Literacy rate: 98%

Numbers in tertiary education: 3m students

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

South Korea began a concentrated education program in the 1950s, and a well-educated workforce has been the foundation of impressive economic growth. Education is compulsory from age five to 15. The final three-year cycle of secondary school is voluntary but attendance is high. The rate of tertiary enrollment, at nearly 80%, is among the highest in the world.

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