Less than 5 percent of Qataris are illiterate, according to new data from the Qatar Statistics Authority.

The figure represents a dramatic improvement in literacy over the past 20 years. In 1990, more than 20 percent of the national population could not read.

The Peninsula reports:

“The Constitution of Qatar in its Article 25 says that education shall be a significant foundation for the progress of the society. Indeed, Qatar has constantly worked on improving the educational level of its citizens. All education is free of charge, and school is compulsory for all children.

With literacy rate of above 90 percent Qatar’s literacy rate belongs to the highest of all Arab countries,” said (Dr Naseer Homoud, External Relations Adviser of Arab Non-Violence Society and Honorary Member of Arab Youth Media Forum).

“Every individual is endowed with intrinsic human dignity and the potential to learn and change their life and become a helping hand in self-growth and the development of society,” he said.

Read the full story here.