Question

Hermit kingdom is _________
A. Korea
B. Palestine
C. Rome
D. Haridwar

Answer 1

Hint: The term refers to a country that has bordered itself up and closed off, from the rest of the world either physically or in spirit. The answer here has a population of 2.55 crores and its area is 120,540 square kilometres.

Complete answer: -North Korea is the correct answer. Its constitution defines it as a dictatorship of the people’s democracy.
- Its communication blockade, restriction on tourists and creation of its own time zone are just some examples of how it ensures its insulation. Defection from the country will cost an individual 8000 dollars.
- These measures reflect negatively. For instance, it has poor infrastructure, with less than 3% paved roads. It was named the most corrupt country in the world. Economically, its GDP is 1/5th of Bill Gates’ net worth. It is, however, a nuclear power.
- It is said that it's the only country of East Asia to not have benefitted from the post-Cold War era. It has peculiar rules as well, like the entire nation having only 28 approved haircuts.
- However, these claims are not blanket. North Korea sends students and workers to countries like China, Kuwait and Mongolia. Despite battling mass starvation in 1990, it has steadily gotten better financially.
The other three options are incorrect as they are located in countries where immigration and emigration are allowed, and cultural exchanges take place regularly.
Therefore, option A is correct.

Note: Its usage has historical significance too, as it started with the Joseon dynasty. Most notably the term was used by Hillary Clinton to refer to this country.