North Korea: snapshots of life in Pyongyang

An immigration official checks the passports of passengers arriving at Pyongyang airport Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

A view of Pyongyang and the Taedong river Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

A policewoman directs traffic in the city centre Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Locals stroll around a residential neighbourhood Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Thousands of people use coloured cards to form the symbol for the atom during a 'mass games' performance Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Commuters pass apartment blocks on a tram Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Locals stroll around a residential area in central Pyongyang Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

A man walks past a newly-constructed apartment block Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Thousands of people use coloured cards to form an image of a saluting child in military uniform during a 'mass games' performance Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

A car passes by as students tour Kim Il-sung square Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

A soldier's hat sits on a desk inside a study room at the Grand People's Study Hall. Portraits of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il hang on the far wall Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Juche Tower dominates the skyline across from Kim Il-sung square Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Thousands of people use coloured cards to form an image of revolutionary figures during a 'mass games' performance Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Soldiers and civilians make their way up the steps to a statue of North Korea's founder Kim Il-sung to pay their respects Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Schoolgirls chose from different image styles as they prepare to have their photos taken by a souvenir portrait photographer Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

A guide at the War Museum gives a lecture in front of a backdrop showing the 1950 battle of Taejon during the Korean war Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Thousands of people use coloured cards to form images as gymnasts perform on the field below during a 'mass games' performance Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Performers carry hoola hoops as they walk past soldiers after a 'mass games' performance Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Dancers perform during a 'mass games' event Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Spectators watch a 'mass games' performance Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP

Thousands of people use coloured cards to form the words 'long live the fatherland of the Great Leader' during a 'mass games' performance Photograph: David Guttenfelder/AP