Life expectancy in the DPRK has been estimated at 66 years for males and 73 for females. Both education and health care are quantitatively impressive but quality control is lacking, given North Korea's limited access to advanced technology, its economic problems and isolation from the international community. North Korea's rapid economic deterioration is believed to have had a significant adverse impact on the public health system. The DPRK is a tightly controlled and isolated society, with citizens having no right or power to change the leadership or Government. The concept of free elections and competition among political parties are considered as factors contributing to capitalist decay.
Most citizens have no meaningful participation in the political process.
Although elections to the 687 member Supreme People's Assembly were held in November 1991, in all cases the Government approved only one candidate in each electoral district. The number of KWP members is estimated at around 3 million. A person's place within society and their access to privileges and better living conditions is determined by gradations of loyalty and trustworthiness. The authorities allow no outside information other than that approved and disseminated by the Government to reach the general public. The North Korean press is used largely to disseminate state propaganda.