Sustainable Future: Gabon, Uganda, Liberia, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger

1148 Words3 Pages

Rankings:
Gabon
Uganda
Liberia
Mozambique
Democratic Republic of Congo
Niger

#1. Gabon
Gabon is a small country with a small population of 1.5 million. Its population is expected to double in 25 years. It is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa, and as such, also has the highest energy consumption per capita in Africa. The oil resources allow the small population to have a high GNP per capita of $14,500 (much higher than the other 6 countries). In addition to oil, it currently has a profuse amount of hardwood and unexploited deposits of uranium, manganese, and iron ore. These unexploited resources could allow the country to sustain itself once oil reserves run out. The building of the Trans-Gabon Railroad has opened up the way for exploiting rare woods inside the rainforest.
The standard of living is also very good in Gabon (relatively speaking). Fertility rate is 4.6 and only has an infant mortality of 49.9 per thousand, which is significantly lower than the other 6 countries. There is a natural population increase of 2.8%. 65-80% of the people have safe drinking water, and its literacy rate of 63.2% is about the average of the 6 countries. Health care is among the best in Africa due to health care investments. There is a doctor for every 28,000 people. Heart and diarrheal diseases, pneumonia, and accidents are the leading causes of death. Although evidence shows that there is not a food shortage, 20% of children under five are malnourished.
The country currently has a multi party democracy (so people have a say in the government). The government has been encouraging population growth due to its small size and has signed the 1992 Climate Change Treaty.
#3. Liberia
Liberia is a small country on the coast of West Afr...

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...d disease rates by education them on how to prevent the spread of diseases. It will create a more equal and sustainable country overall.
Fund more afforestation programs. Women must search for firewood 3 hours a day, if not more. This only happens because trees to use as firewood are hard to come by. By funding more afforestation programs, the deforested areas will once again be forested. Although the effects may not be felt immediately, once the planted seeds become trees, it will reduce the number of hours women have to search for firewood, creating a more sustainable future.
Improve health care conditions. Another reason why death rates and infant mortality rates are so high is because health care is poor. By improving health care, the diseases that plague the country can be reduced, and the population can increase. This will also create a more sustainable future.

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