Education in Cuba

Though Cuba's communist regime may face strong criticism for it's failed economic policies and poor human rights record, the one sound accomplishment that they can boast of is the country's educational system. Historically, during the Spanish colonization of the island, the majority of the rural populace, that made up Cuba's working class had no access to education, unlike the urban dwellers. After the US occupied Cuba in 1898, plans were formed to bring education to the island. In 1902, about 40% of the island populace was registered in an educational system. When Fidel Castro overthrew the government in 1959 and installed a Marxist regime, the new government pledged to reconstruct Cuba's educational system. This was done in the aspiration that an educated population would strengthen the country. The result was a successful increase in literacy of over 90%, rivaling many of the world's most powerful country's.
Education in Cuba is controlled and maintained by the Ministry of Education. Nationwide education is compulsory for all children from grades 1 through 6, up until the 9th grade. From there, students can go to a regular high school or a technical school. Especially in rural areas, children go to boarding schools. In addition to schooling, students may be called to perform community service, primarily work in agriculture. About 7% of the populace has graduated from college, with 4% holding a degree.

Sources:
http://library.thinkquest.org/18355/education_in_cuba.html
http://www.cal.org/co/cubans/edu.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Cuba
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html