Area: 98,480 sq.km (38,033 sq. miles); 15,58% arable, 1% meadows and pastures, 67% forest and woodland, 10% other. Coastline: 2,413km (1,500 miles). Maritime claims: Territorial waters 22km (12nm), contiguous zone 44km (22nm), EEZ 370km (200nm). Population: 48,636,068 (July 2010 est.); annual growth rate 0.258% (2010 est.). The population is racially homogeneous with a small Chinese minority (about 20,000). Religions: 26,3% Christian, 23,2% Buddist, 3% Confucianist, Shamanism, Chondokyo, 47,5% none Language: Korean. Literacy rate: 98%. Long-form or legal name: Republic of Korea (Daehan Minkuk). Type of government: Presidential Republic. Administrative divisions: 9 provinces, 7 metropolitan cities. Legal system: Combines elements of continental European civil law systems, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought. Judiciary headed by Supreme Court. Branches of government: Strong presidency; State Council (cabinet) appointed by the President on Prime Minister's recommendation; unicameral legislative (298-seat Kukhoe or National Assembly). Suffrage: Universal over age 19.
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