The traditional Korean Taeguk flag (still used by South Korea) was official in North Korea until July 10, 1948, when the current flag was introduced. Its red stripe and star are for the country's commitment to communism, while blue is said to stand for a commitment to peace. The white stripes stand for purity, strength, and dignity.

Korea, North Official name: Choson Minjujuui In'min Konghwaguk (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Form of government: unitary single-party republic with one legislative house (Supreme People's Assembly [687]). Chief of state: Head of State. Head of state and government: Premier. Population (1998): 21,234,000. Population projection: (2000) 21,688,000; (2010) 23,505,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 17.2 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$20,867,000,000 (U.S.$970 per capita). Land use (1994): forested 61.2%; meadows and pastures 0.4%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 16.6%; other 21.8%.