North Korea is a country that is also known by various other names such as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), simply North, or the Hermit Kingdom. These synonyms are used to describe this nation, which is located in East Asia near China and Russia, but is isolated from the rest of the world due to its strict governmental policies. Another synonym for North Korea is the land of the morning calm, which is a reference to the country's natural beauty and serene landscape. Regardless of the name used, North Korea remains a controversial nation that often makes headlines due to its nuclear program and human rights violations.