Literacy rate: 99%

Numbers in tertiary education: 13.6m students

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

Education in the US is primarily the responsibility of the state governments.

Reports critical of standards in US public high schools cite problems of discipline, a devaluation in the worth of leaving diplomas, and lack of resources in many areas. Private education at secondary level continues to develop rapidly, catering for 9% of high school students. While the number of Roman Catholic private schools has shrunk, more nondenominational fee-paying schools have been founded.

Three out of every four high school students now go on to some form of tertiary college. The leading US universities are internationally recognized as being of world class.

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