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The Hermit Kingdom

Overview

The world's most isolated and secretive state, a totalitarian regime on the Korean Peninsula with a heavily militarized border and virtually no independent tourism.

Geographic Context

Region
Asia
Subregion
Eastern Asia
Land Area
120,538 km²
Capital
Pyongyang
Languages
Korean
Currencies
North Korean won (₩)

At a Glance

23
Oyster Score
Composite index
Health
68
Freedom
1
Security
0
Life Expectancy
72.6 yrs
Median Age
36 yrs
Urbanization
64%
Housing Index
15

Climate

Average Temperature
8.2°C

Most Temperate Cities

1 T’ongch’ŏn-ŭp 11.7°C
2 Pyŏksŏng-ŭp 10.9°C
3 Ayang-ni 10.9°C
4 Yŏnan-ŭp 10.6°C
5 Kaesŏng 10.6°C

Society & Governance

Health
WHO Health Indicators
Median Age 36.0
Population
Demographics & Census
Urbanization 64%
Education
Enrollment & Literacy
Literacy 100%
Society
UN SDG Metrics
Cohesion 6/100
Civil Liberties
Press & Political Freedom
Press Freedom 1/100
Government
Governance & Rule of Law
CPI Score 15/100

International

Travel
Visas & Entry Requirements
Visa-Free 40 countries
Diplomatic Relations
Embassies & Alliances
Missions 33
Defence
Military & Security
Infrastructure
Energy & Transport
Environment
Emissions & Biodiversity
Alternatives
Similar Jurisdictions
Jurisdiction Guide
Tips & Cultural Insights

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: World Bank | WHO | Freedom House | OECD · Last updated: 2025