Ending Extreme Poverty in the Congo

7 - What's the Difference Between 49 Years and 233 Years?

The Congo has less than 1,800 miles of paved roads.  The country is the size of the United States east of the Mississippi River.  And it has less than 95,000 miles of unpaved roads.  Many roads end at rivers due to the lack of bridges.  Travel in the Congo is a BIG challenge.

 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo observed its 49th Independence Day on June 30th, 2009.  The United States celebrates its 233rd Independence Day on July 4th, 2009.  That's the difference between 49 years and 233 years of independence.

6 - What's the Difference Between 49 Years and 233 Years?

Overall, less than half of the population of Congo have access to an improved (safe, clean) water source.  But behind the numbers, only one out of four rural Congolesee have access to an improved water source.  Even in the urban areas, just three out of four Congolese have access to safe and clean water.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo observed its 49th Independence Day on June 30th, 2009.  The United States celebrates its 233rd Independence Day on July 4th, 2009.  That's the difference between 49 years and 233 years of independence.

5 - What's the Difference Between 49 Years and 233 Years?

A child born today is expected to live to 46 years old.  Since 1970, life expectancy in Congo has virtually remained the same.  During the same period, it has increased in almost every country in the world.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo observed its 49th Independence Day on June 30th, 2009.  The United States celebrates its 233rd Independence Day on July 4th, 2009.  That's the difference between 49 years and 233 years of independence.