Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink sold around the world except Cuba and North Korea. It was invented in the late 19th century by John Pemberton and bought by businessman Asa Griggs Candler, whose marketing led Coke to dominate the global soft drink market in the 20th century. Though many local brands compete with Coke internationally, it remains the top-selling soft drink worldwide due to its iconic status and marketing tactics over decades.