Map on water poverty

Another interesting map from UNEP on freshwater resources.  Africa, despite vast freshwater resources is still very water poor mainly due to challenges with access, capacity, use and the environment.

The definition used to compile the map is as follows:

Freshwater, as a natural resource, represents a fundamental key to sustainable livelihoods - for health, economy and development. The water poverty index (WPI) is an aggregate index, describing the lack of freshwater. The index is calculated based on five components: resources, access, capacity, use, and environment, using indicators describing these.

Source:

Water poverty index, by country in 2002. (2006). In UNEP/GRID-Arendal Maps and Graphics Library. Retrieved 09:58, August 28, 2008 from http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/water-poverty-index-by-country-in-2002.