North Korea
North Korea is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), a UN member state in Eastern Asia.
North Korea is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), a UN member state in Eastern Asia. In the UN M49 statistical grouping it carries code 408, with ISO alpha-2 KP and ISO alpha-3 PRK. The UN places it in the region Asia and subregion Eastern Asia. The World Bank capital field lists Pyongyang. These identifiers describe how the country is indexed in international databases, not which government controls which territory. For the UN M49 overview, see
Country profile table
| Attribute | Value | Source / note |
|---|---|---|
| UN M49 code | 408 | UN Statistics Division M49 grouping |
| ISO alpha-2 | KP | ISO 3166-1 |
| ISO alpha-3 | PRK | ISO 3166-1 |
| UN region | Asia | UN M49 geographic regions |
| UN subregion | Eastern Asia | UN M49 geographic subregions |
| UN member state | Yes | UN member since 1991 |
| World Bank capital field | Pyongyang | World Bank country API |
| IANA country-code top-level domain | .kp | IANA root zone database |
The M49 grouping is a statistical arrangement, not a political or territorial statement. The UN M49 overview defines how countries and areas are grouped for statistical purposes. The World Bank country API returns the capital field and related metadata; consult it directly for the latest structured record.
How to verify the current population
The most reliable population figures come from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) World Population Prospects, which publishes annual modelled figures and projections. For the DPRK, the UN’s 2024 revision put the total at roughly 26 million in 2023, with a median age around 36 years and an urban share of roughly 63%. These are modelled figures, not census counts; the last official census was in 2008, and international agencies rely on administrative data and demographic models. The World Bank population indicator (SP.POP.TOTL) uses UN figures and is updated annually; the most recent value is for 2023. If you need a single number, cite the World Bank API and name the reference year. Do not treat any number as current indefinitely. National statistical offices, where accessible, are the primary source, but for the DPRK external figures from the UN Population Division are the practical standard because the country does not publish regular, independently verifiable census data.
When to treat a figure as an estimate
The UN Population Division labels its numbers “estimates” and revises them with each new projection round. Because the DPRK does not release regular census data to international bodies, all recent figures are modelled, not counts. Always check the “reference year” or “date” field in the dataset you cite. Do not treat a projection as a census. For the latest number, go to the World Bank country API ( find the entry with id KP, and read the SP.POP.TOTL indicator for the latest available year.
How to read uncertainty in the data
Census data are rare and not independently verifiable; the most recent official census was in 2008. The World Bank notes that its data for the DPRK are sparse and subject to revision. Treat every number as a snapshot with a reference year and a stated source, and accept that any single figure carries wide uncertainty.
Capital and administrative geography
The World Bank capital field lists Pyongyang as the capital. The World Bank API returns “Pyongyang” as the capital in its country metadata. Some international sources use “P’yŏngyang” in McCune, Reischauer romanisation. The capital is the seat of government of the DPRK, the state that controls the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. Political status and recognition are separate from statistical grouping. For boundary or sovereignty questions, the UN M49 overview is the standard reference for statistical grouping; it does not itself rule on territorial claims. Independent confirmation of administrative changes is limited; for current administrative information, consult the DPRK’s official state media or diplomatic missions.
Language
Korean is the official language. The writing system is Chosŏn’gŭl (Korean script) in the DPRK. The exact dialect grouping (e.g., the North Korean standard, Munhwaŏ) is a linguistic matter, not a political one. English is not an official language. Language statistics are not regularly published by the national statistical office; for linguistic context, consult Ethnologue (SIL International) or the CIA World Factbook language section, and treat figures as modelled. Both are secondary sources that attribute their data to national sources. Do not treat language lists in secondary compilations as exhaustive; they often omit minority languages. Do not use this entry for phrasebook or instruction content.
Currency
The currency is the North Korean won (KPW), issued by the Central Bank of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The exchange rate set by the state is not a market rate; the World Bank and IMF do not list a market-determined exchange rate for the KPW in standard international databases. Use the UN Operational Rates of Exchange or your own government’s guidance if you need a conversion for official transactions. For research, treat any quoted rate as indicative and dated.
Government, economy and travel requirements
For the DPRK, official data is scarce and independent verification is difficult. Treat every number as a snapshot with a reference year and a stated source.
Government
The DPRK is a UN member state, admitted in 1991. The seat of government is Pyongyang. The UN M49 grouping and World Bank capital field record these facts as statistical identifiers, not as endorsements of any political system or claim.
Economy
Economic indicators for the DPRK are sparse in international databases. The World Bank and IMF publish limited series, and most figures are modelled rather than directly reported. When using any economic data point, note the reference year, the modelling method if disclosed, and the source’s own caveats about data quality.
Travel requirements
Travel to the DPRK is heavily restricted by both the DPRK government and other states. Requirements change frequently and without notice. Consult your own government’s travel advisory and the DPRK’s diplomatic missions for current entry, visa and exit rules. Do not rely on any single secondary summary for travel decisions.
Time zone and domain
IANA lists the country-code top-level domain .kp and the time zone Asia/Pyongyang (UTC+09:00). Coordinates are not supplied.
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