The Rungrado Stadium has enough seats for 150,000 people. Michigan Stadium comes in at second place with around 40,000 fewer seats.
North Korea has an obsession with basketball. Though, if you watched one of their games, you'd notice a few strange irregularities. It's possible to score four-pointers (if a three-pointer never touches the hoop), and points are deducted for missed free throws.
There are over 25,000 kilometers of roads in North Korea, but only a little over 724 are paved. That's only 2.83% of all roads in the country.
Korean Central Television is the main channel, and it's available all over the country, all the time. The other two are only available on weekends.
North Korea is the only nation to categorize its citizens based on how loyal they are to the government. The more loyal the citizen, the higher the citizens rank, the more they can enjoy.
All citizens of Pyongyang are considered trustworthy and loyal to the regime. Kim Jong-Un and the government decide who is worthy of living in the capital city.
Every home in the country is given a government radio, with strict rules that it can never be turned off. The volume can be turned down, however.
The North Korean military employs just under 1.2 million active-duty troops, roughly 4.7% of the country's population.
Weirdly enough, this dictatorship does hold elections. Every five years, North Koreans take to the polls. The difference? The ballots the receive only have one candidate name for the office of Supreme People's Assembly deputy in their district. Their only decision is whether to vote for the single candidate or vote against them, which involves putting their ballot in a separate box with their identity noted.
Most of the world uses the Gregorian calendar (aka the Western or Christian calendar). North Korea uses the Juche calendar, which was introduced in 1997 and is based on Kim Il-Sung's birthday: April 15, 1912.
If someone breaks the law, not only are they punished, but the entire family is punished, as well, for the next three generations.
While most American schools release a list that asks students to provide their own pens, paper, and the like, North Korean schools take it a bit farther. Students are required to pay for their own chairs, desks, and heating fuel. Basically, they have to pay for everything but the teacher.
Half of the 24 million population doesn't have access to basic human needs like food, clean water, and electricity.
Built-in the 1950s, there are no actual residents in Kijong-dong. Some of the buildings are fake, while others are hollow shells with their windows painted on their faces. The city was built in hopes of tempting South Koreans to defect to North Korea.
In 1974, Kim Il-Sung ordered 1,000 Volvo 144 sedans from Sweden but never paid for them. The Swedish government still sends invoices every year, and the current debt is around $2.8 million.
The North Korean life expectancy is now 69 years and has fallen by five years since the early 1980s. This is all based on official statistics from the North Korean government, so the real numbers could be even lower.
In 2015, the Corruption Perceptions Index deemed that North Korea (tied with Somalia) was the most corrupt nation in the world. Scores range between 0 (very corrupt) and 100 (very honorable), North Korea scored an eight.
In North Korea, the internet is a highly restricted and controlled entity, with access largely limited to government officials and select individuals. The country operates its own version of the internet, known as Kwangmyong, an intranet that is meticulously monitored and censored by the regime.
For the vast majority of North Koreans, the global internet remains out of reach, confined to a privileged few who receive special authorization. This digital isolation is part of a broader strategy to limit the flow of external information and maintain tight control over what citizens can see, hear, and believe, effectively insulating the population from foreign ideas and influences.
In Pyongyang, North Korea, "traffic girls" or female traffic officers have become an iconic symbol of the city's streets. Tasked with directing traffic in place of traffic lights, which are often unreliable due to the country's inconsistent power supply, these women are known for their highly disciplined, almost choreographed movements.
Selected for this role based on strict criteria, including age, height, and family background, they undergo rigorous training to perform their duties with precision. However, recent reports indicate a shift, with male officers increasingly taking over these roles, suggesting changes in how Pyongyang manages its traffic control.
North Korea is grappling with severe food shortages, affecting a significant portion of its population. Reports indicate that around 42% of North Koreans are malnourished, a situation exacerbated by agricultural production dropping by 180,000 tonnes last year. The government's response includes cutting daily food rations to less than 11 ounces per person, as the country requires approximately 5.5 million tons of grain annually to feed its 25 million people.
Efforts to combat these shortages have seen the deployment of the military and an increase in food ration distributions to certain areas, yet the situation remains dire, with increasing concerns over starvation-related deaths.
In North Korea, the display of portraits of the country's leaders in homes is not just a tradition but a mandatory practice deeply embedded in the fabric of society. Every household is required to prominently display images of Kim Il Sung, the nation's founder, and Kim Jong Il, his successor.
These portraits are a constant reminder of the citizens' allegiance to the Kim dynasty and serve both to inspire and intimidate the populace. The government strictly regulates the maintenance and respect for these images, with rules against folding or desecrating them, reflecting the cult-like reverence for the Kim family that pervades North Korean society.
The Ryugyong Hotel, often referred to as the "Hotel of Doom," is a towering presence in Pyongyang, North Korea. This 330-meter (1,080 ft) pyramid-shaped skyscraper began construction in 1987 but remains unfinished and unoccupied, making it one of the world's tallest empty buildings.
Initially envisioned as a symbol of North Korea's economic and architectural prowess, the project encountered numerous setbacks, including financial difficulties and construction halts. Despite its ambitious beginnings, the Ryugyong Hotel has never welcomed a single guest, standing instead as an eerie monument to unrealized potential.
In North Korea, personal appearance is not merely a matter of individual taste but is strictly regulated by the state, extending even to citizens' hairstyles. Unmarried women are particularly impacted by these regulations, as they are encouraged to keep their hair short, adhering to one of the 28 state-approved hairstyles.
This requirement is part of a broader effort to control aspects of personal identity and ensure conformity within society. While married women have slightly more leeway in their choice of hairstyles, the distinction between married and unmarried women's hair length underscores the regime's deep involvement in the personal lives of its citizens.
Kim Jong Un has vehemently criticized K-Pop, labeling it a "vicious cancer" that poses a significant threat to North Korean culture. His disdain for the popular music genre originating from South Korea is rooted in concerns over its influence on the youth, potentially corrupting their attire, hairstyles, speech, and behaviors.
The North Korean leader's harsh stance against K-Pop reflects a broader attempt to shield the country from foreign cultural influences and maintain strict control over the population's exposure to external ideas and lifestyles. This move to ban K-Pop underscores the regime's ongoing efforts to combat what it perceives as cultural infiltration.
In North Korea, the government exerts tight control over access to technology, including personal computers. Citizens must obtain specific government permission to purchase a laptop, a measure that reflects the regime's broader efforts to monitor and restrict the flow of information.
This policy is part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent exposure to foreign ideas, media, and potential dissent against the state. The highly regulated process ensures that only a limited number of individuals, often those with proven loyalty or in need for their state duties, can access such technology. This restriction further isolates the North Korean population from the global digital community.
North Korea hosts its own version of France's iconic Arc de Triomphe, known as the Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang. Erected in 1982 to commemorate Kim Il Sung's role in the resistance against Japanese occupation, it stands 60 meters (197 feet) tall, making it slightly taller than its Parisian counterpart.
This monument is not only a symbol of national pride and resistance but also serves as a testament to North Korea's penchant for constructing grandiose structures that echo famous landmarks worldwide. The Arch of Triumph, with its elaborate sculptures and inscriptions, celebrates the country's liberation narrative and showcases Pyongyang's architectural ambitions.
The Pyongyang Metro, renowned for being the deepest metro system in the world at 110 meters below ground, serves a dual purpose beyond its primary function of transportation. It is ingeniously designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of a nuclear conflict. This strategic depth provides a significant layer of protection, and the system is equipped with massive steel blast doors at each station's entrances.
These doors are capable of sealing off the space from the outside world, thereby transforming the metro into a vast underground bunker designed to safeguard the city's inhabitants during emergencies.
Faced with severe fertilizer shortages, North Korea has turned to an unconventional solution: the use of human waste as fertilizer. The government has instituted a policy requiring households to contribute their own waste to meet agricultural needs, aiming to alleviate the impact of these shortages on farming and food production.
This initiative reflects the country's desperate measures to sustain its agricultural sector amid limited resources and international sanctions. The reliance on human waste for fertilization underscores the extreme lengths to which North Korea is going to address its agricultural challenges and food security issues.
North and South Korea have technically been at war since the Korean War began in 1950. Despite the conflict's active combat operations ending in 1953, a peace treaty was never signed, only an armistice agreement.
This means that while hostilities ceased, the two Koreas remain in a state of war to this day. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a heavily fortified border, stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing tension and division. This enduring state of conflict underscores the complexities and challenges of achieving reconciliation and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea's stance on the division with South Korea is profoundly rooted in the belief that the Korean Peninsula remains a single entity, artificially divided by external forces. The North Korean government views South Koreans not as citizens of a separate state but as compatriots oppressed by what it perceives as a rebel government installed and supported by Western powers.
This perspective underpins Pyongyang's rejection of the North/South split, framing the issue as one of liberation rather than reunification. North Korea's narrative posits that its efforts are aimed at rescuing fellow Koreans from the influence of a regime it deems illegitimate, promoting a vision of eventual unification under its leadership.
Pyongyang's May Day Stadium, officially known as Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, holds the title of the largest stadium in the world by capacity. Situated on Rungra Island in the capital city of North Korea, this colossal structure was completed on May 1, 1989. It spans an impressive 20.7 hectares (51 acres) and boasts a staggering seating capacity.
While there are varying reports on its exact capacity, it is widely accepted to accommodate around 150,000 spectators, with some sources suggesting numbers up to 200,000. This monumental stadium dwarfs other large stadiums globally, including the UK's Wembley Stadium, making it a noteworthy architectural feat.
In North Korea, the portrayal of the nation's leaders in art is a matter of significant importance and strict control. Only one art studio, the Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang, holds the exclusive privilege to create artworks featuring North Korea's leaders.
Established in 1959, this prestigious institution is the largest center of art production in the country. The studio's artists are tasked with producing statues, murals, and various other forms of art depicting Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un. These artworks are not only expressions of reverence but also serve as tools for state propaganda and indoctrination.
North Korea boasts a literacy rate of 100%, a figure that stands out internationally. This claim is supported by various sources, including the CIA and UNESCO, highlighting a remarkable achievement in education within the country. The North Korean government asserts that every citizen over the age of 15 can read and write, a statistic that is mirrored across both genders.
Despite the challenges and restrictions faced by the country, this reported literacy rate suggests a significant emphasis on education and literacy. However, external verification of these statistics is limited, raising questions about the data's accuracy and the quality of education provided.
Malaysians and Singaporeans hold the unique privilege of being able to travel to North Korea without a visa, a policy reflecting the relatively more amicable diplomatic relations between these countries and the DPRK.
This arrangement allowed citizens of Malaysia and Singapore to enter North Korea for a specified duration without undergoing the standard visa application process, which is typically stringent and closely monitored.
North Korea possesses the fourth-largest military in the world, a fact that underscores the regime's prioritization of military might in its national strategy. With an estimated active duty force of over 1.2 million personnel, the Korean People's Army (KPA) is a massive entity within the global military landscape.
This substantial figure is complemented by a considerable reserve force, ready to be mobilized. North Korea's military capabilities are not just limited to manpower; they also include a significant arsenal of conventional and nuclear weapons. The size and strength of its military are often showcased in grand parades and are central to the country's identity and international posture.
North Korea's leadership, particularly Kim Jong Un, is known for a secret, lavish lifestyle starkly contrasting with the country's widespread poverty. Investigations and reports have revealed opulent details, including as many as 30 luxury villas, private islands, and an array of extravagant possessions, from yachts to private jets.
Kim Jong Un's indulgences extend to exclusive parties on his Ibiza-style island, equipped with all manner of luxury one could imagine. This level of extravagance, funded by secretive operations like Room 39, highlights a profound disparity between the elite's lifestyle and the hardships faced by ordinary North Korean citizens.
In North Korea, power outages are a frequent and pervasive issue, significantly impacting daily life and economic activities. The country's energy infrastructure is outdated and inefficient, struggling to meet the demands of its population and industries. Despite being rich in natural resources like coal, North Korea faces challenges in electricity generation and distribution, leading to widespread and unpredictable blackouts.
These outages affect not only residential areas but also critical facilities, further exacerbating the hardships faced by its citizens. The lack of reliable power is a stark indicator of the broader economic and infrastructural challenges confronting the nation.
Accordions hold a special place in North Korean culture, often referred to as the "people's instrument." Their popularity surged in the 1990s when the government initiated a policy requiring teachers to learn the accordion. It was seen as an ideal instrument for its portability and versatility, capable of accompanying both traditional Korean music and revolutionary songs.
Today, accordions are a staple in North Korean music education, with performances frequently featured in schools, public celebrations, and state events. This deep-rooted affinity underscores the accordion's role in both educational settings and the propagation of state-approved music and ideals.
Kim Jong-Un's haircut is considered "ambitious" in North Korea. Though, to the rest of the world, it looks kind of silly.
Still, men are told to copy his haircut. Furthermore, women are advised to copy his wife's haircut or keep it at bob length.
Illicit substance use in North Korea is mostly unregulated and surprisingly common compared to the rest of the world.
An estimated 30% of North Koreans use illicit substances. Uppers are mostly used as an appetite suppressant to help workers spend more time in their trades.
Rollerblading has emerged as a surprising yet popular pastime in North Korea, especially among the youth in Pyongyang. This trend gained momentum in the early 2010s when the country's first rollerblading park was opened.
Since then, rollerblading has been promoted as a healthy and modern recreational activity, aligning with the government's efforts to showcase a vibrant and youthful image of North Korea. Images and reports from state media often depict children and teenagers skating in parks and plazas, highlighting rollerblading as a symbol of leisure and happiness amidst the nation's strict and controlled social fabric.
North Korea is considered one of the least developed countries in the world, but the coal use causes its air to be heavily polluted.
The Worldwide Health Organization estimates that the country has 89 pollution-related deaths for every 100,000 people.
North Korea is surprisingly easy to access, but foreigners are not allowed to walk around the country freely.
On top of that, visitors must be accompanied at all times. International tour groups will always be accompanied by at least two guides, though a large group might be accompanied by more.
Just like the 28 approved haircuts, North Koreans also have a minimal choice for fashion. Women wear knee-long pencil skirts and short or long sleeve (no sleeveless) shirts in standard colors and patterns.
In general, bright colors are rare. Children are usually only dressed in their school uniforms. Men wear long pants with white or blue shirts. This makes everyone pretty much look the same.
All across the city of Pyongyang, you’d see propaganda billboards and various photos of Kim Il-Song and Kim Jong-Il. However, no pictures or propaganda billboards are devoted to Kim Jong-Un, nor does he appear on any official sites.
No photos, no name, no mention. Citizens claim it’s because he’s modest and doesn’t like to be photographed.
