📝 Illiteracy in Tibet. 50% LEDs in Homes. Asian Death Rates.
Chart of the Day #49 looks at Illiteracy in Tibet, LED Sales and Crude Death Rates
The UN reported a historic milestone as the number of children that die before five years of age globally dropped below 5 million for the first time. Despite progress, the global tally of deaths of children aged five and below amounted to 162 million between 2000 and 2022, highlighting the ongoing challenge of ending preventable child deaths.
Today's Topics
- 📝 Illiteracy. Tibet's illiteracy rate 3x Rest of China
- 💡 Lighting. LEDs account for 50% of global residential lighting sales
- 😔 Death Rates. Japan has the highest crude death rate in Asia
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📝 Tibet’s Illiteracy Rate 3x Rest of China
In 2022, China's illiteracy rates were recorded at single-digit figures in all regions except Tibet, where the rate stands at 34.6%. Since Tibet is an autonomous region, it may not always directly benefit from China's policies, which impact education and infrastructure. linguistic barriers and cultural disparities within the two regions also persist. In Tibet, Tibetan languages are predominantly spoken instead of Mandarin Chinese, the language of instruction in some schools, posing challenges for students not fluent in Mandarin. The literacy rate gap may also be attributed to Tibet's vast, mountainous terrain and scattered population, which can make it challenging to establish and maintain schools due to remoteness. This can impact access to qualified teachers, educational resources, and technology compared to more developed regions.
💡 LEDs Account for 50% of Global Residential Lighting Sales
Over the last decade, LEDs have increased in popularity, growing from 1% of residential lighting sales in 2010 to over 50% today. The long-term cost savings from LEDs have primarily driven this shift. Although LEDs typically require higher initial investments compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, their energy efficiency leads to ongoing savings, ultimately offsetting the initial costs. With a lifespan of up to 30 times longer than traditional bulbs, LEDs reduce the need for frequent replacements, cutting maintenance costs. This adoption is further fueled by increasing retail availability, while manufacturers offer diverse options in styles and colors, meeting varied consumer preferences.
😔 Japan Has the Highest Crude Death Rate in Asia
Japan had the highest crude death rate in Asia, with 11.2 deaths per thousand people in 2021. The high rate can be attributed to Japan's large elderly population and declining birth rates. Nearly 30% of Japan's population is aged over 65, while Japan's fertility rate has remained below 1.5 for three decades. Factors such as high living costs and childcare expenses further discourage people from having children, exacerbating the issue of population aging. Japan also has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. In contrast, the Maldives exhibit notably lower death rates, with advancements in healthcare being credited for reduced mortality rates in recent years.
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