### Education Statistics
Education in Nepal has seen vast improvements over the last few decades, transitioning from traditional localized teaching to an expanding network of schools and universities.
* **Literacy Rate:** According to the 2021 census, the national literacy rate is approximately 76.3% (males at 83.6% and females at 69.4%). Youth literacy (ages 15-24) is significantly higher, approaching 90%. * **School System:** Compulsory free basic education is guaranteed by the constitution, though rural areas still face challenges regarding resources and teacher retention. * **Tribhuvan University (TU):** The oldest and largest university in Nepal, hosting the vast majority of higher education students and ranked nationally as the premier public institution. * **Kathmandu University (KU):** A highly regarded autonomous public university known for its engineering, medical, and management programs, frequently collaborating with international academic networks. * **Global Presence:** While Nepalese universities are generally unranked in top-tier global lists (like QS Top 100), they play a vital role in South Asian academic research, particularly in high-altitude agriculture, forestry, and developmental studies.