Defining the Problem

The following map illustrates the world literacy rate:

As you can see, the highest rates of illiteracy exist in the global south/developing nations.

Illiteracy is a major cause of civil unrest and economic/social instability. These issues pose major geopolitical implications for nations with low literacy rates. Literacy is also an issue for the global north/industrialized/developed nations. The U.S. and the majority of developed nations are not 100% literate.

Between 1970 and 2005, world literacy has decreased by half.

In short, literacy is a global issue. It is not something that affects only poor or underdeveloped nations. Literacy is power-- power to reach your full potential as a person. A literate world is a secure world, a prosperous world, and a healthy world.