Population: 45 million.
Area: 98,000 sq km. Sea of Japan to the east and Yellow Sea to the west. Border between North and South Korea lies roughly on 38th parallel.
Capital: Seoul, population 12.5 million.
People: Koreans, North and South, are from same ethnic group, speak same language.
Government: South Korea directly elects president since 1987. Two-thirds of National Assembly are elected for four-year term. Remaining seats distributed proportionately among parties winning five seats or more in election.
Economy: Export-driven. Annual per capita income $10,548 (1996).
GNP: $480.4 billion (1996).
Exports: $129.72 billion (1996). Electronics, electrical goods, machinery, ships, cars, textiles, steel.
Imports: $150.34 billion (1996). Crude oil, metals, coal, grain, machinery and electronic parts.
Armed Forces: Total 690,000.
