Pyongyang is not a very colourful city as most of its buildings are constructed of unpainted concrete – many of which are in poor condition due to the dire economic situation (which locals blame on the US sponsored economic blockade). At dusk the city takes on an imposing ‘grey’ look because there are few street lights and no neon advertising signs. North Korea is suffering serious electricity shortages and Pyongyang relies on two coal-fired power stations to provide what little electricity it has. Despite the localised air pollution caused by these power stations, the air in Pyongyang is much cleaner than most other Asian cities – probably because there are so few motor vehicles in the city.