With a population of 24 million, North Korea (also known as the DPRK – Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), is one of the last communist regimes. It has the fourth largest army of the world

Ruled by Kim Jong Il, the country is cut off from the world. It has no internet access, no foreign TV, and a cell phone system which is only allowed to work inside the country (and is closely monitored by the government).

People are indoctrinated that their leader is God, and worship of anyone else is punishable by imprisonment or even death. It is estimated that 40,000 Christians have been imprisoned because of their faith.

Widespread famine has driven families to ration food to the most productive family members. At times they resort to eating boiled tree bark, grass or clay when no other food is available. In March 2011, the United Nations estimated that there are 6 million people in immediate need of food assistance.