Tamil Nadu, known for its rich culture and high educational standards, has districts with varied literacy rates. Among them, Dharmapuri district holds the position of having the lowest literacy rate. While Tamil Nadu as a state has made great strides in improving literacy, Dharmapuri still faces certain challenges that have contributed to its relatively lower rate.
An Overview of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and the Tamil language, one of the oldest classical languages. Chennai is its capital and largest city. Bordered by Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, it has a coastline along the Bay of Bengal. Tamil Nadu is home to diverse landscapes, including the Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau, and the river Kaveri, and shares a maritime border with Sri Lanka.
Number of Districts of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is divided into 38 districts, organized into 5 divisions for administrative purposes. The capital and largest city is Chennai, which also forms the largest metropolitan area in the state. Each district contributes to the state’s governance, culture, and economic diversity.
Literacy Rate in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu’s literacy rate stands at 80.09%, as per the latest census. Male literacy is notably higher at 86.77%, while female literacy is 73.44%. Despite these achievements, there remains a gender gap, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve education, especially for women, across the state.
District of Tamil Nadu with the Lowest Literacy Rate
Dharmapuri, with a population of 1,506,843, has the lowest literacy rate in Tamil Nadu at 68.54%. Of its total population, 917,709 are literate. Despite efforts to improve education, Dharmapuri lags behind the state average, facing challenges such as limited access to educational resources and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
Second District of Tamil Nadu with the Lowest Literacy Rate
Ariyalur, with a population of 754,894, has the second-lowest literacy rate in Tamil Nadu at 71.34%. Out of this, 480,604 people are literate. Despite its rich cultural heritage, Ariyalur faces educational challenges, particularly in rural areas, leading to a lower literacy rate compared to the state’s average. Efforts are needed to improve access to education.