Literacy rate: 77%

Numbers in tertiary education: 404,094 students

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

The growing number of Western-educated Saudis has intensified pressure for social and political change. In the 1950s, the religious establishment was persuaded to give women equal opportunities in education. Analysts have criticized universities for turning out many graduates in Islamic theology, but not enough engineers and technocrats; a high percentage of graduates struggle to find work.

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