Despite the expansion of education since 1949, illiteracy and semi-literacy are still quite widespread. This is due partly to the Cultural Revolution which left a generation with little education; it also reflects lower rural attendance and attitudes to women. In 1990, 38% of women and 16% of men were illiterate. To raise skill levels, the government has set a target of nine years of education for all. School attendance fell when fees were introduced in the 1980s, but is now nearing 90%. Higher education, which is also fee-paying, attracts only 2% of 20û24 year-olds. Today, however, selection is based on academic rather than political criteria.
