Literacy rate: 40%

Numbers in tertiary education: 288,670 students

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

The Ba'athist regime controlled the education system, using it to instill loyalty. University scientists worked closely with the regime on weapons research programs. Many priceless museum artefacts were stolen by looters in 2003, and the Baghdad Library lies in ashes. In postwar Iraq the reconstruction of the education system was not immediately prioritized.

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