Statistics
North Korea is an isolated nation and when talking about its size in comparison to other countries, things can often become a bit tricky. To start, North Korea is roughly 120,543 square kilometers in size, making it slightly smaller than the state of Mississippi in the United States. Colorado on the other hand, is the biggest US state spanning over 104,094 square miles (269,845 km2). North Korea is much smaller than Colorado, about eighteen times smaller! To facilitate comparison, Vietnam is of almost the same size as Colorado.
Economy
North Korea and Colorado have very different economic systems. North Korea is a communist state, a one-party system dictatorship. It has the fifth largest army in the world and its economy is heavily sanctioned by the American government and the United Nations. Colorado’s economy is driven by various sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism and technology. On the other hand, North Korea is underdeveloped and poverty-stricken. According to the World Bank, its gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is only an estimated $1,800 in 2017 dollars.
Population
North Korea’s population is estimated at 25.4 million people compared to Colorado’s 5.6 million. North Korea is one of the most densely populated countries on the planet. It is estimated to be 295.1 people per square kilometer, whereas Colorado is one of the least densely populated countries in the west and ranks as the 38th most densely populated state with a population of about 52 people per square kilometer.
Food Supply
North Korea depends heavily on food aid from other countries, particularly from China and South Korea. A large percentage of the population suffer from malnutrition and over a million people are living in extreme poverty. On the contrary, Colorado has a secure food supply and no shortage of food, providing its citizens with locally grown produce, meat, and fish.
Politics
North Korea is ruled by a communist dictatorship led by the Kim dynasty. The government is highly secretive and restrictive, with limited freedom of speech and press. Many of its citizens are heavily monitored and censored by the authorities. Conversely, Colorado has a democracy and citizens exercise their freedom of speech and press.
Education
Education in North Korea is highly regimented and focused on military-based beliefs. With only limited resources for students and no access to the internet, the country fails to inspire creativity and innovation. On the other hand, higher education in Colorado is some of the best in the United States. With a variety of top universities and colleges, the state provides its citizens with the opportunity to obtain higher education.
Culture
North Korea has a complex and unique culture. The nation’s culture is centered on traditional Confucianism and its distinctive heritage. North Korea also has its own holidays such as the Day of the Sun anniversary of the founder of the country and the Day of the Shining Star anniversary of the current president. On the contrary, Colorado is home to a diverse population from its traditional Native American tribes to its contemporary art scene.
Economic Impact
North Korea is heavily reliant on its export of mineral resources. It relies heavily on trade with China, with whom it has courted diplomatic relations in recent years. North Korea has also recently begun to embrace the world of international tourism, however this is a complex situation. Colorado is an economically prosperous state, with an abundance of resources and access to many economic opportunities. It has also embraced the world of tourism, becoming known as an outdoor paradise and hosting a variety of winter sports.
Trade
The economic trade between North Korea and the rest of the world is limited due to heavy sanctions, so the lack of options makes economic relationships difficult. Colorado, on the other hand, enjoys a variety of trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, the U.K., and Germany. The state’s access to a variety of goods and resources has allowed it to become a thriving export hub.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure in North Korea is limited due to the country’s lack of resources. The country does not have access to the internet, making it isolated from the rest of the world. Colorado on the other hand, has an extensive transportation network, with Interstates and highways leading to all the major cities. The state also has access to the internet, allowing for the spread of information and easy access to services.
Military
North Korea has the fifth largest army in the world, giving the country a certain level of power. Its military presence is persistent, making it one of the most powerful countries in the world. Colorado, on the other hand, is largely free of military presence. The state’s sizable economic power makes it a desirable partner, as opposed to an enemy.
