Literacy rates vary worldwide, with no universal definition. UNESCO defines it as the ability to communicate, understand, calculate, and use printed materials. 800 million illiterate adults exist, with two-thirds being women. Affluent regions assume literacy rates are 95% or higher. Low literacy levels impact economic development and contribute to poverty and social discrimination. International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on September 8, with initiatives such as the Global Literacy Project making a difference. Worldwide literacy rates have improved by 50% within 30 years.
Literacy rates around the world vary greatly depending on the country and the definition of the word “literacy”. There is no universal definition of literacy, but the most common is the ability to read and write at a certain age. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), this definition is no longer sufficient. It should also mean the ability to communicate, understand, calculate and use printed and written materials found in everyday life. It also implies the ability of individuals to achieve goals and reach their potential by developing their knowledge and fully participating in society.
There is a difficulty in reporting worldwide literacy rates, as the statistics are self-reported and not vetted by an objective authority. As of 2011, nearly 800 million illiterate adults are found worldwide, in countries such as Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, India and Egypt. Of these, two-thirds are women. The lowest literacy rates are reported in Arab states, South and West Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. In these regions, half of the women and a third of the men are illiterate.
In many of the more affluent regions, including North America, Europe and Australasia, literacy statistics are no longer collected, as literacy is taken for granted and statistics are assumed to be 95% or higher. According to United Nations (UN) statistics, there are four billion literate people worldwide. This means that nearly one in five people lack literacy skills. In nearly 35 countries, the literacy rate is below 50%.
Global literacy is considered an essential tool in the fight against poverty and social discrimination. Low levels of literacy have been found to impact the economic development of a country. In 2000, the goal of making the world literate inspired various governments to work with the United Nations to work towards education for all and set development goals. He stated that the decade was devoted to literacy and education for continued development.
Every year, world literacy is of particular importance on International Literacy Day, a day adopted in 1965 by UNESCO. Every September 8, there is a focus on finding a way to bring literacy to those who still lack it. An example of the kind of initiatives that have made a difference is the Global Literacy Project, which has programs in Africa, India and the Caribbean. Donating books to schools in these areas means children have more access to information and materials. As of 2011, many countries have made progress, with worldwide literacy rates improving by 50% within 30 years.
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