[8-4] Life Expectancy

Life expectancy is a core factor in the human development index. Japan has the highest life expectancy. More than thirty countries with the lowest life expectancy can all be found in sub-Saharan Africa, with a life expectancy of less than 52 years.

[7] Landlocked Nations

These countries have one territorial condition in common: no access to the world's oceans. This has a fundamental impact on economics, social behavior, and perspective on the world. Many of the republics of the former Soviet Union are landlocked. Their recent independence has radically increased the number of countries, that suffer this unique condition.

[3] Fresh Water

97.4 % of the world's water is ocean water. 2 % is accounted for by ice caps and glaciers, and about 0.6 % is ground water, which constitutes the entire fresh water reserves on earth. Lake water represents only 7 millionths of the world's water; clouds only 1 millionth, and river water 10% of a millionth.