<<Print>>

The West African state of Niger is the worst place to live on earth according to an annual United Nations index report. The report said 182 countries were ranked according to 'the quality of life their citizens experienced' including literacy rates, school enrolment and countries economies. Niger has the world largest uranium deposit a mineral which is use to produce nuclear energy but remains one of the poorest nations on earth. The report said further that life expectancy in Niger was 50 years - approximately 30 years shorter than for those living in Norway. For every dollar earned per person in Niger, $85 was earned in Norway whiles the Democratic Republic of Congo has the poorest people in the world were the average income per individual was $298 per year. Afghanistan was ranked second from bottom followed by Sierra Leone as the worst places to live. The report revealed that half the population in the 24 poorest nations are believed to be illiterates. The UN index said the data used for the report was collected in 2007 before the global crisis. In an opposite instance Norway is named as the best place to live based on its �enviable� living standard whiles the USA is ranked 13th and the UK 21st. Jeni Klugman, author, of the report told the BBC that: "Many countries have experienced setbacks over recent decades, in the face of economic downturns, conflict-related crises and the HIV and Aids epidemic. He added: "And this was even before the impact of the current global financial crisis was felt."