Estimated World Illiteracy Rates by Genders and Regions As is shown in the bar chart， there exists a big difference of the estimated world illiteracy rates between genders and regions in the year of 2011. The rates in developed countries, Latin America/Caribbean and East asia/Oceaniaare apparently lower than those in other three areas. In addition, the rates of female illiteracy are much higher than those of male illiteracy. However, in developed countries and Latin America/Caribbean, the rates are only slighter higher. It's easy to note that the lowest rates(about 1% for males and 2% for females ) are in developed countries, while the highest rates are in South Asia with approximately 56% and 34% respectively. The diversity of illiteracy rates in the world is mainly due to the level of economic development of the country, the popularization of education and the attention paid by government. Yet the relatively higher rates of females result from complicated factors, such as social, political, economic and conventional factors of the region. To reduce the world illiteracy, some series of strong and effective counter measures must be enacted before it gets worse. It needs the effort from all sides. The government is expected to pass strict laws regarding education to fight against illiteracy and poverty and strengthen the very idea that knowledge is power. Especially we, the people, must have correct and positive attitudes towards receiving education that will benefit us and also for the good of the society. A country's future is in the hands of its young. Nurture them well and the country will be well.