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List of countries by literacy rate

Updated: Wikipedia source

List of countries by literacy rate

This is a list of countries by literacy rate. The global literacy rate for all people aged 15 and above is 86 %. The global literacy rate for all males is 90 %, and the rate for all females is 82 %. The rate varies throughout the world, with developed nations having a rate of 99 % (2013), South and West Asia having 70 % (2015), and sub-Saharan Africa at 64 % (2015). Over 75% of the world's 781 million illiterate adults are found in South Asia, West Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, and women represent almost two-thirds of all illiterate adults globally.

Tables

· List of UN member states by age group and gender disparity
Rate
Rate
Country
Rate
Youth (15 to 24)
Year
Youth (15 to 24)
Rate
Adult (25 to 64)
Year
Adult (25 to 64)
Rate
Elderly (65+)
Year
Elderly (65+)
Rate
Youth Gender Parity Index
Year
Afghanistan *
Afghanistan *
Country
Afghanistan *
Youth (15 to 24)
65
Youth (15 to 24)
2020
Adult (25 to 64)
31
Adult (25 to 64)
2011
Elderly (65+)
20
Elderly (65+)
2011
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2011
Albania *
Albania *
Country
Albania *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2012
Adult (25 to 64)
97
Adult (25 to 64)
2012
Elderly (65+)
86
Elderly (65+)
2012
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2012
Algeria *
Algeria *
Country
Algeria *
Youth (15 to 24)
93
Youth (15 to 24)
2008
Adult (25 to 64)
75
Adult (25 to 64)
2008
Elderly (65+)
19
Elderly (65+)
2008
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2008
American Samoa *
American Samoa *
Country
American Samoa *
Youth (15 to 24)
97
Youth (15 to 24)
1980
Adult (25 to 64)
97
Adult (25 to 64)
1980
Elderly (65+)
92
Elderly (65+)
1980
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
1980
Andorra *
Andorra *
Country
Andorra *
Angola *
Angola *
Country
Angola *
Youth (15 to 24)
77
Youth (15 to 24)
2014
Adult (25 to 64)
66
Adult (25 to 64)
2014
Elderly (65+)
27
Elderly (65+)
2014
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2014
Anguilla *
Anguilla *
Country
Anguilla *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
1984
Adult (25 to 64)
95
Adult (25 to 64)
1984
Elderly (65+)
88
Elderly (65+)
1984
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
1984
Antigua and Barbuda *
Antigua and Barbuda *
Country
Antigua and Barbuda *
Adult (25 to 64)
98
Adult (25 to 64)
2015
Argentina *
Argentina *
Country
Argentina *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2016
Adult (25 to 64)
99
Adult (25 to 64)
2016
Elderly (65+)
97
Elderly (65+)
2016
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2016
Armenia *
Armenia *
Country
Armenia *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2011
Adult (25 to 64)
99
Adult (25 to 64)
2011
Elderly (65+)
98
Elderly (65+)
2011
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2011
Aruba *
Aruba *
Country
Aruba *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2010
Adult (25 to 64)
96
Adult (25 to 64)
2010
Elderly (65+)
88
Elderly (65+)
2010
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2010
Australia *
Australia *
Country
Australia *
Youth (15 to 24)
96
Austria *
Austria *
Country
Austria *
Azerbaijan *
Azerbaijan *
Country
Azerbaijan *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2016
Adult (25 to 64)
99
Adult (25 to 64)
2016
Elderly (65+)
98
Elderly (65+)
2016
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2016
Bahamas
Bahamas
Country
Bahamas
Bahrain *
Bahrain *
Country
Bahrain *
Youth (15 to 24)
97
Youth (15 to 24)
2001
Adult (25 to 64)
86
Adult (25 to 64)
2001
Elderly (65+)
42
Elderly (65+)
2001
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2001
Bangladesh *
Bangladesh *
Country
Bangladesh *
Youth (15 to 24)
94
Youth (15 to 24)
2019
Adult (25 to 64)
74
Adult (25 to 64)
2019
Elderly (65+)
39
Elderly (65+)
2019
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2019
Barbados *
Barbados *
Country
Barbados *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2014
Adult (25 to 64)
99
Adult (25 to 64)
2014
Elderly (65+)
98
Elderly (65+)
2014
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2014
Belarus *
Belarus *
Country
Belarus *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2009
Adult (25 to 64)
99
Adult (25 to 64)
2009
Elderly (65+)
98
Elderly (65+)
2009
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2009
Belgium *
Belgium *
Country
Belgium *
Belize *
Belize *
Country
Belize *
Youth (15 to 24)
77
Youth (15 to 24)
1991
Adult (25 to 64)
70
Adult (25 to 64)
1991
Elderly (65+)
44
Elderly (65+)
1991
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
1991
Benin *
Benin *
Country
Benin *
Youth (15 to 24)
52
Youth (15 to 24)
2012
Adult (25 to 64)
32
Adult (25 to 64)
2012
Elderly (65+)
7
Elderly (65+)
2012
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2012
Bermuda *
Bermuda *
Country
Bermuda *
Bhutan *
Bhutan *
Country
Bhutan *
Youth (15 to 24)
87
Youth (15 to 24)
2012
Adult (25 to 64)
57
Adult (25 to 64)
2012
Elderly (65+)
14
Elderly (65+)
2012
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2012
Bolivia *
Bolivia *
Country
Bolivia *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2015
Adult (25 to 64)
92
Adult (25 to 64)
2015
Elderly (65+)
67
Elderly (65+)
2015
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2015
Bonaire
Bonaire
Country
Bonaire
Bosnia and Herzegovina *
Bosnia and Herzegovina *
Country
Bosnia and Herzegovina *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2013
Adult (25 to 64)
97
Adult (25 to 64)
2013
Elderly (65+)
86
Elderly (65+)
2013
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2013
Botswana *
Botswana *
Country
Botswana *
Youth (15 to 24)
97
Youth (15 to 24)
2014
Adult (25 to 64)
87
Adult (25 to 64)
2014
Elderly (65+)
40
Elderly (65+)
2014
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2014
Brazil *
Brazil *
Country
Brazil *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2020
Adult (25 to 64)
92
Adult (25 to 64)
2015
Elderly (65+)
74
Elderly (65+)
2015
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2015
British Virgin Islands *
British Virgin Islands *
Country
British Virgin Islands *
Brunei *
Brunei *
Country
Brunei *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2011
Adult (25 to 64)
96
Adult (25 to 64)
2011
Elderly (65+)
61
Elderly (65+)
2011
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2011
Bulgaria *
Bulgaria *
Country
Bulgaria *
Youth (15 to 24)
97
Youth (15 to 24)
2011
Adult (25 to 64)
98
Adult (25 to 64)
2011
Elderly (65+)
97
Elderly (65+)
2011
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2011
Burkina Faso *
Burkina Faso *
Country
Burkina Faso *
Youth (15 to 24)
50
Youth (15 to 24)
2014
Adult (25 to 64)
34
Adult (25 to 64)
2014
Elderly (65+)
8
Elderly (65+)
2014
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2014
Burundi *
Burundi *
Country
Burundi *
Youth (15 to 24)
79
Youth (15 to 24)
2014
Adult (25 to 64)
61
Adult (25 to 64)
2014
Elderly (65+)
24
Elderly (65+)
2014
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2014
Cape Verde *
Cape Verde *
Country
Cape Verde *
Youth (15 to 24)
98
Youth (15 to 24)
2015
Adult (25 to 64)
86
Adult (25 to 64)
2015
Elderly (65+)
36
Elderly (65+)
2015
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2015
Cambodia *
Cambodia *
Country
Cambodia *
Youth (15 to 24)
92
Youth (15 to 24)
2015
Adult (25 to 64)
80
Adult (25 to 64)
2015
Elderly (65+)
53
Elderly (65+)
2015
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2015
Cameroon *
Cameroon *
Country
Cameroon *
Youth (15 to 24)
80
Youth (15 to 24)
2010
Adult (25 to 64)
71
Adult (25 to 64)
2010
Elderly (65+)
26
Elderly (65+)
2010
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2010
Canada *
Canada *
Country
Canada *
Cayman Islands *
Cayman Islands *
Country
Cayman Islands *
Youth (15 to 24)
98
Youth (15 to 24)
2007
Adult (25 to 64)
98
Adult (25 to 64)
2007
Elderly (65+)
94
Elderly (65+)
2007
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2007
Central African Republic *
Central African Republic *
Country
Central African Republic *
Youth (15 to 24)
36
Youth (15 to 24)
2010
Adult (25 to 64)
36
Adult (25 to 64)
2010
Elderly (65+)
35
Elderly (65+)
2010
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2010
Chad *
Chad *
Country
Chad *
Youth (15 to 24)
30
Youth (15 to 24)
2016
Adult (25 to 64)
22
Adult (25 to 64)
2016
Elderly (65+)
7
Elderly (65+)
2016
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2016
Chile *
Chile *
Country
Chile *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2015
Adult (25 to 64)
96
Adult (25 to 64)
2015
Elderly (65+)
89
Elderly (65+)
2015
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2015
China *
China *
Country
China *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2018
Adult (25 to 64)
96
Adult (25 to 64)
2018
Elderly (65+)
73
Elderly (65+)
2010
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2018
Hong Kong *
Hong Kong *
Country
Hong Kong *
Macau *
Macau *
Country
Macau *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2016
Adult (25 to 64)
96
Adult (25 to 64)
2016
Elderly (65+)
81
Elderly (65+)
2016
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2016
Colombia *
Colombia *
Country
Colombia *
Youth (15 to 24)
98
Youth (15 to 24)
2016
Adult (25 to 64)
94
Adult (25 to 64)
2016
Elderly (65+)
81
Elderly (65+)
2016
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2016
Comoros *
Comoros *
Country
Comoros *
Youth (15 to 24)
71
Youth (15 to 24)
2012
Adult (25 to 64)
49
Adult (25 to 64)
2012
Elderly (65+)
12
Elderly (65+)
2012
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2012
Congo *
Congo *
Country
Congo *
Youth (15 to 24)
80
Youth (15 to 24)
2011
Adult (25 to 64)
79
Adult (25 to 64)
2011
Elderly (65+)
73
Elderly (65+)
2011
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2011
DR Congo *
DR Congo *
Country
DR Congo *
Youth (15 to 24)
85
Youth (15 to 24)
2016
Adult (25 to 64)
77
Adult (25 to 64)
2016
Elderly (65+)
48
Elderly (65+)
2016
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2016
Cook Islands *
Cook Islands *
Country
Cook Islands *
Costa Rica *
Costa Rica *
Country
Costa Rica *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2011
Adult (25 to 64)
97
Adult (25 to 64)
2011
Elderly (65+)
90
Elderly (65+)
2011
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2011
Ivory Coast *
Ivory Coast *
Country
Ivory Coast *
Youth (15 to 24)
53
Youth (15 to 24)
2014
Adult (25 to 64)
43
Adult (25 to 64)
2014
Elderly (65+)
18
Elderly (65+)
2014
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2014
Croatia *
Croatia *
Country
Croatia *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2011
Adult (25 to 64)
99
Adult (25 to 64)
2011
Elderly (65+)
97
Elderly (65+)
2011
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2011
Cuba *
Cuba *
Country
Cuba *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2012
Adult (25 to 64)
99
Adult (25 to 64)
2012
Elderly (65+)
99
Elderly (65+)
2012
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2012
Curaçao
Curaçao
Country
Curaçao
Cyprus *
Cyprus *
Country
Cyprus *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2011
Adult (25 to 64)
98
Adult (25 to 64)
2011
Elderly (65+)
93
Elderly (65+)
2011
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2011
Czech Republic *
Czech Republic *
Country
Czech Republic *
Denmark *
Denmark *
Country
Denmark *
Djibouti *
Djibouti *
Country
Djibouti *
Dominica *
Dominica *
Country
Dominica *
Dominican Republic *
Dominican Republic *
Country
Dominican Republic *
Youth (15 to 24)
98
Youth (15 to 24)
2016
Adult (25 to 64)
93
Adult (25 to 64)
2016
Elderly (65+)
79
Elderly (65+)
2016
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2016
Ecuador *
Ecuador *
Country
Ecuador *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2016
Adult (25 to 64)
94
Adult (25 to 64)
2016
Elderly (65+)
77
Elderly (65+)
2016
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2016
Egypt *
Egypt *
Country
Egypt *
Youth (15 to 24)
93
Youth (15 to 24)
2017
Adult (25 to 64)
71
Adult (25 to 64)
2017
Elderly (65+)
43
Elderly (65+)
2013
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2017
El Salvador *
El Salvador *
Country
El Salvador *
Youth (15 to 24)
98
Youth (15 to 24)
2016
Adult (25 to 64)
88
Adult (25 to 64)
2017
Elderly (65+)
65
Elderly (65+)
2016
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2016
Equatorial Guinea *
Equatorial Guinea *
Country
Equatorial Guinea *
Youth (15 to 24)
98
Youth (15 to 24)
2014
Adult (25 to 64)
95
Adult (25 to 64)
2014
Elderly (65+)
67
Elderly (65+)
2014
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2014
Eritrea *
Eritrea *
Country
Eritrea *
Youth (15 to 24)
87
Youth (15 to 24)
2008
Adult (25 to 64)
64
Adult (25 to 64)
2008
Elderly (65+)
20
Elderly (65+)
2008
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2008
Estonia *
Estonia *
Country
Estonia *
Youth (15 to 24)
99
Youth (15 to 24)
2011
Adult (25 to 64)
99
Adult (25 to 64)
2011
Elderly (65+)
99
Elderly (65+)
2011
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2011
Eswatini *
Eswatini *
Country
Eswatini *
Youth (15 to 24)
93
Youth (15 to 24)
2010
Adult (25 to 64)
83
Adult (25 to 64)
2010
Elderly (65+)
45
Elderly (65+)
2010
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2010
Ethiopia *
Ethiopia *
Country
Ethiopia *
Youth (15 to 24)
55
Youth (15 to 24)
2007
Adult (25 to 64)
39
Adult (25 to 64)
2007
Elderly (65+)
13
Elderly (65+)
2007
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2007
Faroe Islands *
Faroe Islands *
Country
Faroe Islands *
Falkland Islands *
Falkland Islands *
Country
Falkland Islands *
Fiji *
Fiji *
Country
Fiji *
Finland *
Finland *
Country
Finland *
France *
France *
Country
France *
French Guiana *
French Guiana *
Country
French Guiana *
Youth (15 to 24)
91
Youth (15 to 24)
1982
Adult (25 to 64)
82
Adult (25 to 64)
1982
Elderly (65+)
69
Elderly (65+)
1982
French Polynesia *
French Polynesia *
Country
French Polynesia *
Gabon *
Gabon *
Country
Gabon *
Youth (15 to 24)
88
Youth (15 to 24)
2012
Adult (25 to 64)
82
Adult (25 to 64)
2012
Elderly (65+)
60
Elderly (65+)
2012
Youth Gender Parity Index
1
Youth Gender Parity Index
2012
Gambia *
Gambia *
Country
Gambia *
Youth (15 to 24)
60
Youth (15 to 24)
2013
Adult (25 to 64)
42
Adult (25 to 64)
2013
Elderly (65+)
10
Elderly (65+)
2013
Youth Gender Parity Index
0
Youth Gender Parity Index
2013
Country
Youth (15 to 24)
Adult (25 to 64)
Elderly (65+)
Youth Gender Parity Index
Rate
Year
Rate
Year
Rate
Year
Rate
Year
Afghanistan *
65
2020
31
2011
20
2011
0
2011
Albania *
99
2012
97
2012
86
2012
1
2012
Algeria *
93
2008
75
2008
19
2008
1
2008
American Samoa *
97
1980
97
1980
92
1980
1
1980
Andorra *
Angola *
77
2014
66
2014
27
2014
0
2014
Anguilla *
99
1984
95
1984
88
1984
1
1984
Antigua and Barbuda *
98
2015
Argentina *
99
2016
99
2016
97
2016
1
2016
Armenia *
99
2011
99
2011
98
2011
1
2011
Aruba *
99
2010
96
2010
88
2010
1
2010
Australia *
96
Austria *
Azerbaijan *
99
2016
99
2016
98
2016
1
2016
Bahamas
Bahrain *
97
2001
86
2001
42
2001
1
2001
Bangladesh *
94
2019
74
2019
39
2019
1
2019
Barbados *
99
2014
99
2014
98
2014
1
2014
Belarus *
99
2009
99
2009
98
2009
1
2009
Belgium *
Belize *
77
1991
70
1991
44
1991
1
1991
Benin *
52
2012
32
2012
7
2012
0
2012
Bermuda *
Bhutan *
87
2012
57
2012
14
2012
0
2012
Bolivia *
99
2015
92
2015
67
2015
1
2015
Bonaire
Bosnia and Herzegovina *
99
2013
97
2013
86
2013
1
2013
Botswana *
97
2014
87
2014
40
2014
1
2014
Brazil *
99
2020
92
2015
74
2015
1
2015
British Virgin Islands *
Brunei *
99
2011
96
2011
61
2011
1
2011
Bulgaria *
97
2011
98
2011
97
2011
1
2011
Burkina Faso *
50
2014
34
2014
8
2014
0
2014
Burundi *
79
2014
61
2014
24
2014
0
2014
Cape Verde *
98
2015
86
2015
36
2015
1
2015
Cambodia *
92
2015
80
2015
53
2015
1
2015
Cameroon *
80
2010
71
2010
26
2010
0
2010
Canada *
Cayman Islands *
98
2007
98
2007
94
2007
1
2007
Central African Republic *
36
2010
36
2010
35
2010
0
2010
Chad *
30
2016
22
2016
7
2016
0
2016
Chile *
99
2015
96
2015
89
2015
1
2015
China *
99
2018
96
2018
73
2010
1
2018
Hong Kong *
Macau *
99
2016
96
2016
81
2016
1
2016
Colombia *
98
2016
94
2016
81
2016
1
2016
Comoros *
71
2012
49
2012
12
2012
0
2012
Congo *
80
2011
79
2011
73
2011
0
2011
· List of UN member and observer states by adult literacy rate
Total
Total
Country
Total
Literacy rate
Male
Literacy rate
Female
Literacy rate
Gender gap
Literacy rate
Year
Afghanistan *
Afghanistan *
Country
Afghanistan *
Literacy rate
37 %
Literacy rate
52 %
Literacy rate
22 %
Literacy rate
29 %
Literacy rate
2021
Albania *
Albania *
Country
Albania *
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
97 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2018
Algeria *
Algeria *
Country
Algeria *
Literacy rate
81 %
Literacy rate
87 %
Literacy rate
75 %
Literacy rate
12 %
Literacy rate
2018
Andorra *
Andorra *
Country
Andorra *
Literacy rate
100 %
Literacy rate
100 %
Literacy rate
100 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2016
Angola *
Angola *
Country
Angola *
Literacy rate
71 %
Literacy rate
82 %
Literacy rate
60 %
Literacy rate
21 %
Literacy rate
2015
Antigua and Barbuda *
Antigua and Barbuda *
Country
Antigua and Barbuda *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
1 %
Literacy rate
2015
Argentina *
Argentina *
Country
Argentina *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2018
Armenia *
Armenia *
Country
Armenia *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2020
Australia *
Australia *
Country
Australia *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Austria *
Austria *
Country
Austria *
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Azerbaijan *
Azerbaijan *
Country
Azerbaijan *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2019
Bahamas
Bahamas
Country
Bahamas
Literacy rate
96 %
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Bahrain *
Bahrain *
Country
Bahrain *
Literacy rate
97 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
94 %
Literacy rate
5 %
Literacy rate
2018
Bangladesh *
Bangladesh *
Country
Bangladesh *
Literacy rate
74 %
Literacy rate
76 %
Literacy rate
72 %
Literacy rate
3 %
Literacy rate
2022
Barbados *
Barbados *
Country
Barbados *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2014
Belarus *
Belarus *
Country
Belarus *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2019
Belgium *
Belgium *
Country
Belgium *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Belize *
Belize *
Country
Belize *
Literacy rate
83 %
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Benin *
Benin *
Country
Benin *
Literacy rate
42 %
Literacy rate
54 %
Literacy rate
31 %
Literacy rate
22 %
Literacy rate
2018
Bhutan *
Bhutan *
Country
Bhutan *
Literacy rate
66 %
Literacy rate
75 %
Literacy rate
57 %
Literacy rate
17 %
Literacy rate
2017
Bolivia *
Bolivia *
Country
Bolivia *
Literacy rate
92 %
Literacy rate
96 %
Literacy rate
88 %
Literacy rate
7 %
Literacy rate
2015
Bosnia and Herzegovina *
Bosnia and Herzegovina *
Country
Bosnia and Herzegovina *
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
97 %
Literacy rate
2 %
Literacy rate
2015
Botswana *
Botswana *
Country
Botswana *
Literacy rate
88 %
Literacy rate
88 %
Literacy rate
88 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2015
Brazil *
Brazil *
Country
Brazil *
Literacy rate
93 %
Literacy rate
93 %
Literacy rate
93 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2018
Brunei *
Brunei *
Country
Brunei *
Literacy rate
97 %
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
93 %
Literacy rate
4 %
Literacy rate
2018
Bulgaria *
Bulgaria *
Country
Bulgaria *
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2015
Burkina Faso *
Burkina Faso *
Country
Burkina Faso *
Literacy rate
39 %
Literacy rate
49 %
Literacy rate
31 %
Literacy rate
18 %
Literacy rate
2018
Burundi *
Burundi *
Country
Burundi *
Literacy rate
68 %
Literacy rate
76 %
Literacy rate
61 %
Literacy rate
15 %
Literacy rate
2017
Cape Verde *
Cape Verde *
Country
Cape Verde *
Literacy rate
86 %
Literacy rate
91 %
Literacy rate
82 %
Literacy rate
9 %
Literacy rate
2015
Cambodia *
Cambodia *
Country
Cambodia *
Literacy rate
80 %
Literacy rate
86 %
Literacy rate
75 %
Literacy rate
11 %
Literacy rate
2015
Cameroon *
Cameroon *
Country
Cameroon *
Literacy rate
77 %
Literacy rate
82 %
Literacy rate
71 %
Literacy rate
11 %
Literacy rate
2018
Canada *
Canada *
Country
Canada *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Central African Republic *
Central African Republic *
Country
Central African Republic *
Literacy rate
37 %
Literacy rate
49 %
Literacy rate
25 %
Literacy rate
23 %
Literacy rate
2018
Chad *
Chad *
Country
Chad *
Literacy rate
22 %
Literacy rate
31 %
Literacy rate
14 %
Literacy rate
17 %
Literacy rate
2016
Chile *
Chile *
Country
Chile *
Literacy rate
96 %
Literacy rate
96 %
Literacy rate
96 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2017
China *
China *
Country
China *
Literacy rate
96 %
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
95 %
Literacy rate
3 %
Literacy rate
2018
Colombia *
Colombia *
Country
Colombia *
Literacy rate
95 %
Literacy rate
95 %
Literacy rate
95 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2020
Comoros *
Comoros *
Country
Comoros *
Literacy rate
58 %
Literacy rate
64 %
Literacy rate
53 %
Literacy rate
11 %
Literacy rate
2018
Congo *
Congo *
Country
Congo *
Literacy rate
80 %
Literacy rate
86 %
Literacy rate
74 %
Literacy rate
11 %
Literacy rate
2018
DR Congo *
DR Congo *
Country
DR Congo *
Literacy rate
77 %
Literacy rate
88 %
Literacy rate
66 %
Literacy rate
22 %
Literacy rate
2016
Costa Rica *
Costa Rica *
Country
Costa Rica *
Literacy rate
97 %
Literacy rate
97 %
Literacy rate
97 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2018
Ivory Coast *
Ivory Coast *
Country
Ivory Coast *
Literacy rate
89 %
Literacy rate
93 %
Literacy rate
86 %
Literacy rate
6 %
Literacy rate
2019
Croatia *
Croatia *
Country
Croatia *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2015
Cuba *
Cuba *
Country
Cuba *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2015
Cyprus *
Cyprus *
Country
Cyprus *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2015
Czech Republic *
Czech Republic *
Country
Czech Republic *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2011
Denmark *
Denmark *
Country
Denmark *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Djibouti *
Djibouti *
Country
Djibouti *
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Dominica *
Dominica *
Country
Dominica *
Literacy rate
92 %
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Dominican Republic *
Dominican Republic *
Country
Dominican Republic *
Literacy rate
93 %
Literacy rate
93 %
Literacy rate
93 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2016
Ecuador *
Ecuador *
Country
Ecuador *
Literacy rate
93 %
Literacy rate
94 %
Literacy rate
92 %
Literacy rate
2 %
Literacy rate
2020
Egypt *
Egypt *
Country
Egypt *
Literacy rate
71 %
Literacy rate
76 %
Literacy rate
65 %
Literacy rate
11 %
Literacy rate
2017
El Salvador *
El Salvador *
Country
El Salvador *
Literacy rate
89 %
Literacy rate
91 %
Literacy rate
87 %
Literacy rate
4 %
Literacy rate
2019
Equatorial Guinea *
Equatorial Guinea *
Country
Equatorial Guinea *
Literacy rate
95 %
Literacy rate
97 %
Literacy rate
93 %
Literacy rate
4 %
Literacy rate
2015
Eritrea *
Eritrea *
Country
Eritrea *
Literacy rate
76 %
Literacy rate
84 %
Literacy rate
68 %
Literacy rate
15 %
Literacy rate
2018
Estonia *
Estonia *
Country
Estonia *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2015
Ethiopia *
Ethiopia *
Country
Ethiopia *
Literacy rate
51 %
Literacy rate
57 %
Literacy rate
44 %
Literacy rate
12 %
Literacy rate
2017
Fiji *
Fiji *
Country
Fiji *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2018
Finland *
Finland *
Country
Finland *
Literacy rate
100 %
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
France *
France *
Country
France *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Gabon *
Gabon *
Country
Gabon *
Literacy rate
84 %
Literacy rate
85 %
Literacy rate
83 %
Literacy rate
2 %
Literacy rate
2018
Gambia *
Gambia *
Country
Gambia *
Literacy rate
50 %
Literacy rate
61 %
Literacy rate
41 %
Literacy rate
20 %
Literacy rate
2015
Georgia *
Georgia *
Country
Georgia *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2019
Germany *
Germany *
Country
Germany *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Ghana *
Ghana *
Country
Ghana *
Literacy rate
79 %
Literacy rate
83 %
Literacy rate
74 %
Literacy rate
9 %
Literacy rate
2018
Greece *
Greece *
Country
Greece *
Literacy rate
97 %
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
97 %
Literacy rate
1 %
Literacy rate
2018
Grenada *
Grenada *
Country
Grenada *
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
98 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2014
Guatemala *
Guatemala *
Country
Guatemala *
Literacy rate
80 %
Literacy rate
85 %
Literacy rate
76 %
Literacy rate
8 %
Literacy rate
2018
Guinea *
Guinea *
Country
Guinea *
Literacy rate
39 %
Literacy rate
54 %
Literacy rate
27 %
Literacy rate
26 %
Literacy rate
2018
Guinea-Bissau *
Guinea-Bissau *
Country
Guinea-Bissau *
Literacy rate
59 %
Literacy rate
71 %
Literacy rate
48 %
Literacy rate
23 %
Literacy rate
2015
Guyana *
Guyana *
Country
Guyana *
Literacy rate
88 %
Literacy rate
87 %
Literacy rate
89 %
Literacy rate
2 %
Literacy rate
2015
Haiti *
Haiti *
Country
Haiti *
Literacy rate
61 %
Literacy rate
65 %
Literacy rate
58 %
Literacy rate
7 %
Literacy rate
2016
Honduras *
Honduras *
Country
Honduras *
Literacy rate
88 %
Literacy rate
88 %
Literacy rate
88 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2019
Hungary *
Hungary *
Country
Hungary *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
0 %
Literacy rate
2015
Iceland *
Iceland *
Country
Iceland *
Literacy rate
99 %
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
Literacy rate
N/A
India *
India *
Country
India *
Literacy rate
74 %
Literacy rate
82 %
Literacy rate
65 %
Literacy rate
16 %
Literacy rate
2018
Indonesia *
Indonesia *
Country
Indonesia *
Literacy rate
96 %
Literacy rate
97 %
Literacy rate
94 %
Literacy rate
2 %
Literacy rate
2020
Iran *
Iran *
Country
Iran *
Literacy rate
85 %
Literacy rate
90 %
Literacy rate
80 %
Literacy rate
9 %
Literacy rate
2016
Country
Literacy rate
Total
Male
Female
Gender gap
Year
Afghanistan *
37 %
52 %
22 %
29 %
2021
Albania *
98 %
98 %
97 %
0 %
2018
Algeria *
81 %
87 %
75 %
12 %
2018
Andorra *
100 %
100 %
100 %
0 %
2016
Angola *
71 %
82 %
60 %
21 %
2015
Antigua and Barbuda *
99 %
98 %
99 %
1 %
2015
Argentina *
99 %
98 %
99 %
0 %
2018
Armenia *
99 %
99 %
99 %
0 %
2020
Australia *
99 %
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Austria *
98 %
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Azerbaijan *
99 %
99 %
99 %
0 %
2019
Bahamas
96 %
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Bahrain *
97 %
99 %
94 %
5 %
2018
Bangladesh *
74 %
76 %
72 %
3 %
2022
Barbados *
99 %
99 %
99 %
0 %
2014
Belarus *
99 %
99 %
99 %
0 %
2019
Belgium *
99 %
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Belize *
83 %
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Benin *
42 %
54 %
31 %
22 %
2018
Bhutan *
66 %
75 %
57 %
17 %
2017
Bolivia *
92 %
96 %
88 %
7 %
2015
Bosnia and Herzegovina *
98 %
99 %
97 %
2 %
2015
Botswana *
88 %
88 %
88 %
0 %
2015
Brazil *
93 %
93 %
93 %
0 %
2018
Brunei *
97 %
98 %
93 %
4 %
2018
Bulgaria *
98 %
98 %
98 %
0 %
2015
Burkina Faso *
39 %
49 %
31 %
18 %
2018
Burundi *
68 %
76 %
61 %
15 %
2017
Cape Verde *
86 %
91 %
82 %
9 %
2015
Cambodia *
80 %
86 %
75 %
11 %
2015
Cameroon *
77 %
82 %
71 %
11 %
2018
Canada *
99 %
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Central African Republic *
37 %
49 %
25 %
23 %
2018
Chad *
22 %
31 %
14 %
17 %
2016
Chile *
96 %
96 %
96 %
0 %
2017
China *
96 %
98 %
95 %
3 %
2018
Colombia *
95 %
95 %
95 %
0 %
2020
Comoros *
58 %
64 %
53 %
11 %
2018
Congo *
80 %
86 %
74 %
11 %
2018
DR Congo *
77 %
88 %
66 %
22 %
2016
Costa Rica *
97 %
97 %
97 %
0 %
2018
Ivory Coast *
89 %
93 %
86 %
6 %
2019
Croatia *
99 %
99 %
98 %
0 %
2015
Cuba *
99 %
99 %
99 %
0 %
2015
Cyprus *
99 %
99 %
98 %
0 %
2015
Czech Republic *
99 %
99 %
99 %
0 %
2011
Denmark *
99 %
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Djibouti *
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
· List of other states and territories
Aruba
Aruba
Territory
Aruba
Literacy rate (all)
97 %
Male literacy
97 %
Female literacy
97 %
Gender difference
0 %
Year
2015
Note
A constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
Territory
Cayman Islands
Literacy rate (all)
98 %
Male literacy
98 %
Female literacy
99 %
Gender difference
−0 %
Year
2007
Note
An overseas territory of the United Kingdom.
Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe
Territory
Guadeloupe
Literacy rate (all)
96 %
Male literacy
96 %
Female literacy
96 %
Gender difference
−0 %
Year
2015
Note
Overseas region/department of France.
Guam
Guam
Territory
Guam
Literacy rate (all)
99 %
Male literacy
99 %
Female literacy
99 %
Gender difference
0 %
Year
2015
Note
An unincorporated and organized territory of the United States.
Kosovo
Kosovo
Territory
Kosovo
Literacy rate (all)
91 %
Male literacy
96 %
Female literacy
87 %
Gender difference
9 %
Year
2003
Note
Member of two UN specialized agencies (World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund). It is claimed by Serbia.
Macau
Macau
Territory
Macau
Literacy rate (all)
96 %
Male literacy
98 %
Female literacy
94 %
Gender difference
3 %
Year
2015
Note
A special administrative region of China.
Martinique
Martinique
Territory
Martinique
Literacy rate (all)
97 %
Male literacy
97 %
Female literacy
96 %
Gender difference
1 %
Year
2015
Note
Overseas region/department of France.
New Caledonia
New Caledonia
Territory
New Caledonia
Literacy rate (all)
96 %
Male literacy
97 %
Female literacy
96 %
Gender difference
0 %
Year
2015
Note
Overseas region/department of France.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Territory
Puerto Rico
Literacy rate (all)
93 %
Male literacy
92 %
Female literacy
93 %
Gender difference
−1 %
Year
2015
Note
Unincorporated territory of the United States.
Réunion
Réunion
Territory
Réunion
Literacy rate (all)
93 %
Male literacy
93 %
Female literacy
94 %
Gender difference
−1 %
Year
2015
Note
Overseas region/department of France.
Territory
Literacy rate (all)
Male literacy
Female literacy
Gender difference
Year
Note
Aruba
97 %
97 %
97 %
0 %
2015
A constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Cayman Islands
98 %
98 %
99 %
−0 %
2007
An overseas territory of the United Kingdom.
Guadeloupe
96 %
96 %
96 %
−0 %
2015
Overseas region/department of France.
Guam
99 %
99 %
99 %
0 %
2015
An unincorporated and organized territory of the United States.
Kosovo
91 %
96 %
87 %
9 %
2003
Member of two UN specialized agencies (World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund). It is claimed by Serbia.
Macau
96 %
98 %
94 %
3 %
2015
A special administrative region of China.
Martinique
97 %
97 %
96 %
1 %
2015
Overseas region/department of France.
New Caledonia
96 %
97 %
96 %
0 %
2015
Overseas region/department of France.
Puerto Rico
93 %
92 %
93 %
−1 %
2015
Unincorporated territory of the United States.
Réunion
93 %
93 %
94 %
−1 %
2015
Overseas region/department of France.

References

  1. A positive value indicates that the male literacy rate is higher. A negative value indicates that the female literacy ra
  2. UIS Data Centre
    http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=EDULIT_DS&popupcustomise=true&lang=en#
  3. The World Factbook
    https://web.archive.org/web/20070613003138/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2103.html#136
  4. tellmaps
    https://tellmaps.com/uis/literacy/#!/topic/LIT
  5. "Interview: "Literacy rate in Afghanistan increased to 43 per cent" | UIL"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20211205135342/https://uil.unesco.org/interview-literacy-rate-afghanistan-increased-43-cent
  6. data
    https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS?locations=CN
  7. data
    https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.ADT.LITR.ZS?locations=CN
  8. data
    https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.ADT.1524.LT.FM.ZS?locations=CN
  9. Greenland
    https://web.archive.org/web/20230513214534/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/greenland/
  10. uis
    http://uis.unesco.org/country/MA
  11. data
    http://data.uis.unesco.org/#
  12. data
    https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS?most_recent_value_desc=true&locations=PS
  13. WorldAtlas
    https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-highest-literacy-rates-in-the-world.html
  14. www
    https://web.archive.org/web/20210109162852/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/literacy
  15. The Daily Star
    https://www.thedailystar.net/youth/education/news/bangladeshs-literacy-rate-now-7466-3080701
  16. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/literacy-rate-by-country
    https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/literacy-rate-by-country
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