Despite great advances in technology and global wealth, many parts of the world -- especially Sub-Saharan Africa -- have been left behind.
Citizens in these countries are generally poor, uneducated, live in dilapidated conditions, and carry out life's most basic tasks without the assistance of modern technology.
Perhaps saddest of all, however, is that their health is also detrimentally affected. The most telling statistic about this issue is probably their low life expectancy.
According to data compiled by the US Central Intelligence Agency, the tiny European country of Monaco (GDP per capita of $30,000) ranks the highest in this statistic with 89.73 years.
On the other end of the spectrum, some poor countries' life expectancy is about half of Monaco's figure.
Wealth is certainly a big factor; countries ranked low for GDP per capita also ranked low for life expectancy.
Click Start to view the countries with the lowest life expectancy.
Somalia's economy and health care system are still trying to recover from ravages of wars. Although conditions have improved from the height of the conflicts, the lack of basic health care, lack of clean drinking water, and poor nutrition remain key causes of early deaths.ReutersThe Central African Republic was plagued with political instability in the 2000s, which took its toll on the country's economy and health care system. The two leading causes of death for its people are HIV/AIDS and malaria.Brice Blondel of HDPTCARZimbabwe's economy and health care system have been crippled by hyperinflation and misguided government policies. Major diseases include cholera and HIV/AIDS.ReutersSeeing South Africa on this list may surprise some people given the country's relatively high economic development. However, wealth/development is concentrated in the big cities; the surrounding areas remain third-world. Besides poverty and the lack of adequate health care, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is a main reason for the low life expectancy.ReutersGuinea-Bissau was still experiencing political instability and conflicts just last year. Its economy and health care system remain in shambles. Leading causes of death are malaria and HIV/AIDS.ReutersSwaziland is a backwards country and one with large wealth disparity, leaving the masses extremely poor. HIV/AIDS is a leading cause of death.ReutersChad is plagued by political instability, poverty, and woefully inadequate health care. Malaria is a leading cause of death.ReutersNigeria is another surprise on the list, given its relatively high wealth and economic growth. Nevertheless, wealth isn't distributed evenly and large parts of the population are in poverty and don't have adequate access to health care. Malaria and cholera are common diseases.ReutersThe war-torn country of Afghanistan is still dealing with Taliban insurgency. Meanwhile, its economy and infrastructure largely remain in shambles despite Western-sponsored rebuilding efforts. Malaria and tuberculosis account for many early deaths. Afghanistan has a very high rate of disability partly due to constant conflict since 1978 and the landmines left behind by them. The country's also struggles with drug addiction and HIV/AIDS.ReutersAngola's life expectancy is an astounding 38.76 years. It's even more shocking given it's relative prosperity and blistering economic growth rate. The country's source of wealth is primarily oil and diamonds.One explanation is that Angola's new found wealth was mainly used to repair war-torn infrastructure instead of improve health care. Another is that politicians are taking the lion's share of the wealth.Angola is plagued by malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. All these and other diseases are exacerbated by malnutrition, poor sanitation, and lack of access to clean drinking water.Reuters
