The illiteracy rate among white people over 15 years old was 6.1%.

The total population had an estimated illiteracy rate of 50%.

The illiteracy rate is low compared to how it was 30 years ago.

This illiteracy rate was far higher than that of western European countries in the same time period.

Between 1970 and the early 2000s, global illiteracy rates dropped from 36 to 18 percent.

In rural areas, where most of the population lived, illiteracy rate was considered even higher.

Therefore, prior to 1959, the illiteracy rate was very high.

Within five months they reduced the overall illiteracy rate from 50.3% to 12.9%.

The illiteracy rate in much of the world is appalling.

An estimated 60% of adults still cannot read and write, with the illiteracy rate higher among women.