9781422283875

I NTRODUCTION S OCIAL P ROGRESS IN A FRICA : N ORTHERN AND E ASTERN A frica, the second-largest continent, is made up of 54 countries. Each has its own history and culture, which in many cases has been influenced over the years by the European country or countries that tried to govern it. Many African countries experienced rule by British, French, Spanish, Dutch, or other governments that sought to capitalize on what the region had to offer. Some countries, rich in natural resources, were colonized to exploit those resources. Others were considered strategic military bases. Some countries fought over many years to become independent nations. Today African countries continue to develop and find their way as they seek to incorporate peace among competing ethnicities, religions, and social classes and across borders, and to restructure governments that have become corrupt. The people of Africa, many of whom have battled epidemic diseases in their countries, such as AIDS and Ebola, continue to show their resiliency and determination to grow and prosper. In the countries of North and East Africa, social progress is evident in many areas, especially when it comes to basic health care, water, and sanitation, areas that are measured by the Social Progress Index. While the need for doctors and other health care workers, as well as hospitals, is still high, most of these countries have recognized the necessity for providing not only basic care but also education, vaccines, and contraception.

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S OCIAL P ROGRESS IN A FRICA : N ORTHERN AND E ASTERN