The CIAs World Factbook contains a plethora of information
about countries all over the world. I find this tool particularly useful when
learning about a new country in comparison to the United States. In conjunction
with the other countries in which Surprised by Hope has had some activity, here
is what I found.
United States
|
Uganda
|
Kenya
|
DR Congo
|
|
Area
|
9,8m sq km (3)
|
241,038 sq km (81)
|
580,367 sq km (49)
|
2.3m sq km (11)
|
Population
|
316.7m
|
34.7m (36)
|
44m (31)
|
75.5m (10)
|
Religions
|
Protestant
51.3%, Roman Catholic 23.9%, Mormon 1.7%
|
Roman
Catholic 41.9%, Protestant 42%
|
Christian
82.5% (Protestant 47.4%, Catholic 23.3%, other 11.8%), Muslim 11.1%,
Traditionalists 1.6%
|
Roman
Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%
|
Median Age
|
37
|
15
|
19
|
18
|
Life Expectancy
|
79
|
54
|
63
|
56
|
Health Exp
|
18% GDP
|
9%
|
4.8%
|
7.9%
|
Water (improved)
|
100%
|
72% though not drinkable
|
59% though not drinkable
|
45% though not drinkable
|
HIV/AIDS
|
0.6% (62)
|
6.5% (8)
|
6.3% (11)
|
NA
|
Obesity
|
33%
|
4.3%
|
4.2%
|
1.7%
|
Education Exp
|
5.4% GDP
|
3.3% (134)
|
6.7%
|
2.5%
|
Literacy
|
99%
|
66%
|
87%
|
67%
|
Unemployment
|
8%
|
NA
|
40%
|
NA
|
Poverty
|
15%
|
25%
|
50%
|
71%
|
As expected, Uganda, Kenya, and Congo differ significantly
in the various statistics when compared to the United States. However, when
compared to one another, only a few elements are distinctly different.
1. 45%
of the population in Congo have access to improved water systems (though not
drinkable), as compared to 59% in Kenya and 72% in Uganda.
2. 71%
of the population lives under respective poverty lines, as compared to 50% in
Kenya and 25% in Uganda.
3. 1.7%
of the population is considered obese, as compared to 4.2% in Kenya and 4.2% in
Uganda (the US obesity rate is 33%).
As I prepare for my journey, it’s helpful to understand
these differences and to prepare for what those differences will mean in
teaching topics such as asset-based development. For example, lack of
infrastructure may lead to the need to develop a closed economy, an economy
that does not depend on delivery to a town center via roads that don’t exist.
Oh, please pray that God would help us all have the wisdom
to answer their cries.