South Korea is a country swathed in green, prodding its stony fingers skyward, and the Koreans are a people obsessed with nature, and with mountains in particular. Wherever you travel, you'll see Koreans out in the open air, clad in the latest adventure fashions, pushing ever onward and upward.

With China looming to its west and Japan nudging it from the east, it's no wonder the country has played unwilling host to centuries of war games. But no matter how many times its neighbours try to swallow it, South Korea manages to survive intact.

South Koreans attribute their indefatigable culture to the binding agents of Confucianism, language and pride. The stunning landscape has also played a big part in creating a cohesive Korean identity.

Full country name: Republic of Korea
Area: 99,373 sq km
Population: 48 million
Capital City: Seoul (pop 10.3 million)
People: Korean
Language: Korean
Religion: 25% Christianity, 25% Buddhism, Confucianism, Shamanism, 50% none.
Government: republic
Head of State: President Roh Moo-hyun
Head of Government: Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan

GDP: US$475 billion
GDP per capita: US$19,600
Annual Growth: 2%
Inflation: 4%
Major Industries: Shipbuilding, cars, machinery, electronics, chemicals, textiles
Major Trading Partners: USA, Japan, China
Member of EU: No

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