The people often do not learn of news events until weeks, months, or even years after they occurred. Before the 1900 s, Korea was an agricultural society with strong family ties. Almost all the people lived in small villages and worked on farms. However, since the late 1940 s, the Communists have taken steps to industrialize the country. Today, most urban North Korean work in factories, while those in rural areas continue working on farms.
Arranged marriages are still popular in rural villages.
However, a growing number of urban Korean now choose their own mates. Marital bonds have been so strong in the past that divorce was infrequent even unthinkable. Education for the Korean is free and mandatory for the first 11 years. Students must have Communist Party approval to continue their education after the tenth grade. During their summer vacations, students must work for the state.