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Illiteracy varies by region. Image: UN. Have you read? 5 reasons why reading books is good for you; Leadership books that taught, challenged and inspired minds at.

We consider an individual illiterate if he or she cannot read or write a simple message, such as instructions or inventory lists, even though the individual can sign his or her name. We will assign an individual to the illiteracy category only if the individual is unable to read or write a simple message in any language.