TN has a literate population of 5.18 crore

Chennai:

Tamil Nadu has a literate population of 5.18 crore of which 2.45 crore are in rural areas and 2.73 crore in urban areas, according to the Primary Census Abstract 2011 – Tamil Nadu.

The data states that there has been an increase of 1.13 crore literates during the decade and the highest number of rural literates has been recorded in Villupuram (18 lakh). Chennai (37 lakh) recorded the highest number of literates in urban areas.

The report also states that the literacy rate has increased from 73.5 per cent in 2001 to 80.1 per cent in 2011.

Interestingly, while the male literacy increased by 4.4 per cent from 82.4 per cent to 86.8 per cent, the female literacy increased from 64.4 pc to 73.4 pc.

Kanniyakumar has the highest literacy rate of 91.7 pc followed by Chennai with 90.2 pc. Thoothkudi has the third highest literacy rate of 86.2 pc. Dharmapuri (68.5pc), Ariyalur (71.3 pc) and Krishnagiri (71.5pc) are the bottom placed districts.