Here's why:
* Higher literacy leads to better economic opportunities: Literate individuals are better equipped for higher-paying jobs, entrepreneurship, and overall economic participation. This contributes to increased income and a better standard of living.
* Higher literacy improves health outcomes: Literacy is linked to better understanding of health information, leading to improved health choices and outcomes. This, in turn, contributes to a longer, healthier, and more productive life, improving standard of living.
* Higher literacy leads to greater political participation and informed citizenry: Literate citizens are better able to engage in the political process, advocate for their needs, and hold their leaders accountable, potentially leading to policies that improve overall societal well-being.
* Higher standard of living facilitates literacy: A higher standard of living often translates to better access to education, including literacy programs and resources. Governments in wealthier countries often invest more in education, while families with higher incomes can afford better schooling and learning materials for their children.
In short, while not a direct causal relationship, the correlation is very strong. Higher literacy is a significant *contributor* to a higher standard of living, and a higher standard of living is a significant *enabler* of higher literacy rates.