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
Improving women's financial literacy, worldwide
Minuteman News Center - 5/21/2013 9:53:09 AM
Bottom line: Women throughout the world face unique economic and financial literacy challenges ... the biggest financial hurdles an overwhelming number of women in her country face is their status as single mothers – around 56 percent.
Literacy and Pakistan
DAWN Group - 5/23/2013 8:32:02 AM
In spite of the rows of educational plans, policies, conferences and five-year plans, our literacy rate could not increase much. Pakistan ranks at 113th position among 120 countries of the world. This is an international embarrassment.
The future for Ford workers: literacy will be key
theconversation.com - 5/23/2013 9:46:36 PM
The data are alarming and there are now serious concerns about these levels of literacy and the impact they have on the employment, health and education opportunities for workers ... to increase economic and social benefits across some of the country ...
EU commits to ensuring basic education for every child by 2030
ReliefWeb - 5/24/2013 3:15:53 AM
Development Commissioner ... in 2011 to identify best-practices and promote cooperation in this area across Europe. The group delivered its report in September 2012. The European Commission has a dedicated website on literacy and the ‘Europe ...
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 ...
Nigeria needs new standard in digital literacy –Expert
nationalmirroronline.net - 5/23/2013 5:25:55 AM
Oyekale, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Commit Technology & Consult Limited, one of the leading IT training firms in the country, said in current high-tech world, digital literacy had become a requirement for an individual to be competitive.
Tripura to emerge as fully literate state by September
articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com - 4/12/2013 3:47:12 PM
AGARTALA: Tripura will emerge as a total literate state in the country before World Literacy Day on September 8, a minister said today. A meeting of the State Literacy Mission Authority presided by Chief Minister Manik Sarkar reviewed the status ...
2013 Financial Literacy Forum Series Dispatch
MainStreet - 5/23/2013 5:57:32 PM
On the top floor of the British cultural center, a building that hosts both the local consulate and a local pub, the first panel in the 2013 ... 20, in Morocco. The first forum in the 2012 Financial Literacy Series took place in Sao Paulo Brazil ...
Literacy in the Middle East and North Africa
Council on Foreign Relations - 5/6/2013 5:56:14 PM
While the Arab revolutions were underpinned by a demand for greater political freedom, economic frustrations–particularly among the region’s large youth population–were also a factor. Millions of young people with university degrees languish for ...
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 ...
Luau for Literacy set for June 6
Tribune-Star - 5/23/2013 8:53:31 AM
TERRE HAUTE — Fifty Shades of Leis — A Luau for Literacy, an exotic island feast, is set for 6 to 8 p.m. June 6 in the Country Club of Terre Haute at Allendale. Throw on some Hawaiian attire and join the Vigo County Education Foundation deck and pool ...
Media Literacy,Partnership, and Coordination Director
ReliefWeb - 5/22/2013 11:06:32 PM
Education Development Center (EDC) is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development ... media can enable a much needed national conversation vital to contributing to the country’s democratic development.
Gzowski’s legacy continues
Victoria News - 5/23/2013 10:00:55 PM
Stevens broke into bluegrass circles by criss-crossing the country, passing the hat, at a time when he was considered a musical outcast for his instrument choice. “Early on bluegrass didn’t want harmonica. Some people are so strict about ...
Improving women's financial literacy
Daily Comet - 5/18/2013 1:28:28 AM
According to South African financial journalist Maya Fischer-French, among the biggest financial hurdles an overwhelming number of women in her country face ... Women throughout the world face unique economic and financial literacy challenges.
America’s women face unique financial literacy needs
FOX News - 5/16/2013 11:56:36 PM
Overall, American women are among the most financially literate in the world ... that by making financial literacy a national priority and working together, we can make America a more financially literate country – for both or women and ...
