Is North Korea a Communist Economy Developing?

Despite North Korea’s government’s emphasis on a cabinet role for economic management, the country has not made much progress in improving the standard of living for its citizens. In fact, there are more powerful interests in the country that are actively working against its development. While the country is still very poor, some recent economic reports indicate that it is making progress.

Economic crisis

North Korea is one of the few countries in the world that does not publish conventional data on poverty, gender inequality, and income inequality. The government has deliberately increased the segmentation of society as a means of political stabilization and to keep the government in power. This is reflected in a lack of horizontal communication and wide gaps in wealth and opportunity between the people of Pyongyang and the rest of the country.

There is no public safety net for the people of North Korea. Since the early 1990s, there has been little or no state-funded social assistance for citizens of the country. The state sector has been crumbling, leaving the country in an economic crisis. Men and women are obligated to report to work every day, but women can engage in commercial activities in markets. The women in the family earn income that helps them maintain their families.

The North Korean economy has been in recession for several years now. It has been plagued by economic problems that have forced the country to develop its industrial sector. In the 1990s, the country faced the threat of starvation due to an over-exploitation of arable land. In addition, rain has washed out fertile soil in the mountains and polluted rivers. In addition, the government has exploited resources like timber, seafood, and other natural resources for short-term goals.