According to the Economist, the “D”PRK is dead last in democracy

North Korea’s level of democracy is the worst in the world, the Economist examined in its annual prediction of the world affairs. In “The World in 2007”, the British weekly magazine analyzed the level of democracy in 167 countries with the five categories; electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties, maximum of 10 points per each category.

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North Korea received average score of 1.03 out of 10 and the 167th out of 167 in the ranking. Not surprisingly, NK received no point at all in civil liberties category. South Korea did a fare job; it is ranked as the 31st democratic country among 167 with a ‘flawed democracy.’

No surprise there, considering it’s the only country in the world where leaving it could lead to a death sentence.

(Via. OneFreeKorea) While North Korea bitches and moans about what the UN is doing, they ought to set their eyes on the North Korea Refugee Relief and Reconstruction Fund.

Here is the full bill here.

Its passage will depend on whether it gets through Congress before Bill Frist, the Senator who introduced this bill, leaves once the new Congress convenes in January.

The funding seem small compared to funding in Iraq, but I think it ought to pass anyway, since it links funding with the promotion of freedom.

The DailyNK has a typical list of things likely to be banned for importing into North Korea

Foodstuff: Beef, Tuna fish, Caviar, Whiskey and Cognac, Shark’s pin, Durian, Papaya and other tropical fruits, Cheese, Camel’s foot, Bear’s foot, Goat meat, Eel, Mushroom, Ice cream, Coffee, Chocolate

Clothes and Accessories: Luxury suits, Leather clothing, Fur, Cosmetics, Other toiletries, Jewelry, Shoes, Mufflers, Bags, Watches, Wallets, Sunglasses, Swimsuits

Electronics: Small electronic devices (such as PDA), Audio and Video players, Computer software, Cameras, Radios, TVs, Video cameras, Voice recorders, Air conditioners, Refrigerators, Projection machines, TV monitors, Movie films

Means of transportation: Luxury cars, Motorcycles, Yachts, Motorboats, Water skis

Miscellaneous: Musical instruments, Fitness equipments, Fountain pens, Art pieces, Antiques, Crystal glasses, Cigarettes, Perfume, Carpets

So if you were upset you did not get your PS3 or Wii this weekend, it could be worse.