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North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un (39) repeatedly tries to prove his strength. He regularly tests nuclear missiles and shows off new weapons. But he rules a country plagued by humanitarian problems, including a declining birth rate. On Sunday, Kim tearfully addressed the women of North Korea, asking them to do their duty.
The dictator addressed thousands of women at a national meeting of mothers in Pyongyang. As he begs women to halt the declining birth rate, he dabs his eye with a handkerchief. The whole scene seems staged, but it works: not only Kim becomes emotional, his spectators also burst into tears.
North Korea is closed off from the outside world. It is difficult to collect data on population trends. The last census the country published was in 2008. At that time, 24 million people lived in North Korea. There are probably more than 25 million now.
North Koreans strive for prosperity
According to South Korean government estimates, the birth rate has fallen sharply over the past decade. On average, women in North Korea have 1.79 babies. This number has been declining since the 1990s.
“Many families in North Korea do not plan to have more than one child,” explains Ahn Kyung-su, head of DVKhealth. The website’s researchers study North Korea’s healthcare system and are based in South Korea. “They know they need a lot of money to raise their children, send them to school and find work,” says Kyung-su, explaining this fact.
There is a lack of employees
Another factor behind the decline in birth rates is the hunger crisis. During the post-war famine of 1990, there was not enough food. And the government tried for years to curb population growth.
But now there is a labor shortage. Kim therefore tries to use emotional words to motivate women to have more children. (jwg)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
