Portugal and Uganda

Portugal and Uganda
Portuguese Republic and Republic of Uganda are two extremely different countries when it comes to social and economic development. Portugal, located in Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, while Uganda is located in Africa and is a landlocked country. Portugal is considered a developed country with high living standards and advanced economic. According to the United Nations on Economics and Social Council, Uganda is slowly trying to develop, but is ranked amongst the least developed of developing countries (Kulabako). Portugal gained Independence in 1143. In 1581, Philip II became the ruler of Portugal and Spain, causing Portugal to lose all its nobility and power. On December 1, 1640, Portugal gained back their Independence. In 1667, Portugal and France signed a treaty, and it was at that point did Spain recognize the Independence of Portugal (Portugal2). The flag is two-fifths green and three-fifths red symbolizing hope with the green and the blood of those defending the land with the red. The year of 1986 was when Portugal entered the European Union (February 18, 2014).
Portugal’s climate is a maritime temperature, cooler and rainy in the north, warmer and drier in the south. Due to damp climate in the north, many forests have formed with oak, chestnut, and pine trees. Bush and grasslands grow farther south (2014, February 18). Mainland Portugal has hills and mountains, with the highest peak being 6,532 feet high. A gently rolling landscape is how this region has been best described (Portugal). Many of their natural resources consist of fish, cork, iron ore, tin, tungsten, and uranium. Portugal produces half of the world’s cork (2006, January 1).
Slightly smaller than Indiana, Portugal has a population of 10,813,834. Lisbon is the current capital of Portugal, and one of the major urban areas. Majority of people speak the native language Portuguese. Their population growth rate is .12% with 9.42 births per /1,000 and 10.97 deaths/1,000. The life expectancy at birth is 79.01 years, with males living to be 76 years and females living to be 82 years. The fertility rate for women is 1.52 children per woman, with the infant mortality rate of 4.48 deaths/1,000 live births. According to the Gender Equity Index (GDI) of 2012, Portugal was ranked number 17 out of all the countries in the world with one being the most equal. It is based off of women’s economic activity, education, and empowerment (Zivkan). As of 2012 the human development index is .816 and has increased since 2000 (Human).
Basic education is provided in schools and continues for eight years, followed by secondary education which is three years, if you wish to continue you may continue to a higher education such as a university. 95.4% of the total population of ages 15 and over can read and write. 16 years of school is the expectancy.
Portugal is a republic country. The chief of state is the President and the head of government is the Prime Minister. Presidents are elected by popular vote for a five year term. The current president is Anibal Cavaco Silva since March 9, 2006. The legal system is set up by a civil law system. In Portugal you must be 18 years of age to vote (February 18, 2014). The government has set up health and welfare systems for the people. Portugal has both public and private hospitals and has increased the system since the first hospitals in 1498. The health care system was undertaken in 2002 to address the endemic problems. The goal and challenges was to reduce cost and increase efficiency. All citizens have the right to proclaim “a dwelling of adequate size satisfying standards of hygiene and comfort and preserving personal and family privacy” according to article 65 of Portugal’s constitution. It requires the government to provide necessary housing compatible a family’s income (Health and Welfare).
Prostitution is legal, however making money from a third party is not prohibited. Such as brothel’s, prostitution rings, and other forms of pimping. Portugal became the 8th country to legalize same-sex marriage in June 2010. However, it does not give you the right to adopt children. At the age of 15, you can legally consume alcohol. 55% of the population drinks wine, followed by 31% beer. Legally, in the streets of Portugal, you can carry one gram of heroin, two grams of marijuana, or one gram of MDMA (speed and meth). Users with addictions are referred to Commissions of Drug Addiction instead of being tossed in jail. The idea behind the law is it should be addressed as a health or social condition (Hollersen). With much of Portugal being on the coast, coastal tourism attracts 90% of foreign tourist. 11% of the countries tourist is responsible for the gross domestic product. It also provides 38,894 jobs (Facts and Figures). Azores, Estrela mountains, and Madeira are all outside tourist attractions that are known for their historic and natural beauty. Bullfighting is a popular sport as well as football (soccer). Lisbon is considered to be the best for nightlife in Portugal. Bars, fado houses, and nightclubs that all cater to different interest and taste. Typical bars there remain open until 6 AM. Uganda is populated by several ethnic groups. English being the native language and Christianity being the most commonly spread religion, helps diverse the people. The country is slightly smaller than Oregon and consists of 35,918,915 people. Gaining its Independence in the year of 1962, the dictatorial rule of Idi Amin was responsible for the deaths of 300,000 people. Following after, Milton Obote was the blame of another 100,000 from guerrilla war and abusing human rights. Currently today Yoweri Museveni has brought stability and growth to the economy (Lyons). Uganda is a tropical climate and typically is rainy with the exception of two dry seasons, December to January and June to August. The land is mostly plateau with rim of mountains and valleys. The cities capital, Kampala, is built around seven hills. The Nile River is a source of Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake, and the second largest freshwater lake around the world (Woolwine). Elephant grass is popular around lakes and rivers, while the umbrella tree can survive extreme temperatures. Due to 20% of Uganda’s land to be water, fishing holds potential for the country. Coffee beans, sugar cane, and tobacco are some of their leading exports (World Factbook). The population growth rate is 3.24%. The birth rate (44.17 births/1,000) is twice the world’s average and the death rate (10.97 deaths/1,000) is higher as well. Life expectancy is about 53 years of age for men, and 56 for women. Though it is higher than neighboring countries, it is still one of the lowest amongst the world. Infant mortality rate is 60.82 death/1,000 live births (Lyons).The effects of excess mortality rates due to AIDS, can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality deaths, and lower population growth. Its estimated 1,549,200 people are infected with HIV/AIDS. The average number of children per women is six, but on average only four will survive (World Factbook). The Ministry of Women in Development was established in 1988. It helped make the public aware of women’s issues. Eight women held positions in government and Specioza Wandira Kazibwe was appointed as the first woman Vice President in 1994. Even though women are involved in government, Uganda is ranked 85 for gender equality. Uganda’s GDP as of 2011 is $47.78 billion with 5.1% growth rate (Uganda). Human development index is .456 and ranked as 161 of the world (World Factbook). Health care is a serious issue in Uganda. Due to lack of funding, training, and supplies only about half of the population has access to a medical facility, most of which are in urban areas. The government sponsors a housing development project in Kampala and a few other urban areas. The need of new housing units is tremendous with the rising population. In rural areas, many houses are made from mud and water. Ganda settlements are built that can include as many as 40-50 people (Lyons). In 1997, an education policy called Universal Primary Education, in which the government would pay fees for all orphans and four children per family to attend school. Primary education lasts for seven years, then children who can afford to proceed will attend secondary education, and then if they wish to continue on to a university (Lyons). 73.2% of the population 15 and over can read and write. 82.6% of those are males while 64.6% are females (Factbook) An increase in the abuse of cannabis, hard drugs and volatile solvents is attributed to many factors. In 2009 there were 2,034 reported narcotic cases which led to 2,274 arrests. Inadequate laws and weak border controls makes it hard for law enforcement. Just like drugs, prostitution is illegal though many young people have no care for the law. In 2009, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill was introduced. The death penalty is the punishment for gay individuals (Uganda). Uganda is sometimes referred to as “The Pearl of Africa”. You can see lions roaming the open savanna to white water rafting down the Nile. Hiking up a mountain to see the home of half the world’s population of mountain gorillas, sport fishing, island tour, cultural tours, and bird watching are some of the other common tourist attractions. With the history and diseases that are widely known about scare people away from visiting the country. Only 4% of the country’s GDP is from tourist (Baluka).

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