Backpacking Information on North Korea

NORTH KOREAhumans descended from this mountain. N. Korea
- Population: 22.9 million (UN, 2005)also prides on its various natural hot springs and
- Capital: Pyongyangwaterfalls. The significant rivers are Amnokgang
- Area: 122,762 sq km (47,399 sq miles)(Yalu, 790 km), and Dumangang (Tumen, 521
- Major language: Koreankm),
- Major religions: Mainly atheist or non-religious,CLIMATE
traditional beliefsThe climate in North Korea is continental with four
- Life expectancy: 60 years (men), 66 yearsdistinct seasons: winter, spring, autumn, and a
(women) (UN)monsoonal summer. Winters are long and harsh,
- Monetary unit: 1 won = 100 chonspring and autumn tender the most favorable
Korea is not as acknowledged as neighbors Japanweather conditions, particularly in May and
or China, but is a nation no less than any otherOctober, consecutively, whereas summers are
with a history dating as early 5 millennia withhot, humid, and wet. January is coldest month,
archaeological evidence suggesting the peninsula toand is hottest at 30 oC between July and August.
be inhabited for over 500,000 years now. KoreaPEOPLE
was formerly one country until the peninsula wasBased on the official DPRK statistics, the
divided into Soviet and American zones during thepopulation of North Korea as of 2010 is
Second World War for North and South Korea23,479,088. Interesting statistics of almost 100%
consecutively, eventually to possess two separateare of Korean ethnicity; 99% literacy; and 0%
governments in 1948 when North Korea refusedHIV cases. North Korea remains one of the most
participation in a U.N. supervised unificationethnically homogeneous nations as ethnic tribes
elections. Despite its sensationalized fidgetyand international communities are scant to nil due
international relations, none can suppress theto an incredibly low rate of immigration. Foreigners
natural beauty of North Korea that is worth thein the region are mostly tourists. Life expectancy
front page as any political unrest.has fallen from 70-75 to 63.81 years due to
GEOGRAPHYinsufficient food supply and medical care.
North Korea located between 40 00 N, 127 00 ECULTURE
coordinates and is the larger of the two statesModern culture can be described as Korean
with an area of 120,538 km². Seventy percenttraditions that bring with it the influences of
of the entire Korean peninsula is covered withneighboring countries that it has adapted for 3
mountains, and some 80% of these mountainsmillennia. Stronger provisions are currently at hand
and highlands are in North Korea. The continuousto preserve this traditional Korean culture with
mountain ranges, like Hamgyong or Rangrim,some degree of suppression to modern free
make a perfect view impressing on Korea'sexpressions, that is supposedly the essence of
visitors as the waves of a sea in a heavy storm.modern art. Instead, cultural expression and art
The tallest mountains of 2000 metres (or higher)are didactic and serves as the vehicle for Juche
in the entire peninsula can be also found in thisideology that essentially asserts the distinctiveness
northern state. The highest point is Baekduand creativity of Korean culture and/by the
Mountain (Paektu, Paektusan), 2,744 metersmasses. Literally, literature and music are venues
above sea level, while the lowest point is the Seafor politics and revolution, while movies, instead of
of Japan, 0 metres. Baekdu is so sacred a symbolentertainment, operate for its role in the social
of the Korean spirit and is featured in Korea'seducation of the masses.
anthem due to the belief that the first Korean