Literacy rate: 75%

Numbers in tertiary education: 94,110 students

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

A modern and universally accessible system of education remains an important objective. Free and compulsory primary education for all was a priority of the Ba'ath Party when it came to power. Coeducation began in the cities and spread to rural areas under the Assad regime. There are seven state universities, notably at Damascus, Aleppo, Tishrin, and Homs. Private universities were allowed from 2001. Education ranks second, though is far behind defense, in government expenditure. UK and US politicians protest at incitement to racism in Syrian school textbooks.

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