Since 1990, almost two billion people globally have gained access to improved sanitation, and 2.3 billion have gained access to drinking water from improved sources,
according to a new UN report released last week. The joint report by the UN Children's Fund and the World Health Organization said about 1.6 billion of these people have piped water connections in their homes or compounds. By 2012, 80 per cent urban dwellers and 47 per cent rural ones had access to better sanitation.
But the situation in Africa is grim. According to Water Aid, an estimated 174 million people in southern Africa - almost two thirds of the total population - lack access to basic latrines, while more than 100 million go without clean drinking water. Some 120,000 children under the age of five die every year in the region from diarrhoea caused by unsafe water and sanitation.
Here is a look at how Africa has progressed in access to water over the years. You can scroll on the timeline and stop at a particular year and click on a country name to see details. Interactive map by WaterAid. For the full data set please visit www.wssinfo.org/data-estimates/table