Literacy in Romania

Before World War II, the literacy rate in Romania ranked among the lowest in Europe.

The emphasis given to expanded educational opportunities by the party and government between 1948 and 1956 brought a significant decline in the number of illiterates (see Romanian literacy campaign).

Classes were organized throughout the country by the various people's councils, and a determined campaign was undertaken to increase enrollment.

Most of these courses lasted two years and were conducted on a weekly basis by both regular teachers and literate volunteers; successful completion was officially considered equivalent to graduation from a four-year elementary school.

In the 1970s Western demographers still considered that, although illiteracy had been significantly reduced, it probably still existed among older segments of the population, particularly in remote areas of the country.