Q&A: North Korea's economy
- Published
![Two North Korean men](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/464/mcs/media/images/65838000/jpg/_65838925_126281719.jpg)
North Koreans have to cope with a stagnant economy
North Korea's third nuclear test has thrown the country back into the spotlight, as the threat of further sanctions looms over an already crippled economy.
The United Nations Security Council is holding an emergency meeting on Tuesday where countries such as the US, South Korea and even North Korea's main ally, China, could ask for further sanctions.
Although much of the information about its economy is based on anecdotal accounts from defectors, it is clear North Korea can ill-afford more economic pain.
So is the North Korean economy even functioning?
![North Korean soldiers patrol along the Yalu River at the North Korean town of Sinuiju on February 12, 2013 across from the Chinese city of Dandong.](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/304/mcs/media/images/65844000/jpg/_65844551_161504675.jpg)
North Korea's borders with China are where illicit trade is conducted, according to some analysts
What industries does it have?
Is everything above board in terms of trade?
What effect, if any, will more sanctions have?
- Published12 February 2013