Since opening up to international humanitarian aid in 1995, North Korea has allowed at least 215 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to run projects in the country. 

These groups come from all over the globe, and have engaged in a diverse range of work, from one-off shipments of material aid to long-term projects aimed at strengthening capacities.

The vast majority of NGOs that have worked in the DPRK come from the Republic of Korea (South Korea) or the United States. At least 59 American groups have worked in North Korea.

This is notable in the context of the