The international Adult Literacy and Lifeskills Survey (ALL) conducted in 2003 to gauge functional literacy and numeracy together with analytical and problem-solving abilities shows that about 80 per cent of Italians aged between 16 and 65 are unable to apply linear reasoning and draw inferences of average complexity by extracting and combining information provided in written texts that are little more than basic.
They are, that is to say, functionally illiterate: they lack adequate reading comprehension, logical and analytical skills to respond to the demands of modern life and work. This is the highest percentage in any of the advanced countries surveyed.