North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), is located in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. It borders China and Russia to the north, and South Korea to the south. The country is known for its highly centralized, totalitarian government led by the Kim dynasty since 1948. North Korea operates under a communist state and maintains one of the world's largest militaries, despite being one of the poorest countries. The nation's ideology is based on "Juche," or self-reliance.
North Korea has been a focal point of international concern due to its nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile development, which violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions. As of 2024, North Korea's arsenal comprises approximately 50 nuclear weapons, with the capacity to produce fissile material for six to seven more weapons annually. Recent developments include heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea test-firing ballistic missiles into the sea in January 2026. In February 2026, North Korea announced that a project to build 50,000 living units in Pyongyang is nearing completion. Despite its isolation, North Korea continues to pursue diplomatic relations with China and Russia.
