The table compares estimated literacy rates by gender across six world regions between 2000 and 2004. Overall, it is clear that literacy levels were highest in developed regions such as Europe and Oceania, while Africa recorded the lowest figures. In all regions, males had higher literacy rates than females.
Globally, the literacy rate stood at 82.2%, with men achieving 87.2% and women 77.3%. Europe had the highest levels of literacy, at 98.8% overall, including 99.2% for men and 98.5% for women. Oceania and the Americas also reported high rates, each exceeding 93% for both genders.
In contrast, Africa had the lowest literacy levels, with only 62.5% of the population able to read and write. The gender gap there was also the widest, as male literacy reached 71.6% while only 53.9% of females were literate. Asia showed moderate figures, with a total literacy rate of 79.3%, and a notable difference between men (85.9%) and women (72.5%).
In summary, developed regions had significantly higher literacy rates, and in every region, males were more literate than females. The most pronounced gender disparity occurred in Africa, while Europe showed almost equal literacy levels for both sexes.