Most Argentines Do Not Read Books

Most Argentines do not read books, according to a TNS Gallup poll published Tuesday in newspaper La Nacion. The poll, which surveyed 1,006 people aged 18 and over, indicates that 58% of Argentines have not read a single book within the past year. Those who do read prefer history books or novels. Gallup conducted a similar poll in 1999. Since then, the demand for religious books has declined while demand for self-help has increased. Argentine men tend to read history books while women prefer novels by Argentine authors. Those who read said they read an average of 5.9 books a year.

IPSOS Public Affairs conducted a similar study last year in the U.S. That study, which had a sample universe of 1,003 adults and was published by the Associated Press, said 27% of Americans had not read a book within the last year. American readers read about 6.5 books annually, according to the poll.

In the UK, a recent poll of 2,000 adults showed that 34% of Britons had not read any books in the last year. Almost half of the people surveyed had read at least five books while about 20% said they had read more than 20 books over the last year.

Argentina's literacy rate stands at 97.2%, ranking it 55th in the world. That compares with 99% in both the UK and the US, which are both ranked 18th worldwide, according to a 2007-08 UN Develop Program Report.

Link: IPSOS Poll (Unfortunately, it is available for free only to the media)

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