history help please?

Question

Which geographic feature has contributed to differences in the economies of the two Koreas?
North Korea has more people.
North Korea has few rivers.
South Korea is closer to China.
South Korea has a milder climate.

Answer 1

Do you have to choose one of those four? If I had to answer I would say a manmade geographic "feature"--the 38th parallel that divides the two countries.

Besides, population isn't a geographic feature.

And, North Korea has only 23 million people while South Korea has 48 million.

And, North Korea borders China, so it's closer to China.

If you have to pick one, choose D. North Korea hasn't been able to grow enough wheat for its people, partially because of the climate.

Answer 2

North Korea developed differently than the south, however. While it became virtually impossible to cross the border, the situation looked good for the communist country, as the discovery of rich mineral deposits greatly aided in the development of industries. A socialist economy was assumed, with the State in control of 90% of the nation's industry, and the other 10% in the hands of organized cooperatives. The Korean Workers Party controlled the government with Kim Il Sung as their leader-- both President and Prime Minister. Despite past achievements, in 1991 North Korea began displaying signs of economic trouble. In 1992, they denied access to an inspection from the International Atomic Energy Agency, which strained relations with the West even more. With the death of Kim Il Sung in 1994, his son, Kim Jong Il came to power.

In 1995, floods devastated North Korea, leaving almost the entire population devoid of food. The government surprisingly asked for aid. Despite this, by 1996 food shortages were so widespread, they were reaching famine proportions in some parts of the country. Droughts then followed the flooding, and international aid was insufficient to meet the needs of the people. Because of this, the North Korean government implemented "War Economy" measures. In 1998, with individual portions equaling a simple 100g of rice a day, it was estimated that 100,000 people had died since 1995, due to cold, hunger and the lack of proper medical attention. Even with these problems, North Korea still refused to yield to pressure from the South to comply with treaties.

Since the Korean War, it has been illegal to be a Christian in North Korea. At one time Pyongyang was the "Jerusalem of the East," and there were an estimated 300,000 believers in 1953. In 2001, only 1.7% of the population were Christians, most of these living in either labor camps, or in hiding. In place of the God of the Bible, Kim Jong Il has deified his father, with policies leading to the worship of Kim Il Sung. And so, while Christianity is suppressed, North Koreans are encouraged to idolize their former leader in a bizarre mixture of ancestor worship and a Maoist type personality cult.

Present Day Experiences
The two Koreas are still in a difficult position. While South Korea is doing better and better, North Koreans are starving. Many people find ways to escape into China, and from there to places such as Cambodia and Thailand, and from there, they make their way to South Korea, where the government helps them. If they are caught in China, they are sent back across the border, and often face retribution because of their traveling. However, those who make it to South Korea face many difficulties as they enter from the iron grip of North Korea's communism to the democracy of South Korea. Young people often get in trouble when faced with the choices of freedom. They sometimes have problems finding their place, because as North Koreans, they are treated differently by many South Koreans. Although there are dialect differences, the immigrants soon alter this, so they are no longer distinguished from others. Another difficulty is their religious mindset. They have been brainwashed into understanding that Kim Il Sung is a godlike figure, so even when they accept the Christian gospel, they have a hard time understanding the supremacy of God.

In conclusion, over the years North and South Korea have developed separately from each other. After years of difficulties for South Korea, they have finally emerged as a thriving nation. On the other hand, however, North Korea is sinking further and further into trouble, as they face mass starvation and economic problems. While South Korea has experienced economic success and Christianity, North Korea has been given starvation and their former leader to worship. The two countries face the most militarized border in the world. Given North Korea's refusal to join the international community who support religious freedom, but instead put their faith in militarism, they are unlikely to find peace.