Definition: This entry includes a definition of literacy and Census Bureau percentages for the total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of the Factbook. Information on literacy, while not a perfect measure of educational results, is probably the most easily available and valid for international comparisons. Low levels of literacy, and education in general, can impede the economic development of a country in the current rapidly changing, technology-driven world.
Source: CIA World Factbook - Unless otherwise noted, information in this page is accurate as of January 1, 2012
See also: Literacy mapRelated News
Nigeria: Building Foundational Digital Skills in a Global Economy
AllAfrica - 6/13/2013 5:36:48 AM
Internet and Computing Core Certification All over the world, Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3), a global certification programme for the acquisition of foundational digital literacy, and a product of Certiport of USA, is been widely adopted.
Technology can empower children in developing countries - if it's done right
The Guardian - 6/16/2013 11:55:38 PM
"This technology wasn't developed as a development tool yet has become one of the greatest ... in engaging and mobilising children and young people to engage in economic, social and political spheres. The Text to Change (TTC) project in Africa recently ...
WORLD LITERACY DAY: Is education for all feasible by 2015?
Vanguard - 9/6/2012 1:50:32 AM
Of the world’s 800 million adults who lack the basic learning tools to make informed decisions and participate fully in the development of their societies, nearly 70 per cent live in E9 countries. Tackling the literacy gap is both a moral and development ...
Tech can improve literacy skills in rural India
Financial Express - 6/16/2013 1:18:32 PM
According to a World Bank study, when fixed phone density was increased, emerging countries saw a .73% jump in their GDP. When mobile phone density was increased, countries saw a .83% jump. However, when internet and broadband was made available ...
Worldreader Expands Literacy Efforts by Launching Worldreader Mobile
San Francisco Gate - 4/9/2013 10:45:57 PM
Together with partner biNu, the nonprofit extends its goal of getting "Books to all" via mobile phones and announces over 500,000 readers per month. San Francisco, California (PRWEB) April 09, 2013 Worldreader (worldreader.org), the nonprofit aiming to ...
MTN donates Rwf45m scholistic materials
Rwanda New Times - 6/18/2013 11:57:26 AM
“Delivery of audio instructional material and cards is in line with MTN’s new vision of introducing learners to a bold ... telecom firm wanted to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Each additional year of ...
Better World Books to Provide $45,000 in LEAP Grants for Libraries and Non-Profits
San Francisco Gate - 2/28/2013 10:00:20 PM
Social business pioneer to fund projects addressing literacy needs of communities across the country. Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) February 28, 2013 Better World Books, the socially responsible online bookseller, today announces their third-annual Literacy and ...
'Akshara Laksham' Phase II launched
newindianexpress.com - 6/17/2013 6:00:42 AM
“The ‘Akshara Laksham’ project was launched in June 2012 with the aim of imparting literacy to one lakh people. We are planning to complete the second phase of the project in three months and conduct the examination for 50,000 people on ...
Experts urge media curricula at schools
Peninsula - 6/13/2013 11:44:52 PM
In a declaration adopted as part of combined efforts to promote media education throughout the Arab world, experts concluded that ... He added that media literacy enables citizens of a country to form opinions on critical issues and play a better role ...
Digital Literacy Mission
Economic Times - 6/16/2013 11:55:38 PM
Ricoh launches mobile visual search platform Ocutag ET Ocutag platform allows app developer to integrate Ricoh's visual search technology into their mobile apps using the application programming interface.
Improving women’s financial literacy, worldwide
Daily Republican Register - 6/12/2013 10:24:20 AM
According to South African Financial Journalist Maya Fischer-French, among the biggest financial hurdles an overwhelming number of women in her country face ... throughout the world face unique economic and financial literacy challenges.
Literacy and Networking for Afghan Women Through Texting
The Huffington Post - 6/4/2013 9:18:03 PM
Afghanistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, with only 28.1 percent of the population ... have unlimited access to communicate with people all over the country. During our pilot program, we had several families which were ...
Taliban talks announced as Afghanistan assumes security
CNN - 6/18/2013 4:00:48 PM
What do these developments ... Afghanistan have several conditions the Taliban ultimately need to meet for a peace deal -- breaking ties with al Qaeda, ending violence and accepting the Afghan Constitution, including sections on women's rights ...
Literacy levels on the rise in T&T
Trinidad Express - 4/6/2013 7:21:55 PM
He reported in the 2011 PIRLS study the reading literacy of standard three children the average score increased by 31 points, “which I think is the highest change of any country across the world”. Seecharan said in 2006, T&T had 36 per cent of pupils ...
Hyatt Launches “Ready to Thrive” to Support Global Literacy and Career Readiness
Hospitality Net - 6/17/2013 4:30:38 PM
"With nearly 800 million people around the world who can't read or write *, it's more important than ever that we focus on literacy and life skills ... portfolio consisted of 508 properties in 46 countries. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.
