[kabouseng]

Similar reason why the earth north pole is actually a magnetic south pole :) It was decided by convention / definition.

For those whom it isn't clear what I mean. Compass magnet's north poles point north, which is only possible if the earth's north pole is magnetically a south pole.

[janto]

If anything, it's an issue with a magnet's naming. My understanding is that the North pole/direction got its name first.