Who runs it

People

The three Kims, their family and the officials around Kim Jong Un - with photos.

EXPLORE →The dynasty

Family tree

Three generations of the Kim bloodline, from Kim Il Sung to Kim Jong Un - and his daughter.

EXPLORE →1.32 million troops

Military

In depth: nuclear weapons, missiles, army, navy, air force, cyber, troops in Russia - and a map of 35 bases and the DMZ.

EXPLORE →46% undernourished

Economy and hunger

A $34bn economy that buys 99% of its imports from China.

EXPLORE →53% have power

Energy

Why the country goes dark at night: blackouts, solar panels, oil and sanctions.

EXPLORE →34,538 escaped

Defectors

How many North Koreans reach the South each year - and why it collapsed.

EXPLORE →Up to 120,000 prisoners

Human rights

Political prison camps, public executions and the law that punishes K-dramas with death.

EXPLORE →477 markets

Daily life

How people really live: markets, wages, school, phones and travel permits.

EXPLORE →177th of 180

Propaganda and media

State TV, fixed radios, the cult of the Kims and the info war at the border.

EXPLORE →3 classes, 51 ranks

Class system

Songbun: how your grandparents decide your job, school and home.

EXPLORE →China and Russia

The world

Allies, enemies, summits and closed embassies.

EXPLORE →9 UN resolutions

Sanctions

What is banned - and how North Korea cheats.

EXPLORE →1945 to today

History

Eight decades of North Korea in one timeline.

EXPLORE →#1 for persecution

Religion

The worst place on earth to be a Christian.

EXPLORE →100,090 performers

Sport and culture

Mass Games, World Cup heroics and the K-pop ban.

EXPLORE →~74 years

Health

"Free" health care that patients pay for - and the leader's own doctors.

EXPLORE →3.3m in Pyongyang

Cities

The 12 biggest cities and what each is known for.

EXPLORE →110m underground

Transport

The deep metro, the slow trains, one airline and the new bridge to China.

EXPLORE →