I would say the flaw with North Korea could be better explained with overspending on the military.

>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