traditionally Buddhist and Confucianist, some Christian and syncretic Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way) note: autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent; government-sponsored religious groups exist to provide illusion of religious freedom
Muslim (Shia and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8% (2001 census)
Languages
Korean
Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu
Exports
petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles
External Debt
$25,270,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
Bahraini dinars (BHD) per US dollar - 0.376 (2008 est.), 0.376 (2007), 0.376 (2006), 0.376 (2005), 0.376 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
4.500%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
6
1
Location
Eastern Asia, northern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, between China and South Korea
Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia
Area
120,538 km sq
760 km sq
Coastline
2,495 km
161 km
Climate
temperate with rainfall concentrated in summer
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
