The purpose of this publication is to bring up to date the statistical analysis of illiteracy in the world, to study some general patterns and trends, to record new developments in methods and techniques, and to show correlations between national programs and the Experimental World Literacy Programme. No attempt has been made to give detailed accounts of all the literacy activities reported to the Secretariat by the Member States. The information given is based on replies to a questionnaire sent to Member States and Associate Members on UNESCO and to selected international nongovernment organizations. Ninety three of the Member States and nine of the organizations replied. Topics discussed include; the world literacy situation; world opinion and the crisis of mass illiteracy; survey of literacy programs; international collaboration; mobilization of resources by governments and people; techniques and tactics in literacy; and research and evaluation. The appendixes contain data on illiterate population and the percentage of illiteracy, illiteracy percentages by age and sex, and laws and decrees that have been adopted since 1967 concerning literacy. (PT)