Name ___________________________ Class _____________________ Date __________
CHAPTER
2
ANALYZING CHARTS AND GRAPHS
Comparing Communism and Socialism
4
SECTION 3
In both communist and socialist nations, the government plays a major role in the
economy. There are great differences, though. This chart gives some statistics and
other information comparing communist North Korea to Sweden, which has a market
economy but many socialist qualities. ◆ Study the information in the chart, and then answer
the questions that follow.
National Statistics
North Korea
Sweden
Population
Infant mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 births)
Life expectancy at birth
National production per person
Economic aid
—donor or recipient
—extent
Percentage of industrial output by
private firms
Personal income taxes
Workweek
Yearly vacation
23.5 million
21.9
72.2 years
$1,900
9.0 million
2.75
80.7 years
$36,900
Recipient
$372 million
Donor
$3.95 billion
0%
90%
n/a
Unknown
n/a
Required ages
5–16; free
30–50% of income
37 hours
5 weeks
480 days, used by
child’s 8th birthday
Required ages
7–16; free
Yes
Poor
n/a
Yes
Yes
Very good
Through union
Yes
Leave from work for child care
Unknown
Education
Health care
—provided by government
—quality
Unemployment insurance
Old-age pensions
Sources: CIA World Factbook; Encyclopedia Britannica; Swedish government Web site
Questions to Think About
1. (a) How do the populations of the two
countries compare? (b) How does their
economic output compare?
Sweden? (b) What price do they pay for
those benefits?
4. (a) How do the standards of living
compare in the two countries? Give
evidence to support your judgment.
(b) Do you think people’s standard of
living in North Korea would improve if
the country switched to a free market
system? Why or why not?
2. (a) What percentage of national output
is produced by private firms in each
economy? (b) Which economy do you
think is more productive? Why?
3. (a) How would you describe benefits
the government provides to people in
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