North Korea is land area of approximately 46,540 square miles. It’s roughly the same size as the US State of Virginia. The population size for North Korea is estimated to be 25 million people, the population size for Virginia is 8 million.
The similarities between North Korea and Virginia run much deeper than the land area they share. Both states have significant parts of their economy based on agriculture and tourism. According to the Commonwealth of Virginia website, “Virginia is a global leader in agriculture and forestry production and ranks ninth in agricultural exports among US states.” The study also states that Virginia has the highest purchasing power among consumers in the US, an important factor for companies around the world that invest in Virginia.
North Korean state media has consistently reported that the economy has largely shifted from an agrarian-based to an industrial focus. However, agricultural production remains a significant component of the North Korean economy. According to Korea Economic Institute experts, “agriculture still plays an important role, and it absorbs nearly 40 percent of the labor force.” This only further emphasizes the similarities between North Korea and Virginia’s economic structures.
The strategic location of both countries is another common point. Both states are on the border of other countries. North Korea borders China and Russia. Virginia also borders two countries – Canada and the United States of America. Both states boast mountainous terrain, while Virginia also has beaches. Virginia’s proximity to the Atlantic has a positive economic impact, with ports playing a vital role in shipping and trade. These are all strategic benefits for both North Korea and Virginia.
It is also interesting to note that North Korea and Virginia have an important military component to their economies. According to the US Defense Department, Virginia is currently the top state in terms of annual defense spending, with an estimated spending of $60 billion. North Korea also places emphasis on military and security as it spends close to 25 percent of its annual budget on defense and security. This further demonstrates the resemblance of the two countries’ economic structures.
Similar Cultures
The cultures of North Korea and Virginia are also surprisingly similar. North Korean culture is based on a combination of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Socialism. Similarly, Virginia has an established culture of political conservatism. Both states also have their own cuisine and traditional music, making them both a destination for cultural tourists.
The economies of both countries also have a limited reliance on global trade, a point of commonality. Due to sanctions and other restrictions, North Korea’s economic activity is largely domestic-oriented and focuses on the development of industry and agriculture. Virginia’s economy is also largely domestic-oriented due to its limited trade with other states and foreign countries. This limit on trade contributes to Virginia’s relative autonomy when trading with other states.
Virginia and North Korea also have shared ideologies when it comes to civil and human rights. There is a respect for individual rights and freedom of expression in Virginia when compared to the authoritarian nature of North Korean society.
Similar Education Structures
North Korea and Virginia have similar education structures. Both states have schools from elementary to university levels. In North Korea, children attend school from ages 6 to 18 beginning with primary education. These are followed by secondary and then post-secondary education. Virginia follows a similar structure with the same levels of education but they are divided into different levels.
According to the US Census Bureau, Virginia trails the national average in terms of the number of residents with a high school diploma or higher. The percentage of residents who hold a college degree is slightly higher than the national average. In North Korea, the exact figures are harder to come by but there are estimates that suggest that the literacy rate is higher than the world average.
Both states also focus on technical and vocational training. North Korea offers a wide range of vocational training programs, from carpentry to medical services. Virginia also has technical training programs with a focus on healthcare, hospitality and IT.
Similar Business Structures
Although the business structures of North Korea and Virginia largely differ, there are some shared traits. Both countries have a strong focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. These differ from larger businesses in terms of ownership and management structures. North Korea’s state-owned enterprises cover most industries, while Virginia’s enterprises are largely private-run.
Both states also focus on the development of green energy sources. North Korea is focusing on the development of nuclear energy, while Virginia has established initiatives to focus on the use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Both countries also have an important role in the global supply chain. Virginia has a strong focus on industries related to defense, while North Korea is focusing on developing its industrial base. Both countries rely on exporting and importing goods in order to boost their economies.
Similar Population Structures
The population structures of North Korea and Virginia are also similar. North Korea’s population is largely rural, with approximately three quarters of the population living in the countryside. In Virginia, approximately 59 percent of the population lives in rural areas. This demonstrates a shared similarity between North Korea and Virginia in terms of population structure.
In both countries the age structure is similar, with a disproportionate number of elderly citizens living in both states. Between 2007 and 2017, the elderly population in Virginia increased by 17%, while in North Korea it increased by 18%. This trend is likely to continue, which suggests a similar demographic structure in the future.
Both North Korea and Virginia contain a diverse, multicultural population. North Korean society is largely Korean with ethnic minorities such as Chinese and Russian. Virginia also has a large minority population consisting of African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians. This gives both countries a certain level of intercultural exchange which can be beneficial for both states.
Similar Political Structures
The political structures of North Korea and Virginia are also comparable. North Korea is an absolute dictatorship, with the ruling family holding absolute power and control of the state’s affairs. Virginia takes a less authoritarian approach, with a lower level of centralized power but still an essential ruling body.
The economic systems of both states are also quite similar. Both states are market-oriented economies. This means that the government plays an active role in regulating the economy to ensure its stability. In North Korea, the government actively seeks to promote economic growth and investment. Likewise, in Virginia, the government is committed to promoting economic growth and development by providing incentives for businesses to set up shop.
Furthermore, both states have similar legal systems. The courts in both states are modeled on the US legal system, with an emphasis on fairness and justice. North Korea has its own set of laws that are mainly derived from the socialist ethos. Virginia, on the other hand, has its own laws based on the US legal framework.
Similar Policies and Approaches
North Korea and Virginia also share a similar approach when it comes to public policies. Both countries place an emphasis on social welfare and public services. North Korea’s healthcare system is a good example, with citizens receiving free medical care from the government. Virginia also provides quality medical care through its government-funded Medicaid program.
The transportation systems of both states are also similar. For both states, the main mode of transportation is the automobile. Virginia has extensive road networks as well as public transportation options such as buses, trains and light rail. Likewise, North Korea has extensive roads and railways that are connected to major cities.
Lastly, both states have an established social safety net. Although the safety nets vary in terms of size and scope, they both offer government-funded assistance programs to citizens who are facing unemployment and poverty. In North Korea the social safety net is more extensive and generous, while in Virginia it is less generous but still offers assistance to those in need.
