This bar graph illustrates the predicted world illiteracy percentages in different regions in 2000. The rates for each region are divided into male and female.
As per the chart, South Asia had the largest illiteracy percentage among all six regions, for both male and female, with a rate of around 33% and 55%, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest illiteracy rate is observed in the developed countries, less than 5% for both male and female. Sub-Saharan Africa and Arab States also present a high proportion in illiteracy: around 30% and 28% in male, and 48% and 52%, respectively.
Another interesting phenomenon is that illiteracy is more commonly seen in female than in male. Noticeably, in all six regions, female shows a higher rate than male. Beside Lain America/Caribbean, the female illiteracy percentage in other regions is double of that of male.
Overall, there are some general differences in illiteracy rates between different regions around the globe. More interestingly, significant differences can be noticed between different genders.