Millennium Development Goal #2 aims to achieve universal primary education by 2015. While progress has been made in some areas due to targeted interventions and funding, the goal may not be fully reached. Enrollment has increased to 89% globally but the pace is insufficient. Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia account for most children out of school, with high dropout rates. Risk factors for dropping out include poverty, rural residence, gender, and social/cultural barriers against girls' education.