from one of linlovers links:

https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications...k/geos/kn.html

Economy - overview:

Massive international food aid deliveries have allowed the people of North Korea to escape mass starvation since famine threatened in 1995, but the population continues to suffer from prolonged malnutrition and poor living conditions. Large-scale military spending eats up resources needed for investment and civilian consumption.