Pray for the poorest nations of the world

Pray for Yemen, one of the poorest Arab countries. A long drawn out civil war has crippled the nation's economy, and increased unemployment. There is widespread shortage of food, water and medical supplies in the country.

2177

1. Pray for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is known as the poorest country in the world. It is in central Africa and used to be known as Zaire till 1997. Although the people are poor the country is rich in copper, cobalt, gold and diamonds. Due to internal wars, increased external debt, famine and disease the country continues to remain poor. There are 250 ethnic groups in Congo, with Mongo, Luba, Kongo and Mangbetu Azande being the largest among them. Although Christianity is the main religion, Catholics make up 29.7% of them.

2. Mozambique is known as the second poorest country in the world. Although abundant natural gas fields discovered in 2011 give them a new hope, nearly 50% of the population live in poverty. Primary health is a big concern in this nation. Infant mortality is calculated at 67.9/1,000. The overall life expectancy of an average Mozambique man is around 55 years. Literacy percentage is also a cause for concern with only 1/3 of Mozambicans over the age of 15 being able to read and write. Mozambique is also hit hard by HIV/AIDS (12% of the population).

3. Pray for Uganda, the nation that is the 3rd poorest in the world. Idi Amin, known as one of the cruelest dictators of Africa, was its president for nine years. The population is about 4.4 crore. Roman Catholicism is the main religion. Islam accounts for 15% of the population. Baganda, Banyankole, Basoka, Bakiga and Langi are some of the main ethnic groups. Uganda is identified as the source, transit and destination for men, women and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking. As many as 12,000 children are said to be involved in prostitution in Uganda.

4. Tajikistan, which was part of the Soviet Union earlier, is fourth on the list of poorest countries. Political stability and foreign aid have contributed significantly to the fall of poverty from 83% in 2000 to 30% in 2016. The Tajik people are of ethnic Persian descent. The population of Tajik is 90% Muslim. Although Protestant Christians account for only 1% of the total population, government officials view Christians in the same light as militant Muslims. Missionaries continue to face harassment. Pray for the Tajikistan government to be lenient and more open to Christian missionaries and relief agencies.

5. Pray for Yemen, one of the poorest Arab countries. A long drawn out civil war has crippled the nation’s economy, and increased unemployment. There is widespread shortage of food, water and medical supplies in the country. The civil war continues to rage on and 80% of the population (as much as 24 million people) need humanitarian assistance and protection. According to the UN, as many as 10 million people are just a step away from famine. More than 2 million children are malnourished and urgently need medical assistance. Yemen has also seen several cholera outbreaks because of poor and unsafe drinking water facilities.

Your Comments