Former colonies at 55.

• Position: GRAPH

Fifty-five years ago, 17 African nations gained independence from European colonial rule in a single year (see article, p. 18). At the time African leaders were determined to build stable, prosperous societies across the continent. But colonialism left a deep footprint. In the decades since 1960, these nations have struggled with social, economic, and political issues that have held them back. One measure of how they're doing today is the Human Development Index (HDI), a number from 0 to 1, calculated by the United Nations based on life expectancy, education rates, and per capita gross domestic product (GDP). The higher the number, the better the rating.

This graph shows the current HDI for selected African nations that gained independence in 1960. It also Includes the U.S. and world average HDI.

ANALYZE THE GRAPH

1. According to the graph, the world average HDI is about--.

   a 0.64

   b 0.70

   c 0.87

   d 0.91

2. What percentage of the African nations listed on the graph have an HDI below the world average?

   a 60 percent

   b 75 percent

   c 90 percent

   d 100 percent

3. Which of these African nations has an HDI that's about half that of the U.S.?

   a Gabon

   b Cote d'Ivoire

   c Niger

   d Central African Republic

4. Which two African nations listed on the graph have about the same HDI?

   a Niger & Central African Republic

   b Gabon & Chad

   c Niger & Cameroon

   d Cameroon & Gabon

5. Cameroon and Chad have similar life expectancies and per capita GDPs. Chad's education rates are likely--Cameroon's.

   a the same as

   b lower than

   c a bit higher than

   d much higher than

   DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. In what ways do you think the legacy of colonial rule might have affected life expectancy, education, and economic health in these African countries?

2. Do you think...