Final answer:
While the provided texts do not give an exact percentage for functional illiteracy in the nation in question, they reveal global trends with substantial improvements yet significant continuing challenges in literacy, particularly among specific vulnerable populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the percentage of the nation's population aged 16 years and older that is functionally illiterate. This data can be understood by looking at literacy rates across different age groups and assessing improvements or declines in literacy. Although the provided texts do not specify the current percentage of functional illiteracy for the nation in question, a broader understanding can be gained from global trends and specific country examples.
For instance, the literacy rate in Afghanistan for those aged 15 and over is 28.1 percent, which suggests a high percentage of functional illiteracy within this nation. However, global literacy has generally increased, with 87% of the world's population now able to read and write. Countries such as Algeria have shown remarkable improvements within a single generation.
Despite these advancements, there are still significant challenges, as illustrated by the fact that many grade 2 students in various countries cannot read a single word of a short text, indicating issues with the quality of education rather than merely enrollment numbers. Moreover, certain demographic groups such as adults with disabilities, prisoners, and adult migrants are reported by countries as experiencing no improvement in literacy rates.