North Korea Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

North Korea - Research Paper Example The researcher of rhis paper focuses mostly on describing of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea is an Eastern Asian country and located between China and South Korea. Pyongyang that is the capital of North Korea was described as a political and cultural center of the countr. It is also the largest city in the country by area and population. The Amnok River and the Tumen River constitute the border between China and North Korea whereas the Korean Demilitarized Zone that represents the boundary between North Korea and South Korea. Korea has been an independent kingdom throughout much of its long history and this territory was occupied by Japan following the Russo-Japanese war in 1905. The World War II ended up in the split of Korea with the northern half falling under the control of Soviet Union and the southern half under the influence of United States. The election conducted in 1948 resulted in the creation of two separate governmen ts for North Korea and South Korea. However, conflicting sovereignty claim led to the Korean War. The DPRK could not defeat the US-backed Republic of Korea. North Korea considered US as the ultimate threat to its sovereignty and framed economic and military policies to accomplish the eventual unification of Korea under the control of Pyongyang. This research paper will explore and analyze several aspects of North Korea modern life, including its geography, citizens, government, military, international issues, terrorism, and crime issues. Geography As mentioned already, North Korea is situated between China and South Korea and it also borders with Korea Bay (west) and Sea of Japan (east). As described in CIA website, North Korea lies between latitudes 37o and 43oN, and longitudes 124o and 131oE. The country covers an area of 120,540 square kilometers. The highest point in the region is Baekdu Mountain (2,744 meters) and longest river is Amnok River (790 kilometers). The lowest point in the country is the Sea of Japan (0 ft). Some major cities of North Korea include Kaesong, Sinuiju, Wonsan, and Chongjin. In addition to China and South Korea, the DPRK also shares a little part of its border with Russia (17.5 km) (CIA). The country’s major natural resources include coal, lead, graphite, iron ore, gold, hydropower, zinc, tungsten, and magnesite. Occasional typhoons, droughts, and severe flooding constitute common natural hazards challenging the country. Currently, this territory faces a number of environmental issues such as water pollution, waterborne diseases, inadequate portable water supply, soil erosion and degradation, and deforestation. Nearly 80% of the North Korea comprises mountains and uplands that are separated by narrow and deep valleys. According to some early European visitors to this region, North Korea resembles ‘a sea in a heavy gale’ (Asian Studies Center). An array of hills, valleys, and mountains make this region one of the attractive tourist destinations in the world. This region has a continental climate and experiences four distinct seasons including winter, summer, spring, and autumn. Long winter characterized with snow storms brings bitter cold to this territory while summer appears to be short and humid. The country experiences the most pleasant weather during spring and autumn as a result of mild temperatures and variable winds. According to the Koppen climate classification, most of the North Korea falls under the type Dwa (Peregrine). Although the United Nations Command