If you were to question a local in North Korea regarding the issue of famine in the country, they'll tell you it's because of the massive inclement weather they've had to suffer.

But if you dig deeper into geographical reasons, political reasons and then include the common blame of weather, you'll find the true story as to why so many are dying of starvation in North Korea in the twenty first century. Digging into the history of North Korea you can find a definitive timeline of evidence that substantiates the cause of so much hunger and death.

In 1997, statistics were relayed throughout the world that 5 million of the 24 million people who populate North Korea were malnourished. Now in 2008, it is believed millions have died and the famine crisis is still to worsen.

SOME REASONS FOR FAMINE IN NORTH KOREA

~Rugged Terrain

Most of North Korea is mountainous and doesn't make it ideal for farming and agriculture. Much of the land in North Korea cannot be farmed due to this, and the small area that can be used for farming has suffered from weather problems for many years.

~Weather

A number of typhoons have unleashed their fury in North Korea since 1995 to present day, causing flooding and the upheaval of its population. Throughout the summer months, some of the farming has also suffered through drought. These areas, once fertile are now great dustbowls where farmers still try to manipulate the land to no avail.

~Politics

Much of the famine in North Korea can be attributed to politics. The country relied heavily on the support from its neighbor Russia for fuel and food donations. In 1989 we saw the collapse of the Soviet Union who then withdrew their aid they were previously contributing to North Korea.

Fuel shortages soon began to arise in North Korea that was used for essential farming and irrigation equipment. Farming equipment was soon abandoned and left to whither away, not used to cultivate crops and the land and creating massive food shortages throughout the country.

Along with withdrawing essential supplies, the Soviet Union and China also withdrew much of their food supply they were sending into North Korea too. Once the country was hit with a massive flood, it sent millions of people into hunger and starvation.
~Individual Food Management

The communist regime that exists in North Korea put a stop to individual farmer markets and trading amongst village people. A policy set forth by communist countries usually

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