Literacy is a fundamental pillar of human development. It has the capacity to shape entire economies and societies, as well as the singular opportunities of every person on the planet. Yet, across the world, literacy rates vary dramatically, with some nations achieving universal literacy while others struggle to educate large segments of their populations.
Globally, about 781 million adults are illiterate, with nearly two-thirds being women. This gender gap is starkest in less-developed nations, where traditional roles limit female education. In contrast, developed countries have higher literacy rates and significantly smaller gender disparities, if any.
World Population Review compiled the data of 176 countries and compared their literacy rates. Of the 15 nations with the lowest literacy rates in the world, 14 of them are located in Africa, while almost half of the 15 countries with the highest rates are post-Soviet nations.
Intrigued? Click through this gallery to see which nations appear at the bottom (and top) of the list.