These challenges, which are more acute in rural than in urban areas and are exacerbated by the high levels of poverty among rural families and the predominant use of Spanish as the language of instruction, have created significant barriers which preclude the meaningful participation of indigenous peoples in the public education system.

UNESCO: Bilingual Literacy for Life

As a result, poverty rates have fallen by nearly a third in both rural and urban areas.

FORBES: A Richer Future For India

The anti-Wal-Mart ruckus is confined to urban areas, so getting traditional customers in rural and suburban towns to continue to come out by giving existing stores a face-lift may help.

FORBES: Wal-Mart Needs A Plan