Pyongyang

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Capital and largest city of North Korea, lying in the west of the country on the Taedong River, 50 km/30 mi inland from the Yellow Sea; population (2002 est) 2,724,700, conurbation 3,171,800. It is the leading commercial, transport, and manufacturing centre of North Korea, and industries include aircraft, tractors and electrical vehicles, iron and steel, armaments, textiles, chemicals, machinery, ceramics, and rubber products.

History
According to legend, Pyongyang was founded in 1122 BC, making it the oldest city in Korea. As early as the 3rd century BC, it was the capital of the Choson kingdom. Its history has been marked by a series of invasions from China and Japan, and the Japanese occupation of the country 1910–45 gave a strong stimulus to industrial development. Following World War II, in 1948 Kim Il Sung founded the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, a communist state which he ruled until his death in 1994. He was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong Il.

Green symbolizes hopes of prosperity. Yellow stands for economic development and work. Blue represents peace and happiness. The sun represents light and enlightenment. Effective date: 31 December 2001. >>