Brazil has a population of about 210 million, with about 150 million over the age of 15. Of these, an estimated 25 percent, or 37.5 million people, are functionally illiterate. The typical literate individual reads only about two nonacademic books per year, which is less than half the number read by the typical literate U.S. or European resident. Answer the following questions solely from the perspective of new growth theory:
Which of the following best explains the implications of Brazil's literacy and reading rates for its growth prospects in light of the key tenets of new growth theory.
A. Since economic growth is driven by international trade in technology and capital, if Brazil opens its borders, its literacy and reading rates will improve as the country experiences economic growth.
B. Since the development of human capital is an important determinant of economic growth, Brazil's literacy and reading rates suggests its potential economic growth rate is lower.
C. Since it has been demonstrated that technological advancement and not human capital is the key determinant of economic growth, Brazil's literacy and reading rates should not affect its potential economic growth rate.
D. Since technologically advanced physical capital is necessary for economic growth, Brazil's literacy and reading rates suggests its economic growth rate will be lower because there are not enough skilled workers to operate sophisticated machinery.

B. Since the development of human capital is an important determinant of economic growth, Brazil's literacy and reading rates suggests its potential economic growth rate is lower.

Explanation:

According to the New Growth Theory, it is both human desire and capital the factors that drive economic growth the most.

A literate population that does not read a lot means a lower level of human capital for Brazil, which in turn means that Brazil has a lower potential for economic growth. In order to increase economic growth, the Brazilian government should promote readership among its population.