Dmitry;

If the measurement of literacy is knowledge of the world then North Koreans must be extremely frustrated. On the other hand if literacy means love of your plight then they are probably amongst the happiest and best-educated people in the world.

Just enjoy watching your children die of starvation while your government threatens the world with nuclear war and a continuation of the unresolved “Korean War”. Such a concept of literacy is frightening.


Tom

>The facts are interesting. One can explain it as a result of a totalitarian government. You can force children into schools and keep them there until they achieve a certain level of literacy (whatever criteria is used). But to eliminate the poverty and malnutrition you need a strong economy. Government can't force good economy. Totalitarian government will cause just the opposite effect on the economy. So the figures are logical, to me.
>
>>Some interesting North Korean stats
>>- 5th largest military (30% of GDP spent on this)
>>- almost 100% literacy rate
>>- 60% of children are malnurished
>>
>>http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/northkorea/facts.html