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Graphic Truth: Changes in Global Literacy Over Time

September 06, 2019
Gabriella Turrisi
and
Gabrielle Debinski
and
Ari Winkleman

International Literacy Day, which falls on September 8, was designated by UNESCO to celebrate advancements made in global literacy rates, and to highlight the chasm that still exists between education standards in different parts of the world. While in recent decades huge strides have been made in reducing illiteracy in low-income countries, 30 percent of adults from these regions will still be illiterate by 2030, according to UNESCO. Here's a look at the change in adult literacy around the world from 1987-2016.

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