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November 23, 2004

Although North Korea had its best harvest in ten years, a quarter of the population is still dependent on imported food to survive. Actually, more of the population is in danger of starvation because the government has instituted a partial market economy. Rationed government food only supplies about half the calories people need. The rest must be bought at farmers markets, and prices are going up at these faster than the government is raising salaries.  Those working in the market economy get raises, but the government is still desperate for more revenue, so is reluctant to pay government employees (the majority of North Koreans) any more.