Short News
Gambia is calling
The mobile penetration rate in The Gambia is now close to 100 percent. Ten years ago the rate was 15 percent.
Many more children survive in Nepal
In 25 years, the child mortality in Nepal has decreased by two thirds. From 108 deaths for every 1000 live births in 1990, to 33 out of every thousand in 2014.
More tigers in the wild
The world’s tiger population has increased, thanks to international efforts. There are now 3,890 tigers in the wild – 700 more than in 2010.
End of sky-high internet price
The price of internet in Afghanistan has dropped from $4000 per month (1 Mbps) in 2004 to $36 today, thanks to using optic fibre rather than satellite uplink.
Less need for aid in Asia
Over the last decade, aid dependency has dropped by a third in the poorest Asian countries, due to economic growth and better use of own resources.
Cape Verde is turning greener
The small African island nation of Cape Verde has increased its forest cover by 48 percent since 1990, with millions of trees planted in recent years.
Sri Lanka shining
Today, 98 percent of Sri Lankans have access to electricity, compared to only 29 percent in 1990. An increasing part of the power now comes from wind and water.
Safer sex in Africa
In the African region, the use of contraception has increased from 28 percent in 1990 to 44.3 percent among married women, according to latest data from 2012.
Higher education in Nepal
In Nepal, more people seek education. In 1990, less than two percent of Nepalis went to university. Latest data from 2011 shows that 14 percent now enrol.
Slowly shrinking slums
The proportion of the world’s urban population living in slums has decreased from 46 percent in 1990 to just under 30 percent in 2014.
More food for the world
Today, the world produces 17 percent more food per person than 30 years ago. Production has increased faster than the population over the last two decades.
Less corruption in more countries
In 2015, corruption levels fell in more countries than experienced an increase. Citizens of several countries have started to stand up to abuse of power.