II.

Land and Resources

North Korea is extremely mountainous and marked by deep, narrow valleys. A complex system of ranges and spurs extends across the country in a generally north-eastern to south-western direction. The most prominent mountain range is the Nangnim, in the north-central region. Mount Paektu (2,744 m/9,003 ft), on the Chinese border, is the highest peak. Lowland plains comprise only about one fifth of the total area and are largely confined to the country’s western coast and to the several broad river valleys of the west. Fertile alluvial soils are found in these river valleys. Most of the soils in the mountainous regions lack organic material and are relatively infertile.

A.

Rivers and Lakes

Nearly all the major rivers of North Korea rise in the mountains and flow west to the Yellow Sea. The longest river, the Yalu (Amnok), forms part of the border with China. Other streams include the Taedong, Ch’ong-ch’on, and Chaeryong. Of the major rivers, only the Tumen flows to the eastern coast to empty into the Sea of Japan.

B.

Climate

North Korea has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The average July temperature at P’yǒngyang is 24.4° C (76° F). Winter temperatures at Wǒnsan, in the south, average -3.9° C (25° F) but are considerably lower in the north. Annual precipitation in most parts of the country is about 1,000 mm (40 in) and is concentrated in the summer months.

C.

Natural Resources

North Korea is one of the richer nations in Asia in terms of mineral resources. Major reserves are found of coal, iron ore, tungsten, magnesite, and graphite. Among the other minerals present are gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and molybdenum.

D.

Plants and Animals

Extensive coniferous forests are found in the country’s mountainous interior. Predominant species include spruce, pine, larch, fir, and cedar. The lowland areas of the west have been deforested and are under cultivation. Because of deforestation, large indigenous mammals of North Korea, which include leopards, tigers, deer, bears, and wolves, are becoming increasingly rare, and are confined to remote forested regions. Bird life includes crane, heron, eagle, and snipe.

E.

Environmental Concerns

North Korea is diplomatically and politically isolated from most of the world, making it difficult to accurately assess the health of the country's environment. North Korea does not produce enough food to be self-sufficient and relies upon agricultural imports to feed its population. Of the country's land, 14 per cent (1997) is arable, and 12 per cent (1997) is irrigated. Severe flooding during 1995 and poor growing conditions in subsequent years have led to serious food shortages. A joint study by UNICEF and the European Union (EU) in 1998 found that 62 per cent of North Korean children have stunted growth, a symptom of chronic malnutrition. The United States, the EU, South Korea, and international aid organizations have initiated large-scale relief efforts to ease the famine.

In 1993 the United Nations (UN) recognized two protected areas in North Korea, although only 2.6 per cent (1997) of the country's land area is officially protected. Many plant and animal species inhabit a heavily militarized area at the border between North and South Korea. An unknown number of land mines have been buried along North Korea's borders, threatening the country's human and animal populations. Forests cover 51 per cent (1995) of the country. Since the 1970s, it has been government policy to replant logged forests.

North Korea has ratified international agreements protecting biodiversity and the ozone layer. The country has also signed treaties limiting marine pollution, chemical and biological weapons, and whaling.