North Korea
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
People: North Korean
North Korea is located in Eastern Asia and has a population of around 25.9 million. Its capital city is Pyongyang, and the most widely spoken official language is Korean.
By the numbers, North Korea is the 56th most populous of the 196 countries covered on this site, home to 0.32% of the world's population. By land area it ranks 97th out of 196, with a population density of roughly 215 people per km².
Facts last checked 31 August 2026.
North Korea — key facts at a glance
| Official Name | Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
|---|---|
| Capital City | Pyongyang |
| Continent | Asia |
| Region | Eastern Asia |
| Population | 25,950,000 |
| Area | 120,538 km² |
| Currency | North Korean won (KPW) ₩ |
| Official Language | Korean |
| Dialling Code | +850 |
| Internet TLD | .kp |
| Timezone | UTC+09:00 |
| Drives on the | Right side |
| Emergency Number | 112 (works on most mobile networks worldwide) |
| ISO Code | KP / PRK |
| Borders | China, South Korea, Russia |
Travelling to North Korea?
Heading there soon? A guide to what to pack for North Korea makes sure the essentials are covered. Pack a universal travel adapter for your devices. You can also check clothing and shoe sizes in North Korea before you shop, and look up popular foods from North Korea if you want to know what's on the menu.
Leaving your car at a UK airport? Compare off-airport parking with Airparks before you fly to North Korea. US: Want to learn a few phrases before you go? Try a 1-on-1 lesson with a real teacher on italki.
Getting to and around North Korea
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Planning a trip to North Korea?
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Frequently Asked Questions about North Korea
What is the capital and currency of North Korea?
The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang and the currency is the North Korean won (KPW), symbol ₩.
What is the capital of North Korea?
The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang.
What currency does North Korea use?
North Korea uses the North Korean won (KPW, symbol: ₩).
What language do they speak in North Korea?
The official language of North Korea is Korean.
What is the dialling code for North Korea?
The international dialling code for North Korea is +850.
What side of the road does North Korea drive on?
North Korea drives on the right-hand side of the road.
Countries bordering North Korea
China
South Korea
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