Facts

I am so excited for this new adventure. Before heading across the globe I thought it would be a good idea to find out a few facts about Ethiopia. After Googling a few things I found several facts that broke my heart even more for the people of this country.

• Ethiopia is ranked number ten on the list of Third World Countries in terms of GNI (gross national income) The average yearly income for someone living in Ethiopia is $859.
• Ethiopia has the 8th lowest human development score. This is based on life expectancy, knowledge, and GDP.
• Ethiopia is one of 34 African countries considered by the United Nations to be in the top 50 poorest countries in the world. 
• Average income is less than 25 cents a day.
• One out of two children suffer from being malnourished and underweight. 
• Only 11% of the people in urban Ethiopia have access to improved drinking water.
• Only 4% of urban Ethiopia has access to sanitation facilities.
• One out of ten children die before reaching their first birthday. One out of six dies before reaching their fifth birthday. 
• There are 4 Million orphans in Ethiopia, 20% of them are AIDS orphans.
• Adult literacy is 39%
• Only 30% of children attend primary school. 
• Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 46 years old. 
• 52% of the population is under the age of 18 and 25% of those are under the age of 5. 

This country is in so much need. Thankfully BCI is there to help. Brant and I are so excited to see what the Lord is doing in Debre Zeit. Please pray for this country, especially the children. They are the next generation and my prayer is that they will be a generation of progress and growth for this country.

Below is a map of Ethiopia. Brant and I will be spending our time in Debre Zeyit, a town near the capital city Addis Ababa.