International North Korea relations

Country profile & diplomacy overview · 78 relations tracked

North Korea, also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country located in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. It is bordered by China and Russia to the north, and by South Korea (officially known as the Republic of Korea or ROK) to the south. North Korea has a population of around 25 million people and is ruled by the Kim dynasty, with Kim Jong-un currently serving as the country's leader.

Population

25.8M#53 of 203

Land area

120.5K km²#96 of 203

Military expenditure

$1.6B#70 of 167

Global influence

#33Medium

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Closest relations Strained relations North Korea No data

North Korea is known for its highly centralized and authoritarian government, which controls nearly every aspect of citizens' lives and severely restricts their freedom of expression and access to information. The country's economy is heavily controlled by the state, and it is one of the poorest and most isolated countries in the world.

North Korea is also known for its nuclear weapons program and its tense relationship with the United States and other Western countries. The country has conducted several nuclear tests and has developed ballistic missiles capable of reaching the mainland United States, leading to international sanctions and efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

In recent years, North Korea has engaged in a series of negotiations with the United States and South Korea, including a historic summit between Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018. However, progress towards denuclearization and improving relations with the West has been slow, and tensions between North Korea and the United States have continued to flare up.

Geography & terrain

Predominantly mountainous and hilly, especially along the border with China, with narrow coastal plains where most agriculture and population are concentrated. Continental climate with cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers. Coastlines on both the Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan (East Sea). The rugged interior has historically slowed overland invasion, while the Yalu River and mountains along the Chinese border form a further natural barrier.

Key facts

Diverse sources: UN, World Bank, North Korea Statistics Office/Department. Most recent available data
Capital	Pyongyang (2.9M people, 11.1% of total population)
Population	25.8M (#53 of 203 countries)
Land area	120.5K km² (#96 of 203 countries)
Main religion	Mainly atheist or non-religious, traditional beliefs
Life expectancy	69 years

Source: World Bank Open Data. Most recent available data
Currency	North Korean Won
Main language(s)	Korean
Government type	One-party state
Time zone	UTC+9.0
International calling code	+850
Driving side	Right
UNESCO World Heritage Sites	3
Military expenditure	$1.6B
Land military expenditure (estimation)	$1.0B
Air military expenditure (estimation)	$320.9M
Naval military expenditure (estimation)	$240.7M
Military expenditure per capita	$62
Nuclear power	Yes, possesses nuclear weapons
European Union	Not a member
NATO	Not a member

Shares a land border with 3 countries — here is how those relations stand

North Korea's relations with its neighbors

Most similar countries, by language, currency, GDP per capita, borders & international groups

Rank #33 Medium International Influence

North Korea's actions have a limited effect on the world or on other countries.

See the full world influence ranking →

Most intense relations

Top 5 relations of North Korea by overall intensity. Intensity reflects the level and significance of interaction—not whether the relationship is positive or negative.