Sub Saharan Africa: Some Facts

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I came across this on the World Bank website. I found all the facts provided interesting, but some were more so; and I found many of the facts given, I didn't know of. A few of the ones I found most interesting:
  • Crude oil comprises more than half of total Africa’s exports.
  • In 2005 the richest 10% of African countries had 18.5 times the GDP per capita of the poorest 10%, from 10.5 times in 1975.
  • South Africa’s and Nigeria’s GDP comprise 54% of total SSA’s GDP.
  • It takes 14 days to start a business in the Central African Republic, and 233 days in Guinea Bissau. (IDA10).
  • South Africa uses the most electric power per person (4,884.8kW/h); Ethiopia uses the least (32.7 kW/h).
  • Burundi has the highest proportion of women in its labor force (90.5% 2005); Sudan has the lowest (22.5%).
  • In Swaziland more than one in every three 15-49 year olds has contracted HIV (33.4%); the rate is six in every thousand in Mauritania.
  • Mauritius has the highest life expectancy (73 years); Botswana has the lowest (35 years).
  • In Mauritius there are 22 children per primary school teacher; there are 72 in Ethiopia.
  • In South Africa, 2.5% of population are below the minimum dietary energy consumption; in Eritrea, 75% are below.
  • In Ethiopia, 22% of the population has access to a safe source of water. In Mauritius, it is 100%. (MDG 7)
  • South Africa has 724.3 mobile phones per 1000 people; Ethiopia has the least with 5.8 per 1000 people.
  • In Sierra Leone 165 out of 1,000 children die before the age of one; in Seychelles the rate is 12 per 1,000. (MDG 4)
  • Skilled personnel attend 5.7% of births in Ethiopia; they attend 99.2% of births in Mauritius. (MDG 5, IDA 4)

From the facts provided, those living in Mauritius seem to be better off, economically and are better provided for; and those living in Ethiopia seem to be living in dire economic conditions.

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