Why North Korea Can Counterfeit Dollars but Nepal Can’t Print Its Own Currency Notes: The Real Truth
Many people are surprised when they hear that North Korea has produced some of the world’s most sophisticated counterfeit US dollars, known as “supernotes.” At the same time, Nepal often sends its own currency designs abroad—to India, China, or Europe—for printing.
This raises a natural question:
If North Korea can create near-perfect US dollar fakes, why can’t Nepal simply print its own money at home?
The answer is more complex than it seems. Let’s break it down clearly.
North Korea’s Counterfeiting: A Secret Operation, Not a Capability Badge
1. North Korea does it illegally
Counterfeiting currency is a global crime. But North Korea operates outside many international laws due to heavy sanctions. It uses illegal methods to generate foreign currency for survival.
2. They invest in high-end printing specifically for covert operations
The regime reportedly acquired:
This was done secretly through intelligence networks and black-market channels. Their only motive: earning US dollars covertly.
3. They don’t care about consequences
North Korea is already isolated. More sanctions or diplomatic pressure don’t change their situation dramatically, so they take risks other nations won’t.
Bottom line:
North Korea’s ability to counterfeit dollars is not a sign of technological advancement, but rather a sign of political isolation and economic desperation.
Nepal’s Case: It’s Not That Nepal “Cannot” Print Notes
1. Nepal can design and authorize its own currency
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) designs:
So the idea that “Nepal cannot even print its own notes” is not accurate.
2. Nepal chooses to outsource printing — and this is normal
Many small and medium economies outsource their banknote printing because:
- A high-security printing press costs hundreds of millions of dollars
- Advanced anti-counterfeit technology requires constant upgrades
- Producing small volumes in-house is economically inefficient
- Security measures (surveillance, staff vetting, secure storage) are expensive
Countries like:
all outsource part or all of their currency printing.
3. Outsourcing ensures high-quality, secure notes
Foreign high-security printing companies specialize in:
For a country with lower print volume like Nepal, outsourcing provides more secure notes at a lower cost.
Why Nepal Doesn’t Build Its Own High-Security Printing Press (Yet)
Building a national printing press requires:
- Expensive machinery
- Multiple secure buildings
- Military-level security
- Continuous R&D investment
- Specialized training
- Bulk production to justify costs
Nepal’s low annual printing volume means:
the investment cannot be recovered easily.
However, discussions about building a currency printing press in Nepal have happened several times. If economic conditions improve, Nepal could still choose to build one in the future.
North Korea vs. Nepal: A Clear Comparison
|
Factor |
North Korea |
Nepal |
|
Printing purpose |
Illegal dollar counterfeiting |
Legal national currency |
|
Follow international law |
No |
Yes |
|
Economic situation |
Isolated, sanctioned |
Open, regulated |
|
Technology |
Secret, black-market acquired |
Outsourced high-tech printing |
|
Reason for action |
Survive sanctions |
Reduce cost and ensure quality |
Nepal doesn’t lack capability — it follows global rules and makes practical decisions.
Conclusion
The difference is simple:
- North Korea prints illegal money because it is desperate and isolated.
- Nepal prints legal money abroad because it is practical, secure, and cost-effective.
Nepal is not “incapable” of printing its own notes. It simply chooses the option that provides the highest-quality currency with the least risk and cost.
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