Literacy rate: 68%

Numbers in tertiary education: 456,358 students

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

Over three-quarters of the school-age population receive a formal education, and the literacy rate is rising.

Since 1973, the curriculum has been Arabicized and the teaching of French has been restricted. Though the use of Arabic is enforced in public life, Tamazight was allowed in schools from 2003.

Ten main universities, and several polytechnics and technical colleges provide higher education.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004