General information

Capital : Seoul

Population : South Korea - 44.6 million (2000); North Korea - 25 million (1997)

Area of korean peninsula : 221,607 sq km - similar in size to New Zealand and the UK

Area of south korea : 99,237 sq km with 70% being mountainous

Number of islands : Approximately 3,000

Official languages : Korean

Currency : Won (US$1= 1050 W)

Main cities : Seoul , Pusan , Taegu , Inchon

National slower : Mugunghwa or Rose of Sharon

Government

Form : Democracy

Independent : 1945

Head of state : President : No Mu Hyun

Head of government : President

Legislature : Gook-hwa (National Assembly)

Executive : President

Judiciary : Supreme Court (Highest Court)

National economy

Livestock : Cattle, pigs, chickens

Mining : Cement, iron, coal, lead

Industries : IT products,  Cell Phone, Computers, electronics, automobiles, shipbuilding, steel, textiles

Main exports : IT products, Cell Phone, Computers, electronics, automobiles, shipbuilding, steel, textiles

Trading partners : China , United States , Germany ,  England , Japan , Canada

People ethnic composition : 99% ethnic Koreans.