50% of Uganda is under the age of 15.

50% of Uganda is under the age of 15.

The gender ratio is pretty even, but half the population sitting on 14 years of a 65+ year lifespan is a massive boom. The ages of 15-64 hold 47.9% of the population, and the remaining 2.1% is everything over. 

So why the massive difference in age? Well sadly it isn’t due to a baby boom. In fact, the population growth sits around 3.5%. That’s impressive, as the US population growth is .9%, but it’s not the main factor. 

The reason, according to the CIA World Factbook, is mainly due to AIDS being a major problem and cause of death. The Ugandan life expectancy is only around 52 years in part because of this. By comparison, only 20.2% of US inhabitants (not citizens) are under 15, with 67% between 15 and 64, and 12.8% being 65 and over. Life expectancy in the us is also around 78%. 

Obviously, AIDS is a major problem not just in Africa, but all around the world. If you live in the northern or central California area, the San Francisco AIDS Walk is taking place Sunday, July 15th. If you're interested, you can sign up here: http://www.aidswalk.net/sanfran 

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