North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea [DPRK] is probably the most closed country in the world. While the last 20 years have seen the dramatic collapse of Communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe and the steady opening up of Asia’s other Communist countries, North Korea has fought hard to remain tightly shut.
Population: 22.5 million; Density: 186 per square km
North Korea, like South Korea, is ethnically homogeneous, with a few ethnic Japanese and a small Chinese community beside the Korean majority.
Religions: Non-religious 64.3%; Traditional ethnic 16%; Chondogyo 13.5%; Buddhist 4.5%; Christian 1.7%
All religions have been heavily repressed and few autonomous religious activities continue. Christians meet in secret, in small house churches gathering in fields, attics, caves, dugout areas and enclosed spaces inside houses. It is difficult for more than eight people to meet together at one time. Any unauthorized assembly is regarded as a “collective disturbance.” A few government-sponsored churches exist to provide the illusion of religious freedom.
NK country profile.pdf
