Primary education is free and officially compulsory for children aged 7 through 12, although in 1996 only 50 % of primary school-age children were in school. Secondary school enrollment was even lower, with 8.5 % of secondary school-age children attending school. The literacy rate for Burundi is 65 % of the population. Attendance and literacy rates are very low due to national instability and shortages of teachers and school supplies.