A Socioeconomic History of North Korea

By Daniel Schwekendiek

Even as its rise as a nuclear power unfolds on the nightly news, North Korea remains arguably the most mysterious country in the world. A virtual blackout of statistical information coming from the reclusive regime has shrouded the day-to-day lives of its inhabitants in secrecy.

This groundbreaking study--which relies on rare U.N.-assisted household data and carefully scrutinized propaganda materials--offers the first comprehensive examination of the social and economic history of North Korea from its founding in 1948 to the present day.

Included are a chronicle of the political formation of the two Koreas, an exploration of the social aspects of life in North Korea, a discussion of the country's economic structure and development, and cutting-edge anthropometric analysis that reveals how life in seclusion has affected the physical development of North Koreans. A concluding socioeconomic forecast predicts what lies ahead for the "hermit kingdom."

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786463449
• ISBN13: 9780786463442
• Release Date: May 2011
• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.0" x 10.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher