Wednesday, September 9, 1998 Published at 09:12 GMT 10:12 UK
Inside the Secret State
North Korea enters its second half-century isolated and impoverished. Its population is ravaged by chronic food shortages. In this special report BBC correspondents lift the lid on the world's most secretive state.
The BBC's Korean specialist Angie Knox reflects on a country of illusion, contrasts and ... unexpected beauty.
ALSO: Like father like son: Kim Jong-il profile
With the world's fifth largest army and a known nuclear capacity, Pyongyang remains a threat to regional peace.
ALSO: Analysis: New fears over missile programme
Food shortages have got so bad, people are reported to be eating grass and tree bark. More than two million may have died - now food aid has become a political weapon.
ALSO: UN appeals for more aid
The border with the South remains one of last remnants of the Cold War. But if the walls come tumbling down, how will Seoul cope?
ALSO: Political history of North Korea