It is the oldest order in the country, having been established in 1948, just six weeks after the North Korean state was founded.

The order is awarded to both individuals and organizations, for political, cultural or economic work.

Foreign recipients include politicians such as Fidel Castro, Hosni Mubarak and Siad Barre.

[3] It can be awarded to individuals and to organizations or workplaces for achievements in military service[4] or political, cultural, or economic work.

[7] Disabled and retired recipients receive an annual salary along with the order.