North Korea

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula date from the 1950-1953 Korean War, in which the United States supported the capitalist South and China backed the communist North. An armistice stopped the fighting but technically did not end the war.

The demilitarized zone between North and South Korea is perhaps the most heavily fortified area in the world. A large number of North and South Korea's 2 million troops are stationed there, as well as many of the 37,000 U.S. troops in South Korea.

The secrecy and unpredictability of the North Korean government compound the tension. And doubts have been raised about North Korea's commitment to an accord under which it agreed to freeze its nuclear program.

Recent widespread famine among the North Korean people could increase the volitility of the region.

In 1997, an overwhelming need for emergency food relief forced North Korea to seek outside help. At the same time, negotiators from China and the United States opened formal talks with North Korea and South Korea to work toward formalizing an end to the Korean War.

Land and People | History |
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DEMOGRAPHICS

Population:
24,317,000
Average life span:
67 male, 74 female
Average yearly income ($US):
$200
GDP per capita ($US):
$920
Literacy rate:
99%

THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE

Capital:
Pyongyang
Size:
46,540 square miles (120,538 sq. km)
Government type:
Communist
>Political leader:
Kim Jong Il
Religions:
Buddhist; Chondoist; Confucian
Language:
Korean

MODERN HISTORY