Democratic People's Republic of Korea- Canadian Red Cross

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Facts On North Korea

A Deep-Rooted Humanitarian Crisis



	D.P.R. Korea

Declining economic growth coupled with unprecedented natural disasters, including drought and floods, have created a deep-rooted humanitarian crisis in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Many of the country's 24 million people have gone hungry, sick and cold for the better part of a decade. The health system is barely functioning and there is a lack of most basic necessities, including medicine, heating, power, tools, farming equipment, fertilizer, paper, clean water and sanitation.

Since 1995 the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) and the DPRK Red Cross Society have been implementing a vast humanitarian assistance program. Seven Red Cross international appeals so far have raised nearly US $40 million in aid to North Korea. Combined with the assistance of other international organizations such as the United Nation's World Food Programme, it is estimated that the total amount of international humanitarian aid provided to North Korea from 1995-2000 will exceed one billion US dollars.

Vital Role For Red Cross

From the beginning of the current emergency the Red Cross has played a vital role in providing resources and support to North Korea.

Red Cross support is currently focussed on health care and disaster preparedness throughout the Federation's operational area in North Korea. This area is restricted to the four provinces of North Pyongan, South Pyongan, Chagang, and Kaesong and represents a population of just under six million people.

The Canadian Red Cross is contributing to a variety of health programs which includes quarterly distribution of drugs and medical equipment to more than 1,700 health institutions, training of health personnel, health promotion, community-based first aid training, an extensive water sanitation program, and disaster preparedness and response activities.

Quick Facts

Capital: Pyongyang
Population: 24 million
Life Expectancy: 71.6 years*
Infant Mortality Rate: 23 per 1,000 live births*
Adult Literacy Rate: 95%*
Language: Korean