The UIS Data Centre contains literacy rates for youth and adults in more than 200 countries and territories. These data are based on population censuses and sample surveys. According to the UNESCO resolution of 1958, literacy is defined as the ability to both read and write, with understanding, a simple statement related to one's everyday life.
In addition, the UIS is working with a growing number of countries to produce data on literacy skills through the Literacy Assessment and Monitoring Programme (LAMP). The unique design of LAMP instruments allows countries at all stages of development to measure a full range of reading and numeracy skills in diverse languages.
The UIS is a key partner in UNESCO’s Literacy Initiative for Empowerment (LIFE), which provides a framework for achieving the goals of the UN Literacy Decade (UNLD).