Allies
The two that matter
China
Only treaty ally since 1961
Mutual-defence treaty still in force. Buys 83% of exports and supplies 99% of imports. Source
Russia
Defence pact, 2024
Kim and Putin promised military help. 10,000+ North Korean troops have fought for Russia. More
2023
Dozens of embassies closed
Including Spain, Hong Kong and much of Africa - likely because sanctions made them too costly. Source
Rivals
The ones it threatens
Hostile state
South Korea
In 2024 Kim ruled out reunification, tore down the Arch of Reunification and called the South a separate enemy. Source
None
US diplomatic relations
Sweden handles US consular matters. Kim met Donald Trump in Singapore, Hanoi and at the DMZ in 2018-19. Source
None
Japan relations
Missiles fly over Japan; the abductions of Japanese citizens are still unresolved. More
2000
Relations with the UK
Britain is one of the few Western countries with an embassy in Pyongyang. Source
More inside North Korea
Who runs it, the military, energy, daily life and more.
Sources
Where this comes from
Figures are public estimates and may be dated - North Korea publishes almost no statistics.