This work is written to be accessible to readers with no background in statistics or economics, including students, policy makers, journalists, and relief workers. After presenting background on the reliability of the data and on the historical roots of North Korea, the book provides separate sections on social, anthropometric, and economic perspectives. Coverage encompasses 1948 to the present. The section on social perspectives looks at social status, family, gender, food, public health, education, media and mobility, and national security. Later chapters cover anthropometric and economic perspectives. This investigation of socioeconomic issues in North Korea draws on UN data as well as qualitative data and secondary literature ranging from books and newspaper articles to North Korean defectors' testimonies. Some of the data were released by South Korean authorities, UN agencies, and the German Federal Statistical Office; there is also data from 10,000 North Korean individuals surveyed inside North Korea by international organizations, as well as 7,000 North Korean escapees interviewed in South Korea. The book also relies on information released by the North Korean government and the government-controlled Korean News Agency. B&w maps and charts are included. Schwekendiek holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Tuebingen, Germany. Annotation ⓒ2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

1. Background 2. Social Perspectives 3. Anthropometric Perspectives 4. Economic Perspectives 5. Conclusion