)
   
.    Grotesque indifference 
. Human Rights Watch

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> North Korean defectors have testified to the existence of prison and detention camps with an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 inmates, and have reported torture, starvation, rape, murder, medical experimentation, forced labour, and forced abortions.<ref> Hawk, David

     (2003)
   
.    The Hidden Gulag: Exposing North Korea’s Prison Camps - Prisoners’ Testimonies and Satellite Photographs 
. U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref>//www.amnestyusa.org/countries/north_korea/index.do |title=Our Issues, North Korea |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=Amnesty International |date=2007 |work=Human Rights Concerns }}</ref> North Koreans have been referred to as "some of the world's most brutalized people", regarding their severe restrictions on political and economic freedoms.<ref> Seok, Kay

     (2007-05-15)
   
.    Grotesque indifference 
. Human Rights Watch

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> North Korean defectors have testified to the existence of prison and detention camps with an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 inmates, and have reported torture, starvation, rape, murder, medical experimentation, forced labour, and forced abortions.<ref> Hawk, David

     (2003)
   
.    The Hidden Gulag: Exposing North Korea’s Prison Camps - Prisoners’ Testimonies and Satellite Photographs 
. U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref>

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of North Korea

uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKSEO16392220071004 |title=FACTBOX - North, South Korea pledge peace, prosperity |accessdate=2007-10-4 |author=Reuters }}</ref>//uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKSEO16392220071004 |title=FACTBOX - North, South Korea pledge peace, prosperity |accessdate=2007-10-4 |author=Reuters }}</ref>

www.kcckp.net/en/one/nation.php?1+joint |title=North-South Joint Declaration |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2000-06-15 |work=Naenara }}</ref>//www.kcckp.net/en/one/nation.php?1+joint |title=North-South Joint Declaration |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2000-06-15 |work=Naenara }}</ref>

www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/clinton/interviews/albright.html |title=Interview - Madeleine Albright |accessdate=2007-08-11 |author=Bury, Chris |date=November 2000 |work=Nightline Frontline, on PBS.org }}</ref> but the two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations.<ref name="cia" /> In 2006, approximately 37,000 American soldiers remained in South Korea, with plans to reduce the number to 25,000 by 2008.<ref> Xinhua

     (2005-01-13)
   
.    S. Korea to cut 40,000 troops by 2008 
. People's Daily Online

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> Despite the foreign troops, Kim Jong-il has privately stated his acceptance of U.S. troops on the peninsula, even after a possible reunification.<ref name="wpost"> Oberdorfer, Don

     (2005-07-28)
   
.    North Korea: Six-Party Talks Continue 
. The Washington Post Online

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> It is claimed by US sources that if North Korea and the United States normalize relations, both Koreas would wish to maintain the presence of US troops out of fear of China and Japan but North Korea strongly denies that and demands the removal of American troops (see North Korea-United States relations).<ref name="wpost"/>//www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/clinton/interviews/albright.html |title=Interview - Madeleine Albright |accessdate=2007-08-11 |author=Bury, Chris |date=November 2000 |work=Nightline Frontline, on PBS.org }}</ref> but the two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations.<ref name="cia" /> In 2006, approximately 37,000 American soldiers remained in South Korea, with plans to reduce the number to 25,000 by 2008.<ref> Xinhua

     (2005-01-13)
   
.    S. Korea to cut 40,000 troops by 2008 
. People's Daily Online

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> Despite the foreign troops, Kim Jong-il has privately stated his acceptance of U.S. troops on the peninsula, even after a possible reunification.<ref name="wpost"> Oberdorfer, Don

     (2005-07-28)
   
.    North Korea: Six-Party Talks Continue 
. The Washington Post Online

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> It is claimed by US sources that if North Korea and the United States normalize relations, both Koreas would wish to maintain the presence of US troops out of fear of China and Japan but North Korea strongly denies that and demands the removal of American troops (see North Korea-United States relations).<ref name="wpost"/>

www1.korea-np.co.jp/pk/165th_issue/2001072510.htm |title=Kim Yong Nam Visits 3 ASEAN Nations To Strengthen Traditional Ties |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2001 |work=The People's Korea }}</ref>//www1.korea-np.co.jp/pk/165th_issue/2001072510.htm |title=Kim Yong Nam Visits 3 ASEAN Nations To Strengthen Traditional Ties |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2001 |work=The People's Korea }}</ref> chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5084232.html Report: N. Korea building fence to keep people in]</ref>//chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5084232.html Report: N. Korea building fence to keep people in]</ref>

As a result of the North Korean nuclear weapons program, the Six-party talks were established to find a peaceful solution for the growing unrest between the two Korean governments, the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, Japan, and the United States.

www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/07/18/nkorea.iaea/index.html |title=U.N. verifies closure of North Korean nuclear facilities |accessdate=2007-07-18 |author=CNN }}</ref>//www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/07/18/nkorea.iaea/index.html |title=U.N. verifies closure of North Korean nuclear facilities |accessdate=2007-07-18 |author=CNN }}</ref>

uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKSEO16392220071004 |title=FACTBOX - North, South Korea pledge peace, prosperity |accessdate=2007-10-4 |author=Reuters }}</ref>//uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKSEO16392220071004 |title=FACTBOX - North, South Korea pledge peace, prosperity |accessdate=2007-10-4 |author=Reuters }}</ref>

Military

Main article: Korean People's Army

Kim Jong-il is the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army and Chairman of the National Defence Commission of North Korea. The Korean People's Army is the name for the collective armed personnel of the North Korean military. The army has four branches: Ground Force, Naval Force, Air Force and the Civil Securities Force.

www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2792.htm |title=Background Note: North Korea |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs |date=April 2007 |work=United States Department of State }}</ref> North Korea has the highest percentage of military personnel per capita of any nation in the world, with approximately 40 enlisted soldiers per 1,000 citizens.<ref> Army personnel (per capita) by country

. NationMaster
 (2007)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> Annual military spending is estimated as high as US$5 Billion (20% of GDP) , compared with South Korea's $24 Billion (2.7% of GDP) .<ref name="cia"> North Korea has perhaps the world's second-largest special operations force (estimated at 100,000 as of 2002) ,<ref> Fujimoto, Masashi

     (2002)
   
.    Capability Analysis of North Korean Special Forces 
. Defense Research Center (DRC) Annual Report, Japan

. Retrieved on 2007-03-14. </ref> Military strategy is designed for insertion of agents and sabotage behind enemy lines in wartime,<ref name="bgn" /> with much of the KPA's forces deployed along the heavily fortified Korean Demilitarized Zone.//www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2792.htm |title=Background Note: North Korea |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs |date=April 2007 |work=United States Department of State }}</ref> North Korea has the highest percentage of military personnel per capita of any nation in the world, with approximately 40 enlisted soldiers per 1,000 citizens.<ref> Army personnel (per capita) by country

. NationMaster
 (2007)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> Annual military spending is estimated as high as US$5 Billion (20% of GDP) , compared with South Korea's $24 Billion (2.7% of GDP) .<ref name="cia"> North Korea has perhaps the world's second-largest special operations force (estimated at 100,000 as of 2002) ,<ref> Fujimoto, Masashi

     (2002)
   
.    Capability Analysis of North Korean Special Forces 
. Defense Research Center (DRC) Annual Report, Japan

. Retrieved on 2007-03-14. </ref> Military strategy is designed for insertion of agents and sabotage behind enemy lines in wartime,<ref name="bgn" /> with much of the KPA's forces deployed along the heavily fortified Korean Demilitarized Zone.

Nuclear weapons program

Main article: North Korea and weapons of mass destruction

www.nytimes.com/2006/10/16/world/asia/17koreacnd.html?hp&ex=1161057600&en=891cb4c4775510b3&ei=5094&partner=homepage |accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref> The blast was smaller than expected and U.S. officials suggested that it may have been an unsuccessful test or a partially successful fizzle.<ref> US says Test points to N. Korea nuclear blast

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> North Korea has previously stated that it has produced nuclear weapons and according to U.S. intelligence and military officials it has produced, or has the//www.nytimes.com/2006/10/16/world/asia/17koreacnd.html?hp&ex=1161057600&en=891cb4c4775510b3&ei=5094&partner=homepage |accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref> The blast was smaller than expected and U.S. officials suggested that it may have been an unsuccessful test or a partially successful fizzle.<ref> US says Test points to N. Korea nuclear blast

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> North Korea has previously stated that it has produced nuclear weapons and according to U.S. intelligence and military officials it has produced, or has the news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3988015.stm |title=Post-election push on N Korea |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2005-11-06 |work=BBC News }}</ref>//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3988015.stm |title=Post-election push on N Korea |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2005-11-06 |work=BBC News }}</ref>

On March 17 2007, North Korea told delegates at international nuclear talks it would begin shut down preparations for its main nuclear facility. This was later confirmed on 14 July 2007 as International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors observed the initial shut-down phases of the currently operating 5MW Yongbyon nuclear reactor, despite there being no official time line declared. In return, the reclusive nation has received 50,000 tons of heavy fuel oil shipped from South Korea. Once the old small nuclear reactor is permanently shut down, North Korea will receive the equivalent of 950,000 tons of fuel oil when the six-nation talks reconvene. Following breakthrough talks held in September 2007, aimed at hastening the end of North Korea's nuclear program, North Korea will "disable some part of its nuclear facilities" by the end of the year, according to the US Assistant Secretary of State.

The details of such an agreement are due to be worked out in a session held in the People's Republic of China which will involve South Korea, China, Russia and Japan. Terms for the agreement have thus far not been disclosed, nor has it been disclosed what offer was made on the United States's part in exchange. The possibility of removing North Korea from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism has been discussed, which imposes a ban on all arms related trade with countries on the list, along with withholding US aid. Should these bans be lifted, the US may help North Koreans following devastating floods in August 2007.

Geography

Main article: Geography of North Korea

Modèle:Seealso North Korea is on the northern portion of the Korean Peninsula, covering an area of Modèle:Convert/sqkm. North Korea shares land borders with China and Russia to the north, and borders South Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone. To its west are the Yellow Sea and Korea Bay, and to its east lies Japan across the Sea of Japan (East Sea of Korea). www.koreanhistoryproject.org/Jta/Kr/KrGEO0.htm |title=Korea Geography |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=Caraway, Bill |date=2007 |work=The Korean History Project }}</ref>//www.koreanhistoryproject.org/Jta/Kr/KrGEO0.htm |title=Korea Geography |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=Caraway, Bill |date=2007 |work=The Korean History Project }}</ref>

countrystudies.us/north-korea/21.htm |title=North Korea - Climate |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=Federal Research Division of the US Library of Congress |date=2007 |work=Country Studies }}</ref> For a week from 7 August 2007 the most devastating floods in 40 years caused the North Korean Government to ask for international help. NGOs, such as the Red Cross, asked people to raise funds because they feared a humanitarian catastrophe.<ref>"Emergency appeal for DPRK flood survivors", website of the Red Cross</ref>//countrystudies.us/north-korea/21.htm |title=North Korea - Climate |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=Federal Research Division of the US Library of Congress |date=2007 |work=Country Studies }}</ref> For a week from 7 August 2007 the most devastating floods in 40 years caused the North Korean Government to ask for international help. NGOs, such as the Red Cross, asked people to raise funds because they feared a humanitarian catastrophe.<ref>"Emergency appeal for DPRK flood survivors", website of the Red Cross</ref>

The capital and largest city is Pyongyang; other major cities include Kaesong in the south, Sinuiju in the northwest, Wonsan and Hamhung in the east and Chongjin in the northeast.

Economy

Main article: Economy of North Korea

Modèle:Seealso In the aftermath of the Korean War and throughout the 1960s and '70s, the country's state-controlled economy grew at a significant rate and, until the late 1970s, was considered to be stronger than that of the South. State-owned industry produces nearly all manufactured goods. The government focuses on heavy military industry, following Kim Jong-il's adoption of the Songun "Military-First" policy. Estimates of the North Korea economy cover a broad range, as the country does not release official figures and the secretive nature of the country makes outside estimation difficult. www.icons.umd.edu/reslib/country.output_country_page?simnum=&name=&v_country_id=94#statistics |title=Research Library: Korea, South |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2007-05-29 |work=ICONS Project }}</ref><ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html#Econ</ref>//www.icons.umd.edu/reslib/country.output_country_page?simnum=&name=&v_country_id=94#statistics |title=Research Library: Korea, South |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2007-05-29 |work=ICONS Project }}</ref><ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html#Econ</ref>

1990s famine

Main article: North Korean famine

countrystudies.us/north-korea/49.htm |title=North Korea - Agriculture |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=Federal Research Division of the US Library of Congress |date=2007 |work=Country Studies }}</ref> The North Korean famine resulted in the deaths of between 300,000 and 800,000 North Koreans per year during the three year famine, peaking in 1997, with 2.0 million total being "the highest possible estimate."<ref name="famine"> Lee, May

     (1998-08-19)
   
.    Famine may have killed 2 million in North Korea 
. CNN

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> The deaths were most likely caused by famine-related illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and diarrhoea rather than starvation.<ref name="famine"/>//countrystudies.us/north-korea/49.htm |title=North Korea - Agriculture |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=Federal Research Division of the US Library of Congress |date=2007 |work=Country Studies }}</ref> The North Korean famine resulted in the deaths of between 300,000 and 800,000 North Koreans per year during the three year famine, peaking in 1997, with 2.0 million total being "the highest possible estimate."<ref name="famine"> Lee, May

     (1998-08-19)
   
.    Famine may have killed 2 million in North Korea 
. CNN

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref> The deaths were most likely caused by famine-related illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and diarrhoea rather than starvation.<ref name="famine"/>

web.amnesty.org/report2006/prk-summary-eng |title=Asia-Pacific : North Korea |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2007 |work=Amnesty International }}</ref>//web.amnesty.org/report2006/prk-summary-eng |title=Asia-Pacific : North Korea |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2007 |work=Amnesty International }}</ref>

www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/hunger/relief/2005/0520nkorea.htm |title=US Has Put Food Aid for North Korea on Hold |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=Solomon, Jay |date=2005-05-20 |work=Wall Street Journal }}</ref> The Bush Administration took criticism for using "food as a weapon" during talks over the North's nuclear weapons program, but insisted the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) criteria were the same for all countries and the situation in North Korea had "improved significantly since its collapse in the mid-1990s." Agricultural production had increased from about 2.7 million metric tons in 1997 to 4.2 million metric tons in 2004.<ref name="assistance"> Report on U.S. Humanitarian assistance to North Koreans

 (PDF)
. United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs
 (2006-04-15)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref>//www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/hunger/relief/2005/0520nkorea.htm |title=US Has Put Food Aid for North Korea on Hold |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author=Solomon, Jay |date=2005-05-20 |work=Wall Street Journal }}</ref> The Bush Administration took criticism for using "food as a weapon" during talks over the North's nuclear weapons program, but insisted the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) criteria were the same for all countries and the situation in North Korea had "improved significantly since its collapse in the mid-1990s." Agricultural production had increased from about 2.7 million metric tons in 1997 to 4.2 million metric tons in 2004.<ref name="assistance"> Report on U.S. Humanitarian assistance to North Koreans

 (PDF)
. United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs
 (2006-04-15)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. </ref>

Foreign commerce

hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/10/nkorea14381.htm |title=North Korea: Ending Food Aid Would Deepen Hunger |accessdate=2007-08-02 |date=2006-10-11 |work=Human Rights Watch }}</ref> In addition to food aid, China reportedly provides an estimated 80 to 90 percent of North Korea's oil imports at "friendly prices" that are sharply lower than the world market price.<ref> Nam, Sung-wook

     (2006-10-26)
   
.    China's N.K. policy unlikely to change 
. The Korea Herald

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref>//hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/10/nkorea14381.htm |title=North Korea: Ending Food Aid Would Deepen Hunger |accessdate=2007-08-02 |date=2006-10-11 |work=Human Rights Watch }}</ref> In addition to food aid, China reportedly provides an estimated 80 to 90 percent of North Korea's oil imports at "friendly prices" that are sharply lower than the world market price.<ref> Nam, Sung-wook

     (2006-10-26)
   
.    China's N.K. policy unlikely to change 
. The Korea Herald

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref>

www.cankor.ca/issues/220.htm |title=Fourth round of Six-Party Talks |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2005-09-27 |work=CanKor, on Korean Peace and Security }}</ref> Humanitarian aid from North Korea's neighbors has been cut off at times to provoke North Korea to resume boycotted talks, such as South Korea's "postponed consideration" of 500,000 tons of rice for the North in 2006 but the idea of providing food as a clear incentive (as opposed to resuming "general humanitarian aid") has been avoided.<ref> Faiola, Anthony

     (2006-07-14)
   
.    S. Korea Suspends Food Aid to North 
. Washington Post

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref> There have also been aid disruptions due to widespread theft of railroad cars used by mainland China to deliver food relief.<ref name="FT"> China halts rail freight to North Korea

. Financial Times
 (2007-10-18)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-18. </ref>//www.cankor.ca/issues/220.htm |title=Fourth round of Six-Party Talks |accessdate=2007-08-01 |date=2005-09-27 |work=CanKor, on Korean Peace and Security }}</ref> Humanitarian aid from North Korea's neighbors has been cut off at times to provoke North Korea to resume boycotted talks, such as South Korea's "postponed consideration" of 500,000 tons of rice for the North in 2006 but the idea of providing food as a clear incentive (as opposed to resuming "general humanitarian aid") has been avoided.<ref> Faiola, Anthony

     (2006-07-14)
   
.    S. Korea Suspends Food Aid to North 
. Washington Post

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref> There have also been aid disruptions due to widespread theft of railroad cars used by mainland China to deliver food relief.<ref name="FT"> China halts rail freight to North Korea

. Financial Times
 (2007-10-18)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-10-18. </ref>

query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9407E0D91239F936A1575AC0A9649C8B63 |title=North Korea to Let Capitalism Loose in Investment Zone |accessdate=2007-08-02 |author=French, Howard W. |date=2002-09-25 |work=The New York Times }}</ref> A small number of other areas have been designated as Special Administrative Regions, including Sinŭiju along the China-North Korea border. China and South Korea are the biggest trade partners of North Korea, with trade with China increasing 15% to US$1.6 billion in 2005, and trade with South Korea increasing 50% to over 1 billion for the first time in 2005.<ref name="cankor" /> It is reported that the number of mobile phones in Pyongyang rose from only 3,000 in 2002 to approximately 20,000 during 2004.<ref> MacKinnon, Rebecca

     (2005-01-17)
   
.    Chinese Cell Phone Breaches North Korean Hermit Kingdom 
. Yale Global Online

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref> As of June 2004, however, mobile phones became forbidden again.<ref> North Korea recalls mobile phones

. The Sydney Morning Herald
 (2004-06-04)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref> A small number of capitalistic elements are gradually spreading from the trial area, including a number of advertising billboards along certain highways. Recent visitors have reported that the number of open-air farmers' markets has increased in Kaesong and Pyongyang, as well as along the China-North Korea border, bypassing the food rationing system.//query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9407E0D91239F936A1575AC0A9649C8B63 |title=North Korea to Let Capitalism Loose in Investment Zone |accessdate=2007-08-02 |author=French, Howard W. |date=2002-09-25 |work=The New York Times }}</ref> A small number of other areas have been designated as Special Administrative Regions, including Sinŭiju along the China-North Korea border. China and South Korea are the biggest trade partners of North Korea, with trade with China increasing 15% to US$1.6 billion in 2005, and trade with South Korea increasing 50% to over 1 billion for the first time in 2005.<ref name="cankor" /> It is reported that the number of mobile phones in Pyongyang rose from only 3,000 in 2002 to approximately 20,000 during 2004.<ref> MacKinnon, Rebecca

     (2005-01-17)
   
.    Chinese Cell Phone Breaches North Korean Hermit Kingdom 
. Yale Global Online

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref> As of June 2004, however, mobile phones became forbidden again.<ref> North Korea recalls mobile phones

. The Sydney Morning Herald
 (2004-06-04)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref> A small number of capitalistic elements are gradually spreading from the trial area, including a number of advertising billboards along certain highways. Recent visitors have reported that the number of open-air farmers' markets has increased in Kaesong and Pyongyang, as well as along the China-North Korea border, bypassing the food rationing system.

news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4837484.stm |title=N Korean heroin ship sunk by jet |accessdate=2007-08-02 |date=2006-03-23 |work=BBC News }}</ref>//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4837484.stm |title=N Korean heroin ship sunk by jet |accessdate=2007-08-02 |date=2006-03-23 |work=BBC News }}</ref>

Transport

Main articles: Communications in North Korea, Transportation in North Korea, and Tourism in North Korea

Modèle:Clear

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of North Korea

North Korea's population of roughly 23 million is one of the most ethnically and linguistically homogeneous in the world, with very small numbers of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European expatriate minorities.

Religion

Main article: Religion in North Korea

hrw.org/english/docs/2004/07/08/nkorea9040.htm |title=Human Rights in North Korea |accessdate=2007-08-02 |date=July 2004 |work=Human Rights Watch }}</ref> In practical terms all religion in North Korea is superseded by a cult of personality devoted to the deceased ruler Kim Il-Sung and his heir, Kim Jong-Il.//hrw.org/english/docs/2004/07/08/nkorea9040.htm |title=Human Rights in North Korea |accessdate=2007-08-02 |date=July 2004 |work=Human Rights Watch }}</ref> In practical terms all religion in North Korea is superseded by a cult of personality devoted to the deceased ruler Kim Il-Sung and his heir, Kim Jong-Il.

www.nautilus.org/fora/security/0434A_ReligionI.html |title=Annual Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom |accessdate=2007-08-02 |author=United States Commission on International Religious Freedom |date=2004-09-21 |work=Nautilus Institute }}</ref><ref> N Korea stages Mass for Pope

. BBC News
 (2005-04-10)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref> Official government statistics report that there are 10,000 Protestants and 4,000 Roman Catholics in North Korea,<ref> North Korean Religion

. Windowss on Asia

 

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref> or 0.00022 percent of the population.//www.nautilus.org/fora/security/0434A_ReligionI.html |title=Annual Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom |accessdate=2007-08-02 |author=United States Commission on International Religious Freedom |date=2004-09-21 |work=Nautilus Institute }}</ref><ref> N Korea stages Mass for Pope

. BBC News
 (2005-04-10)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref> Official government statistics report that there are 10,000 Protestants and 4,000 Roman Catholics in North Korea,<ref> North Korean Religion

. Windowss on Asia

 

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref> or 0.00022 percent of the population.

sb.od.org/index.php?supp_page=wwl_top_ten&supp_lang=en</ref> Human rights groups such as Amnesty International also have expressed concerns about religious persecution in North Korea.<ref> Korea Report 2002

. Amnesty International
 (2001)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref>//sb.od.org/index.php?supp_page=wwl_top_ten&supp_lang=en</ref> Human rights groups such as Amnesty International also have expressed concerns about religious persecution in North Korea.<ref> Korea Report 2002

. Amnesty International
 (2001)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref>

Language

North Korea shares the Korean language with South Korea. There are dialect differences within both Koreas, but the border between North and South does not represent a major linguistic boundary. The adoption of modern terms from foreign languages has been limited in North Korea, while prevalent in the South. Hanja (Chinese characters) are no longer used in North Korea, although still occasionally used in South Korea. Both Koreas share the Hangul writing system, called Chosongul in North Korea. The official Romanization differs in the two countries, with North Korea using a slightly modified McCune-Reischauer system, and the South using the Revised Romanization of Korean.

Culture

Main articles: Culture of Korea and Contemporary culture of North Korea

There is a vast cult of personality around Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il and much of North Korea's literature, popular music, theater, and film glorify the two men.

A popular event in North Korea is the Mass Games. The most recent and largest Mass Games was called "Arirang". It was performed six nights a week for two months, and involved over 100,000 performers. Attendees to this event report that the anti-West sentiments have been toned down compared to previous performances. The Mass Games involve performances of dance, gymnastic, and choreographic routines which celebrate the history of North Korea and the Workers' Party Revolution. The Mass Games are held in Pyongyang at various venues (varying according to the scale of the Games in a particular year) including the May Day Stadium.

Culture is officially protected by the North Korean government. Large buildings committed to culture have been built, such as the People's Palace of Culture or the Grand People's Palace of Studies, both in Yoco. Outside the capital, there's a major theatre in Hamhung and in every city there are State-run theatres and stadiums.

memory.loc.gov/frd/cs/kptoc.html | chapter=The Rise of Korean Nationalism and Communism | first=Bruce G. | last=Cumings | title=A Country Study: North Korea | publisher=Library of Congress | id=Call number DS932 .N662 1994}}</ref> In addition, the Japanese altered or destroyed various Korean monuments including Gyeongbok Palace and documents which portrayed the Japanese in a negative light were revised. This methodical alteration process was done by the Editing Agency of Korean History.//memory.loc.gov/frd/cs/kptoc.html | chapter=The Rise of Korean Nationalism and Communism | first=Bruce G. | last=Cumings | title=A Country Study: North Korea | publisher=Library of Congress | id=Call number DS932 .N662 1994}}</ref> In addition, the Japanese altered or destroyed various Korean monuments including Gyeongbok Palace and documents which portrayed the Japanese in a negative light were revised. This methodical alteration process was done by the Editing Agency of Korean History.

In July 2004, the Complex of Goguryeo Tombs became the first site in the country to be included into the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: Administrative divisions of North Korea and Cities of North Korea

Modèle:Seealso North Korea is divided into nine provinces, three special regions, and two directly-governed cities (chikhalsi, 직할시, 直轄市) :

Provinces

Division	Transliteration	Hangul	Hanja	Image:North Korea Div.png
Province
Chagang	Chagang-do	자강도	慈江道
North Hamgyong	Hamgyŏng-pukto	함경북도	咸鏡北道
South Hamgyong	Hamgyŏng-namdo	함경남도	咸鏡南道
North Hwanghae	Hwanghae-pukto	황해북도	黃海北道
South Hwanghae	Hwanghae-namdo	황해남도	黃海南道
Kangwon	Kangwŏndo	강원도	江原道
North Pyongan	P'yŏngan-pukto	평안북도	平安北道
South Pyongan	P'yŏngan-namdo	평안남도	平安南道
Ryanggang *	Ryanggang-do	량강도	兩江道
Special regions
Kaesŏng Industrial Region	Kaesŏng Kong-ŏp Chigu	개성공업지구	開城工業地區
Kumgangsan Tourist Region	Kŭmgangsan Kwangwang Chigu	금강산관광지구	金剛山觀光地區
Sinuiju Special Administrative Region	Sinŭiju T'ŭkpyŏl Haengjŏnggu	신의주특별행정구	新義州特別行政區
Directly-governed cities
Pyongyang	P'yŏngyang Chikhalsi	평양직할시	平壤直轄市
Rason	Rasŏn (Rajin-Sŏnbong) Chikhalsi	라선(라진-선봉) 직할시	羅先(羅津-先鋒) 直轄市

* - Sometimes rendered "Yanggang" (양강도).

Major cities

Modèle:Columns

See also

• List of Korea-related topics
• Korean War

Notes and references

Further reading

www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Politics/InternationalStudies/HumanRights/~~/cHI9MTAmcGY9MCZzcz1wdWJkYXRlLmRlc2Mmc2Y9bmV3cmVjZW50JnNkPWFzYyZ2aWV3PXVzYSZjaT0wMTk1MTcwNDRY/ Rogue Regime: Kim Jong Il and the Looming Threat of North Korea], Oxford University Press (2005) , hardcover, 328 pages, ISBN 13: 9780195170443//www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Politics/InternationalStudies/HumanRights/~~/cHI9MTAmcGY9MCZzcz1wdWJkYXRlLmRlc2Mmc2Y9bmV3cmVjZW50JnNkPWFzYyZ2aWV3PXVzYSZjaT0wMTk1MTcwNDRY/ Rogue Regime: Kim Jong Il and the Looming Threat of North Korea], Oxford University Press (2005) , hardcover, 328 pages, ISBN 13: 9780195170443 www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.amazon.com/dp/1592285910/ Gordon Cucullu, Separated At Birth: How North Korea Became The Evil Twin], Globe Pequot Press (2004) , hardcover, 307 pages, ISBN 1-59228-591-0

• Bruce Cumings, Korea's Place in the Sun: A Modern History, W.W. Norton & Company, 1998, paperback, 527 pages, ISBN 0-393-31681-5
• Bruce Cumings, Origins of the Korean War (Vol. 1) : Liberation and the Emergence of Separate Regimes 1945-1947, Princeton University Press, 1981, paperback, ISBN 0-691-10113-2
• Bruce Cumings, Origins of the Korean War (Vol. 2) : The Roaring of the Cataract 1947-1950, Cornell University Press, 2004, hardcover, ISBN 89-7696-613-9
• Bruce Cumings, North Korea: Another Country, New Press, 2004, paperback, ISBN 1-56584-940-X
• Bruce Cumings, Living Through The Forgotten War: Portrait Of Korea, Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 2004, paperback, ISBN 0-9729704-0-1
• Bruce Cumings, Inventing the Axis of Evil: The Truth About North Korea, Iran, and Syria, New Press, 2006, paperback, ISBN 1-59558-038-7
• Delisle, Guy, Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea, Drawn & Quarterly Books, 2005, hardcover, 176 pages, ISBN 1-896597-89-0
• Nick Eberstadt, aka Nicholas Eberstadt, The End of North Korea, American Enterprise Institute Press (1999) , hardcover, 191 pages, ISBN 0-8447-4087-X
• John Feffer, North Korea South Korea: U.S. Policy at a Time of Crisis, Seven Stories Press, 2003, paperback, 197 pages, ISBN 1-58322-603-6

www.mdjonline.com/content/index/showcontentitem/area/1/section/15/item/60013.html North Korea commentary (August, 2007)]//www.mdjonline.com/content/index/showcontentitem/area/1/section/15/item/60013.html North Korea commentary (August, 2007)]

• Michael Harrold, Comrades and Strangers: Behind the Closed Doors of North Korea, Wiley Publishing, 2004, paperback, 432 pages, ISBN 0-470-86976-3
• Helen-Louise Hunter, Kim Il-song's North Korea. Praeger, 1999. ISBN 0-275-96296-2.
• Modèle:Cite book
• Mitchell B. Lerner, The Pueblo Incident: A Spy Ship and the Failure of American Foreign Policy, University Press of Kansas, 2002, hardcover, 408 pages, ISBN 0-7006-1171-1
• Bradley Martin, Under The Loving Care Of The Fatherly Leader: North Korea And The Kim Dynasty, St. Martins (October, 2004) , hardcover, 868 pages, ISBN 0-312-32221-6
• Oberdorfer, Don. The two Koreas : a contemporary history. Addison-Wesley, 1997, 472 pages, ISBN 0-201-40927-5
• Kong Dan Oh, and Ralph C. Hassig, North Korea Through the Looking Glass, The Brookings Institution, 2000, paperback, 216 pages, ISBN 0-8157-6435-9
• Quinones, Dr. C. Kenneth, and Joseph Tragert, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding North Korea, Alpha Books, 2004, paperback, 448 pages, ISBN 1-59257-169-7
• Sigal, Leon V., Disarming Strangers: Nuclear Diplomacy with North Korea, Princeton University Press, 199, 336 pages, ISBN 0-691-05797-4
• Chris Springer, Pyongyang: The Hidden History of the North Korean Capital. Saranda Books, 2003. ISBN 963-00-8104-0.
• Vladimir, Cyber North Korea, Byakuya Shobo, 2003, paperback, 223 pages, ISBN 4-89367-881-7
• Norbert Vollertsen, Inside North Korea: Diary of a Mad Place, Encounter Books, 2003, hardcover, 280 pages, ISBN 1-893554-87-2
• Wahn Kihl, Y. (1983) "North Korea in 1983: Transforming "The Hermit Kingdom"?" Asian Survey, Vol. 24, No. 1: pp100-111
• Robert Willoughby, North Korea: The Bradt Travel Guide. Globe Pequot, 2003. ISBN 1-84162-074-2.
• Hyun Hee Kim, "The Tears of My Soul", William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1993, hardcover, 183 pages, ISBN 0-688-12833-5

Pictorials

• Christian Kracht, Eva Munz, Lukas Nikol, "The Ministry Of Truth. Kim Jong Ils North Korea", Feral House, Oct 2007, 132 pages, 88 color photographs, ISBN 978-932595-27-7

External links

Modèle:Portalpar Modèle:Sisterlinks

Government-sponsored sources

www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.korea-dpr.com/ Official Presence of the DPR Korea] including the Korean Friendship Association www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.kcckp.net/en/ Naenara] - ("My country") DPRK's Official Web Portal run by Korea Computer Company www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.kcna.co.jp The Korean Central News Agency] The DPRK's news service - hosted in Japan

• The Constitution of the DPRK

www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.wilsoncenter.org/nkidp North Korea International Documentation Project] - Documents on North Korea

News sources

www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.kcna.co.jp KCNA] - Korean Central News Agency, the official news agency of the DPRK www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1131421.stm BBC News] - "Country Profile: North Korea" www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.atimes.com/atimes/others/pongyang.html Pyongyang Watch], an archive of Asia Times articles www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//times.hankooki.com/special/special_edition1_list.htm Another Korea] - Background stories on North Korea www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.dailynk.com/english/index.php Daily NK] - North Korea focused daily online newspaper

Documentaries

www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-3742145385913859804 Welcome to North Korea] 53 min video Documentary from TV14 directed by Raymond Feddema and Peter Tetteroo dating from Chuch'e 89 (2000) www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/kim/ Kim's Nuclear Gamble] - PBS Frontline Documentary (Video & Transcript) www.seoultrain.com/ Seoul Train] Documentary on North Koreans Trying to escape via China 2004//www.seoultrain.com/ Seoul Train] Documentary on North Koreans Trying to escape via China 2004 www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//throwawayyourtv.com/2006/04/dan-rather-in-north-korea.html The Hermit Kingdom] Dan Rather 60 Minutes 02/06 www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.astateofmind.co.uk/ A State of Mind] Documentary by the BBC following two young North Korean gymnasts training for the mass games (2004) www.seoultrain.com/ Seoul Train] Documentary on North Koreans Trying to escape via China 2004//blogs.nationalgeographic.com/channel/blog/2007/02/explorer_korea.html National Geographic: Explorer] Documentary by National Geographic about an eye doctor from Nepal who goes to North Korea to operate on cataract patients (also has undercover footage of North Korea in general) www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1875007335054132657] "Children of the Secret State". Channel 4. Hard Cash 2000

Human rights links

www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.northkoreanrefugees.com/2005-video2.htm] ' A report on human rights and prisons in N. Korea. www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.linkglobal.org/ Liberty in North Korea:] Advocate for human rights, political and religious freedom, and humanitarian aid for North Korea

Weblogs

www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//freekorea.us/ One Free Korea:] Updated daily; focusing on human rights, political, economic, and military issues, often with Google-Earth tours of North Korea's most secret places www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//dprkstudies.org/ DPRK Studies:] Current analysis, commentary, and news on North Korea’s security, social, and political issues; North Korean Studies www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.nkzone.org/ NK Zone:] Includes a variety of perspectives, with a greater focus on cultural and economic issues www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//nkay.blogsome.com/ RU NK:] Focusing primarily on human rights issues, by a member of Liberty in North Korea www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.nkeconwatch.com/ North Korean Economy Watch:] Clearing house of informaiton on economic and cultural issues www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.xanga.com/linkorea News of North Korea:] news about North Korean refugees and the situation inside of the country

Photo logs

www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Number=861907&page=&vc=1&PHPSESSID=#Post861907 North Korea Uncovered], (North Korea Google Earth) a Google Earth map of North Korea's major cities including most cultural, economic and military infrastructure. www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//1stopkorea.com/index.htm?nk-trip3.htm~mainframe Visitor account of North Korea] www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.tripadvisor.ru/fotos/categories.php?cat_id=133 North Korea - photos] from TripAdvisor.ru www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=82755 Artemii Lebedev's photographs of North Korea with commentary] www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/05/asia_pac_unseen_north_korea/html/1.stm BBC News - In pictures: Unseen North Korea] www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.korea-dpr.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=2004 Pictures from North Korea] www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.faz.net/s/RubFC06D389EE76479E9E76425072B196C3/Doc~EE25A201168E848868E74A0A7C03E61C0~ATpl~Ecommon~Sspezial.html 36 everyday photographs of North Korea by Reinhard Krause of Reuters]

Reunification

www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.korea-dpr.com/library/201.pdf Kim Il Sung]: 10 Point programme for reunification of the country www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.korea-dpr.com/unification.htm "Korean Friendship Association" - Unification] - recognized by DPRK www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.unikorea.go.kr/en/index.jsp Ministry of Unification] - South Korea www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//82.224.133.51/cilreco/index_uk.html International Liaison Committee for Reunification and Peace in Korea (CILRECO)] - France www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.korea-is-one.org/ "Korea is one"] - Belgian-Korean Friendship Association

Miscellaneous

www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.aboutnorthkorea.com/index.html "An American Tourist in North Korea, 2007"]. www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.voanews.com/english/north_korea_reporters_notebook.cfm North Korea: A Reporter's Notebook] — Luis Ramirez (Voice of America) www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.aidanfc.net/a_year_in_pyongyang_p.html "A Year in Pyongyang"], by Andrew Holloway, 1988. www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.pyongyang-metro.com/ Pyongyang Metro System Unofficial Web Site] - Examining a suspected underground military installation www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.unchartedtravel.com/northkorea/northkorea.php?country=northkorea "Beyond the 38th Parallel"], by Matt Sparrow, 2001. www.isis-online.org/publications/dprk/DPRKplutoniumFEB.pdf ISIS report abt 3deliverble warheads&50MW new reactor]//www.cfr.org/publication/11954/ Crisis Guide: The Korean Peninsula] Council on Foreign Relations

Modèle:Korea-related topics Modèle:Regions and administrative divisions of North Korea Modèle:Countries and territories of East Asia Modèle:Countries of Asia Modèle:Communist states

Modèle:DEFAULTSORT:Korea, Northaf:Noord-Korea ar:كوريا الشمالية an:Corea d'o Norte frp:Corê du Nord ast:Corea del Norte az:Şimali Koreya bn:উত্তর কোরিয়া zh-min-nan:Tiâu-sián be:Паўночная Карэя be-x-old:КНДР bo:ཁྲའོ་ཤན་བྱང་རྒྱུད bs:Sjeverna Koreja br:Republik Poblel ha Demokratel Korea bg:Северна Корея ca:Corea del Nord ceb:Amihanang Korea cs:Severní Korea cy:Gogledd Corea da:Nordkorea de:Nordkorea dv:އުތުރު ކޮރެއާ dz:བྱང་ཀོ་རི་ཡ་ et:Põhja-Korea el:Βόρεια Κορέα es:Corea del Norte eo:Nord-Koreio eu:Ipar Korea fa:کره شمالی fo:Norðurkorea fr:Corée du Nord fy:Noard-Korea ga:An Chóiré Thuaidh gl:Corea do Norte - 북한 zh-classical:朝鮮民主主義人民共和國 ko:조선민주주의인민공화국 hy:Հյուսիսային Կորեա hi:उत्तरी कोरिया hsb:Sewjerna Koreja hr:Sjeverna Koreja io:Nord-Korea bpy:ঔয়াং কোরিয়া id:Korea Utara ia:Corea del Nord os:Корейы Адæмон Демократон Республикæ is:Norður-Kórea it:Corea del Nord he:קוריאה הצפונית pam:North Korea kn:ಉತ್ತರ ಕೊರಿಯಾ ka:ჩრდილოეთი კორეა csb:Kòrejańskô Lëdowò-Demokratnô Repùblika kk:Солтүстік Корея kw:Korea Gledh sw:Korea Kaskazini ht:Kore dinò ku:Korêya Bakur la:Respublica Populi Democratica Coreae lv:Ziemeļkoreja lb:Nordkorea lt:Šiaurės Korėja li:Noord-Korea lmo:North Korea hu:Észak-Korea ml:ഉത്തര കൊറിയ mr:उत्तर कोरिया ms:Korea Utara na:Republik Engame Korea nl:Noord-Korea ja:朝鮮民主主義人民共和国 no:Nord-Korea nn:Nord-Korea nov:Nord Korea oc:Corèa del Nòrd uz:Shimoliy Koreya ps:د کوريا ولسواک خلق جمهوريت km:កូរេ (ជើង) pms:Coréa dël Nòrd nds:Noordkorea pl:Korea Północna pt:Coreia do Norte ro:Coreea de Nord qu:Chinchay Hansuyu ru:Корейская Народно-Демократическая Республика se:Davvi-Korea sq:Korea Veriore scn:Corea dû Nord simple:North Korea sk:Kórejská ľudovodemokratická republika sl:Severna Koreja sr:Северна Кореја sh:Severna Koreja su:Koréa Kalér fi:Korean demokraattinen kansantasavalta sv:Nordkorea tl:Hilagang Korea ta:வடகொரியா te:ఉత్తర కొరియా th:ประเทศเกาหลีเหนือ vi:Cộng hòa Dân chủ Nhân dân Triều Tiên tg:Куриёи Шимолӣ tpi:Not Koria tr:Kore Demokratik Halk Cumhuriyeti tk:Demirgazyk Koreýa udm:Корея Калык-Демократи Республика uk:Північна Корея vo:Nolüda-Koreyän war:Amihanan nga Korea wuu:朝鲜 yi:נארט קארעא zh-yue:朝鮮民主主義人民共和國 diq:Korya Zımey bat-smg:Šiauries Kuorėjė zh:朝鲜民主主义人民共和国