Korea, North

North Korea is one of the world’s most reclusive societies. Although its leadership recently transitioned, the small Asian country has been a security concern for the United States since the end of World War II and has been at war with the United States since the Korean War Armistice was signed in 1953. North Korea continues to cause tension in the Far East, building nuclear and other weapons and threatening war with South Korea and its allies. This entry examines the history and economy of North Korea, the influence of controlling leaders such as Kim Il Sung and his progeny, North Korea’s relationship with South Korea and other countries, and its nuclear program.