A study of illiteracy in Melanesia (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanatu, New Caledonia, and Fiji) brings together current statistics and projections on illiteracy and schooling and interprets them in light of sociocultural and sociolinguistic factors. An introductory section describes Melanesia's sociolinguistic background and linguistic diversity; Polynesia's linguistic unity; multilingualism and languages of wider communication; and the role of language in trade, religion, and government administration. Subsequent chapters on language and education, teacher supply, curricula and testing, and literacy and school enrollment rates look at the situation in each of the five nations. Comparisons with other regional countries (Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Brunei) reveal that proportionally, the recently independent countries of Melanesia lag well behind their Asian neighbors in efforts to achieve universal primary education. The report points out the timeliness of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Programme of Education for All launched in November 1986 and stresses the need for more Pacific nations to become members of UNESCO to benefit from its education programs. Numerous statistical tables are included. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)