Final answer:
The Earth's north magnetic pole is actually a magnetic south pole, located near the geographic North Pole, where the north pole of a compass needle points.
Step-by-step explanation
When discussing the Earth's north magnetic pole, it is crucial to correct a common misconception. Although the term north magnetic pole suggests that it is a magnetic north pole, it is, in fact, a magnetic south pole. This is because the Earth acts like a large bar magnet, with the south-seeking pole of this magnet located near the geographic North Pole. Consequently, the north pole of a compass needle is attracted to this point because it is the south magnetic pole of Earth's internal magnet.
It's also worth noting that Earth's magnetic poles have not been static throughout geological history. The north magnetic pole, where a compass points north, has switched between being the effective north and south poles of Earth's bar magnet multiple times over the age of Earth.