While we have no idea yet of the specific circumstances our little guy was born into we know that even while we type he could already be in an orphanage.
(This post will appeal specifically to the 'numbers' people in our lives!)
His first home...
Ghana's Flag
- Red: symbolizes the blood shed for their independence
- Yellow: represents the country's mineral wealth
- Green: represents the forests and natural wealth
- Black Star: lodestar for African Freedom
Geographical Size: Approximately the size of Illinois and Indiana combined
Capitol: Accra- 11th largest city in the country
Population: 24 million, 4 million in the greater Accra area
~Due to the high growth/immigration rate in the capitol, 9 slums have emerged, locally called "Sodom and Gomorrah". The government is currently working to demolish them because of their 'effect on the environment'.
Skyline of Accra
Ghana became independent from the British Administration in 1957 and celebrate their independence every March 6.
Africa Day, celebrated on May 25th (ironically also our wedding anniversary) commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity, when 30 of the 32 countries signed a unity charter.
Life Expectancy: 57 (only 4% of the population live past the age of 65)
Average Age: 21 (over half of the population is under 24)
Language: English (over 70 languages/dialects spoken country-wide)
Main Export: Cocoa, then gold, diamonds, tuna and timber
The global demand for exotic timber and for cocoa (which can be planted in the place of fallen trees) has increased deforestation and had a devastating impact on the local culture)
Poverty Level: Nearly 29% are below the poverty line
Low income housing is often made from mud and untreated lumber.
Currency/Exchange: Currently $1Cedi (pronounced SEE-DEE) exchanges for $1.89 American
Primary Sport: Football (Soccer), Team Name- The Black Stars
Weather: steady year around, ranging between 76 and 82, the 'winter' months being marked by increased humidity/rainy season (and there are palm trees!)
-------------------------
According to the World Health Organization- 2/3rd of ALL people infected with HIV/AIDS live in sub-sahara Africa, although this region contains just 12% of the worlds population!
12% of African children are orphans- that is an estimated 54 million kids.
The Supreme Court in Accra: where we will be granted the blessing of becoming Little Guy's parents!
No comments:
Post a Comment