North Korea and Florida are two regions of the world with vastly different sizes, population and culture. North Korea is a totalitarian state on the Korean Peninsula that borders South Korea, China and Russia. Florida is a US state in the southeastern corner. How big is North Korea in comparison to Florida? We will explore this question in the following paragraphs.
According to the World Bank, North Korea is slightly smaller than the US state of Mississippi which measure 120, 558.69 square km. In comparison, Florida is much larger and covers over 170,000 square km with 528 miles of coastline. North Korea fares somewhat better when it comes to population. Its estimated population of 25 million people in 2019 is still dwarfed by Florida’s 21 million people.
When it comes to infrastructure, North Korea hold the clear lead. For all its problems, North Korea often takes pride in its infrastructure and has made concerted efforts to improve it over the past few years. North Korea’s extensive system of highways and railways, powered by agricultural and industrial schemes, is an impressive feat. Florida’s infrastructure is wide-ranging and advanced, but North Korea’s can sometimes have a charm of its own. However, North Korea’s infrastructure development has been hampered by UN sanctions for its nuclear activities and its refusal to offer a timeline for denuclearization.
In terms of economic development, North Korea is far behind its neighbor South Korea. While the South has flourished economically with its export-led growth strategy and high levels of foreign direct investment, North Korea’s closed-off, international banking system and centrally planned economy have led to a much slower economic growth. Florida, on the other hand, has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, with an expanding tourism and services sector, as well as a growing tech industry.
It is often difficult to obtain information on North Korea, such as its education and health system due to its closed off nature. However, there is some evidence to suggest that North Korea’s health system is overstretched and underfunded. Florida has a more developed and well-funded health system, making it a more desirable place to live for many. On the flip side, North Korea may have done better in the area of education. North Korea’s primary and secondary school system is quite well-developed and provides a platform for its citizens to enter higher education.
When we compare North Korea to Florida, it is apparent that North Korea is smaller in area yet more crowded in population, and has a more developed infrastructure. However its economic development is significantly behind Florida’s. The sector with the most similarity is education, where both nations have developed achievable standards of education.
North Korea’s Political System Compared To Florida
North Korea’s political system is markedly different to Florida’s. North Korea is a totalitarian state, in which the ruling family, headed by Kim Jong-Un, holds absolute power. The ruling Korean Workers’ Party and its subordinate organizations determine the state’s policy and principles and participants in political life must abide by the decisions of its leadership. In comparison, Florida is a representative democracy, in which the people are ultimately responsible for decision making, by voting for both state and national officials to lead the state.
North Korea’s politics and media are heavily controlled by the rulers. The media is censored and government-controlled, and dissent is not tolerated. In Florida, the media is relatively independent and government-controlled, meaning that news and opinion can be freely expressed without fear of retribution. In addition, media outlets are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
The legal system of North Korea is equally repressive and lacks the kind of human rights protections found in Florida. North Korea’s punishments are often extreme and political prisoners are often treated poorly. There is no independent judiciary system in North Korea and the death penalty is often used for perceived criminal and political offenses. Florida, by comparison, does not have the death penalty due to the US Constitution guaranteeing its citizens the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Consequently, it is clear that North Korea and Florida have significantly contrasting political systems. North Korea is a totalitarian state, in which the ruling party has absolute control and dissent is not tolerated. Florida operates as a democracy, with citizens electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf and the media is protected by the First Amendment.
North Korea’s Foreign Relations Compared To Florida
North Korea and Florida’s foreign relations vary greatly. North Korea’s foreign policy is often seen as confrontational and aggressive, with a particular focus on the United States and its allies in East Asia. Its nuclear and ballistic missile program has been one of the main flashpoints in its relations with the US, and has led to sanctions and accusations by multiple countries.
In comparison, Florida takes a more traditional diplomatic approach to foreign relations. This is primarily due to it being a US state and part of the federal government. Its foreign relations are focused more on economic and security ties with other countries, often seeking to bolster free trade and diplomatic ties between nations.
The tourism industry is an important driver of both North Korea’s and Florida’s foreign relations. North Korea has seen significant investments from foreign nations and companies in recent years, particularly from China and Russia. In Florida, tourism contributes significantly to the economy and has boomed in recent years, with tourists from all over the world flocking to its shores. Tourism plays an important role in connecting foreign cultures and brings much needed revenue to both regions.
It is thus apparent that North Korea and Florida have vastly differing approaches to foreign relations. North Korea’s is far more confrontational and its main focus is on its relations with the United States. Meanwhile, Florida is focused more on economic ties, diplomatic relations and tourism with other countries.
North Korea’s Culture Compared To Florida
North Korea and Florida also differ significantly in terms of their culture. North Korea has a rich history and culture that has been shaped by its communist ideology, Confucianism and traditional shamanism. North Korea’s ideology emphasizes the importance of the group over the individual and there is a strong sense of loyalty to the nation. At the same time, there is an appreciation for the arts and culture, with the people being particularly passionate about traditional Korean folk songs, dance and martial arts.
In comparison, Florida’s culture is heavily influenced by its location within the United States. Its native population consists of a mix of African Americans, Native Americans and Europeans, resulting in a unique culture with its own unique traditions. Music, literature, cuisine and the visual arts are all heavily intertwined with the region’s history and are reflective of its diverse population. The main religions in Florida are Christianity and Judaism.
North Korea and Florida also differ significantly in terms of how they choose to spend their leisure time. In North Korea, leisure is heavily regulated and citizens are discouraged from engaging in activities that are perceived as western or critical of the government. In comparison, Florida’s citizens enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities, ranging from outdoor activities such as fishing and camping, to art galleries and museums.
It is thus clear that North Korea and Florida have vastly different cultures. North Korea’s is heavily regulated and influenced by its communist system, while Florida’s is heavily influenced by its location within the United States and its diverse population.
North Korea’s Technology Compared To Florida
North Korea and Florida also differ when it comes to their use of technology. North Korea relies heavily on its military technology, and its nuclear and ballistic missile program have been a major point of contention with the United States in recent years. North Korea’s economy has been severely hampered by UN sanctions, and its efforts to modernize the country’s infrastructure and technology have been frustrated by a lack of access to the latest technology and investment.
In comparison, Florida has seen a surge in its use of technology in recent years. The state has made concerted efforts to attract the latest technology to its shores and the region has become a hub for startup companies and entrepreneurs. Florida has also made significant investments in its infrastructure, particularly its transport network, which has greatly improved its connectivity with other cities in the US.
North Korea and Florida also differ in terms of their use of the internet. In North Korea, the internet is heavily censored, with only a few privileged members of the ruling class having access to the global web. In comparison, Florida enjoys a much more robust access to the internet and the freedom to use it without restrictions.
Therefore, it is evident that North Korea and Florida have significantly different approaches to the use of technology. North Korea relies heavily on military technology, while Florida has embraced the latest technology and startup boom. North Korea’s access to the internet is heavily restricted, while Florida has access to the global web.
