FAQ

 These questions are based on inquiries from readers; additional questions are welcome.

Is everybody starving?  No.  Malnourishment is commonplace, but starvation most often occurs in areas engaged in belligerent conflict or where resources are scarce.  Among the wealthy, starvation is essentially nonexistent.

Is the countryside mostly desert?  No; Africa’s vast expanses consist of jungle and grassland as well as desert.

Does everyone have to walk for miles to haul water?  Not everyone; some of the urban wealthy have plumbing.  Still, most people carry water directly from its source or from a community well.

Are all of the governments corrupt?  Most governments are, no matter the global location; however, a concentration of especially corrupt governments seems to occur in Africa.

Is there still a huge difference between whites and blacks?  Yes.  Racial biases still exist, and are often manifest in the treatment of whites and blacks.

Are most of the countries warring between themselves?  Not necessarily most countries, but certainly a higher number and concentration than elsewhere in the world.  This stems partially from the colonization and subsequent multinational division of Africa; before being colonized, Africa was divided and governed by tribes, but this was disregarded when the continent was partitioned.  Borders were drawn almost arbitrarily, based on external political influence rather than previous internal government; consequentially, belligerent tribes were grouped together and neighbors separated.

Is nearly everyone poorly educated? Yes; according to SIL International, Africa’s literacy rate is less than 60%.  Although that is not technically the majority, it pales in comparison to the US rate of 99% (CIA).

Is it difficult to rise up in class/quality of life? Yes, in many places it is.  With the limited educational and economic opportunities in some areas, people can do very little to improve their situations; however, places that economically prosper seem to foster better educational systems and employment opportunities, thereby easing individual improvement.  These are usually urban centers, most often capital cities or ports.

Is chronic disease an issue in Africa?  It’s not nearly as problematic as infectious disease; in comparison, chronic disease is rather insignificant.

Which diseases afflict Africa most?  HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis are three of the most problematic infections in Africa.