Literacy is the ability to read and write. A literate person can decode the letters and words on a page and understand what they mean, and can also express their own thoughts in writing.

For most of human history, literacy was rare and special. Only priests, scholars, and wealthy people learned to read and write. Most knowledge passed from person to person through speech and memory. But literacy changes everything: it lets you learn from people you'll never meet, access ideas from centuries ago, and share your own thoughts with people far away or not yet born.

Today, literacy means more than just basic reading and writing. When someone talks about scientific literacy, they mean understanding how science works. Financial literacy means knowing how to manage money wisely. Digital literacy means knowing how to use computers and evaluate information online. In each case, literacy means having the knowledge and skills to understand and participate in that area of life.

The literacy rate of a country measures what percentage of people can read and write. Countries with high literacy rates tend to be more prosperous because literate citizens can learn skills, start businesses, and solve problems more effectively. Your own literacy opens doors to virtually everything else you'll learn in life.